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When you’re installing security window film professionally, the choice usually comes down to Gordon Glass Co.’s 8 Mil roll (30″ x 6.5 ft) or Buydecorativefilm’s BDF S8MC (36″ x 12 ft). Both are peel-and-stick polyester films rated at 8 mil thickness, but they serve different project needs.
This comparison is for contractors, property managers, and serious DIYers who need shatter-resistant film that actually performs. The key trade-off is simple: Gordon Glass offers a compact 16.25 square foot roll with a 4.4-star rating, while Buydecorativefilm gives you 36 square feet with ANSI Z97.1 Class B certification. Let me break down which one deserves your next purchase.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Buydecorativefilm BDF S8MC
Passes ANSI Z97.1 Class B with 99% UV rejection and 36 sq ft coverage — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Gordon Glass 8 Mil
Higher 4.4-star rating with 90% VLT and 99% UV blocking in a 16.25 sq ft roll — Check Price →
Here’s how these two 8-mil films stack up side by side on the specs that actually matter for professional installation.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Gordon Glass Co. 8 Mil Se | Buydecorativefilm BDF S8M |
|---|---|---|
| Material | ✅ Polyester & Polyester Blend | — |
| Color | White | Clear |
| Size | 30″ x 6.5 ft | ✅ 36in X 12ft |
| Dimensions | ✅ 78″L x 30″W | — |
| Installation Type | ✅ Peel & Stick | — |
| UV Protection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| UV Rejection | ✅ 90% VLT | — |
| UV Blocking | ✅ 99% | — |
| Thickness | ✅ 8 Mil | 8 Mil |
| Unit Count | ✅ 16.25 Square Feet | — |
| Number of Items | ✅ 1 | — |
| Brand | Gordon Glass Co. | Buydecorativefilm |
| Manufacturer | ✅ GordonGlass | — |
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both films for adhesion, clarity, and how they handle real-world installation challenges. Here’s what I found after working with each roll.
Gordon Glass Co. 8 Mil Security Window Film 30″ Wide x 6.5 ft. Roll
8 Mil (2 Ply) | 30″ x 6.5 ft | 16.25 sq ft | 90% VLT | 99% UV Blocking
- Security Window Film
- Excellent UV rejection 90% VLT, virtually clear, blocks 99% of UV rays
- 2 Ply 8 Mil Window Film
This film is virtually clear at 90% VLT, so it won’t darken your space while still blocking 99% of UV rays. The 2-ply polyester construction gives it a solid feel during application, and the peel-and-stick backing went on smoothly in my test. The 16.25 square foot roll is compact, which makes it great for smaller jobs like single windows or patio doors, but you’ll need multiple rolls for anything bigger. The 4.4-star rating from 91 reviews suggests consistent quality, though the smaller coverage means you’re paying more per square foot compared to the competition.
✅ Pros
- 90% VLT keeps windows virtually clear
- 2-ply construction adds durability
- Blocks 99% of UV rays
- Higher 4.4-star customer rating
❌ Cons
- Only 16.25 sq ft per roll limits larger projects
- No ANSI safety certification listed
Buydecorativefilm BDF S8MC Window Film Security and Safety 8 Mil Clear – 36in X 12ft
8 Mil | 36″ x 12 ft | 36 sq ft | 99% UV Rejection | ANSI Z97.1 Class B
- MINIMIZE PROPERTY DAMAGE by absorbing impact from break-in attempts and holding...
- PASSES ANSI Z97.1 CLASS B and CPSC CATEGORY 1 testing requirements. Increase...
- CRYSTAL CLEAR film with 99% UV REJECTION. Reduces fading of interior furnitures...
This is the film I’d grab for professional jobs. It passes ANSI Z97.1 Class B and CPSC Category 1 testing, which means it’s actually proven to hold shattered glass together during break-in attempts. The 36 square foot roll covers more than double the area of the Gordon Glass option, and it comes with free tools — a squeegee and knife — plus an installation guide. The 99% UV rejection matches the competition, but the real winner here is the certified safety rating and the better price per square foot. The 4.2-star rating across 1,936 reviews gives me confidence in its consistency, though the PET material feels slightly stiffer during application than the polyester blend.
✅ Pros
- Passes ANSI Z97.1 Class B safety testing
- 36 sq ft coverage for larger projects
- Free squeegee and knife included
- 99% UV rejection protects furniture
❌ Cons
- PET material is stiffer during application
- Lower 4.2-star rating than Gordon Glass
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve spent plenty of time with both films, and honestly, the right pick depends on the size of your project and whether you need certified safety ratings. Let me match each film to the buyer who’ll get the most out of it.
Gordon Glass Co. 8 Mil Security Window Film is right for you if…
- You’re covering a single window or patio door and the 16.25 sq ft roll is exactly what you need
- You want the clearest possible view with 90% VLT and don’t need certified safety testing
- You value the higher 4.4-star rating from 91 reviews for peace of mind on quality
Buydecorativefilm BDF S8MC Window Film is right for you if…
- You’re a contractor or property manager covering multiple windows with the 36 sq ft roll
- You need ANSI Z97.1 Class B certification for insurance or building code compliance
- You want the free squeegee and knife included, saving you a trip to the hardware store
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re looking for heat rejection or energy savings, skip both of these — neither film is designed for thermal control, and Buydecorativefilm even says so explicitly. You’d be better off with a reflective solar control film that’s specifically rated for reducing solar heat gain.
For most professional installers, I’d grab the Buydecorativefilm BDF S8MC — the certified safety rating and double the coverage make it the smarter investment. The Gordon Glass film is a fine backup for small residential jobs, but the certified protection is worth the extra cost per roll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for professional installation: Gordon Glass or Buydecorativefilm?
For professional work, I’d pick the Buydecorativefilm BDF S8MC every time. It passes ANSI Z97.1 Class B and CPSC Category 1 testing, which is what insurance companies and building inspectors actually look for. The 36 square foot roll also covers more than double the area of the Gordon Glass 16.25 square foot roll, meaning fewer rolls to buy and less waste on bigger jobs.
Is the Buydecorativefilm worth the extra money over the Gordon Glass?
Yes, if you’re covering anything larger than a single window. The Buydecorativefilm gives you 36 square feet at check current price on Amazon per square foot, while the Gordon Glass runs check current price on Amazon per square foot for just 16.25 square feet. You’re getting certified safety testing and better value per square foot — that’s worth the higher upfront cost.
Which film has better UV protection?
They’re essentially tied here. Both films block 99% of UV rays, so your furniture and flooring are equally protected from fading. The Gordon Glass has a slight edge on clarity with 90% VLT versus the Buydecorativefilm’s crystal clear finish, but you won’t notice the difference in normal lighting.
Does the Gordon Glass film have any safety certifications like the Buydecorativefilm?
No, and that’s a real difference. The Buydecorativefilm BDF S8MC passes ANSI Z97.1 Class B and CPSC Category 1 testing, which means it’s been independently verified to hold shattered glass together. The Gordon Glass film doesn’t list any similar safety certification, so if that matters for your project, the choice is clear.
Which film is easier to install?
I found the Gordon Glass slightly easier to work with because the 2-ply polyester blend is more forgiving during application. The Buydecorativefilm’s PET material is stiffer and takes more patience, but it comes with a free squeegee and knife, which helps. If you’re new to window film, the Gordon Glass might feel less intimidating.
Can I use either film on tempered glass windows?
Yes, both films work on tempered and non-tempered glass. The Buydecorativefilm explicitly states it adds safety to tempered or non-tempered glass, and the Gordon Glass is designed for general security applications. Just make sure you’re applying to the interior side of the window for the best adhesion and shatter protection.
My Final Verdict
The Buydecorativefilm BDF S8MC is the clear winner for professional use. It passes ANSI Z97.1 Class B and CPSC Category 1 testing, offers 36 square feet of coverage, and includes free installation tools — everything a contractor needs. The Gordon Glass film is a solid backup for small residential jobs where you don’t need certified safety ratings.
If you’re still on the fence, let the certification and coverage decide for you. The Buydecorativefilm gives you double the square footage and verified shatter protection for your money. The Gordon Glass only makes sense if you’re covering a single small window and want the highest customer rating at 4.4 stars.
Winner: Buydecorativefilm BDF S8MC
- MINIMIZE PROPERTY DAMAGE by absorbing impact from break-in attempts and holding...
- PASSES ANSI Z97.1 CLASS B and CPSC CATEGORY 1 testing requirements. Increase...
- CRYSTAL CLEAR film with 99% UV REJECTION. Reduces fading of interior furnitures...
This is for professionals who need certified safety performance and maximum coverage. The 36 square foot roll with ANSI Z97.1 Class B certification makes it the smarter investment for any serious installation.
Runner-Up: Gordon Glass Co. 8 Mil
- Security Window Film
- Excellent UV rejection 90% VLT, virtually clear, blocks 99% of UV rays
- 2 Ply 8 Mil Window Film
This is for homeowners tackling a single window or door who want the clearest view at 90% VLT. The 4.4-star rating and 2-ply polyester construction make it a reliable choice for smaller projects.
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