Safety film, Security film, Anti-graffiti film. Whats the difference?

Using security film can prevent break-ins.

Safety film, Security film, Anti graffiti film, bomb blast protection film are all essentially clear films that are designed to protect glass, people or property.

It is a clear multi layered window film which comes in varying thicknesses and adhesives.

Some manufacturers will apply less adhesive to their anti graffiti film for ease of use. i.e. they are easier to remove when the time comes.

Generally speaking anti graffiti and safety film are the same thickness 4mil. Each mil represents a thousandth of an inch. While the differences between 4 mil, 7 mil, and 11 mil may seem small, they can have a significant impact on the films strength, durability, and suitability depending on the clients need.

4mil is a satisfactory thickness to be applied to float glass in order to bring it up to modern safety standards. If the glass breaks the film will hold the broken glass together and prevent injury. It's very popular in family homes and kindergartens where there are young children present Upon request an Australian standards sticker can be applied to verify this should the glass be inspected.

4mil clear is not sufficient to be classed as security film. Many window film business in Sydney will quote this film to keep costs down but it is no way thick enough to be classed as a security film. always check with the person quoting and the installer that you are getting exactly what you want.

7-8mil is security film and its solely designed to stop or slow down intruders. sometimes this film will be fixed around the edges using structural silicone. 3M's ultra range of security film is especially good because it is harder to tear. It will stretch before it tears and is extremely durable. even if you try to start a tear from a weak point like a straight cut with a sharp knife it won't rip. it simply stretches a little. This is really important when you consider that if the glass breaks next to the film, the sharp shards are going to have a harder time weakening the film by cutting it at the point of impact.

11-14mil is also labelled as security film but is often used as bomb blast protection.

I have applied a lot of this film in government buildings around the world including MI5 in london and parliament house in Canberra. In some cases the film will be fixed to window frames using custom made powder coated metal clamp systems.