3M P18 ARL Silver is designed for glazing where solar heat, glare and daytime privacy are more important than maintaining high levels of visible light.
Its reflective appearance can help create a more consistent exterior across a building while reducing the solar energy entering through the glass. Inside, reduced heat and glare can make rooms more comfortable and screens easier to view.
Best for Sun-exposed offices, commercial facades, retail premises, schools, public buildings and selected residential windows where a visibly reflective finish is suitable.
This is a purposeful reflective film for projects that prioritise heat rejection, glare control and daytime screening.
Strong solar energy rejection can help reduce heat build-up and improve comfort near exposed glazing.
Helps reduce eye discomfort and makes computer screens and displays easier to view.
Increased exterior reflection helps limit views into the building during daylight conditions.
The classic silver finish can give varied glazing a more consistent exterior presentation.
The figures below are based on the supplied 3M product data for nominal 1/4 inch glass configurations.
| Glass type | Interior reflection | Exterior reflection | Visible light transmitted | Solar energy rejected | Solar heat reduction | UV rejected | Glare reduction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear | 58% | 56% | 17% | 77% | 72% | 99% | 81% |
| Tinted | 58% | 23% | 10% | 74% | 58% | 99% | 82% |
| Double clear | 58% | 55% | 15% | 67% | 53% | 99% | 80% |
| Double tinted | 58% | 23% | 9% | 73% | 47% | 99% | 81% |
A professional assessment confirms whether the reflective finish and light transmission are appropriate for the building and glass.
Silver P18 delivers strong results, but its appearance and lower light transmission will not suit every project.
Learn how reflective film can support heat control, glare reduction and daytime privacy across homes and commercial buildings.
Speak with Total Tint Solutions about your glazing, solar exposure, comfort and privacy requirements.
Yes. Silver P18 is a classic silver reflective film. It is designed for customers who want strong solar performance, enhanced daytime privacy and a visibly reflective exterior finish.
Silver P18 has relatively low visible light transmission. The exact result depends on the glass type, but customers should expect a noticeable reduction in daylight compared with clear untreated glass.
The reflective effect is strongest during the day when it is brighter outside than inside. At night, interior lighting can reduce or reverse the privacy effect, so curtains or blinds may still be required.
The 3M data includes performance figures for double clear and double tinted glass. However, the complete glazing system must still be assessed before installation to confirm compatibility.
By rejecting a significant proportion of solar energy and reducing solar heat gain through the glass, the film may help improve comfort and reduce cooling demand. Actual savings depend on the building, glass, orientation and HVAC system.
