UV filters

We are looking to replace 10-12 year old UV filtering films at one
of our historic houses.  In the course of getting quotes, we have
suppliers offering us either the 3M, which is what we have used
before, or Vista (aka Courtauld).  The Vista sales people are
stating that their film is much superior.  From reading their
literature, it seems they use a different adhesive system which they
call CDF (Clear Distortion Free) vs the PSA (Pressure Sensitive
Adhesive) in the 3M.  The Vista lit also says that they build the uv
absorbers into the film, whereas the others include it in the
adhesive, which makes the others break down more quickly (again, per
the Vista lit).

In comparing the amount of UV blocked, glare reduction and solar
heat reduction, I find little difference between comparable levels
of the two films.

Does anyone have less partial information?  Or, experience with
longevity and suitability of the Vista/Courtauld film for historic
houses?

Deborah Trupin
Textile Conservator
NYS Bureau of Historic Sites
Peebles Island
Waterford, NY  12188  USA


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 13:50
                 Distributed: Wednesday, April 5, 2000
                       Message Id: cdl-13-50-017
                                  ***