System comparison

Compare by purpose, not by promises.

Choose a project goal to compare construction, attachment requirements and the documentation to request.

4 shown

Scotchshield Ultra S800

Purpose: Clear safety/security film intended to help hold glass fragments together and help delay entry.
Construction (verified): Clear micro-layered polyester (PET); 8 mil nominal, 9 mil with adhesive, per 3M Technical Specifications, Revision G (Jan 2025).
Attachment: 3M requires its Impact Protection Attachment (IPA) sealant for approved break-and-entry applications. Confirm the specified combination for your glass and frame in 3M's documentation.
Spec-review questions: Which attachment method and edges are proposed?
Is each glass type and size eligible under the guidelines?
Data sheet revision referenced?

3M states this film is not bulletproof and not designed to stop intruders.

Documents: 3M Ultra S800 Technical Specifications, Rev. G (Jan 2025) · 3M Security Window Film Installation Guidelines (Jan 2025)

Safety S140 (SH14CLARL)

Purpose: Clear safety/security film for interior glass surfaces; 3M lists shard retention and break-and-entry among its objectives.
Construction (verified): Clear polyester (PET); 14 mil nominal, per 3M Technical Specifications, Revision D (Jan 2025).
Attachment: Per its current 3M specifications, IPA sealant attachment is required for break-and-entry applications and for spontaneous single-pane tempered breakage concerns.
Spec-review questions: Is 3M IPA sealant attachment specified where break-and-entry use is intended?
Is each glass type and size eligible?
Which attachment method and edges are proposed?

3M requires IPA (Impact Protection Attachment) sealant for break-and-entry applications and for spontaneous single-pane tempered breakage concerns.

Documents: 3M Safety S140 Technical Specifications, Rev. D (Jan 2025) · 3M Security Window Film Installation Guidelines (Jan 2025)

Scotchshield S2400

Purpose: Clear security film within 3M's line aimed at higher forced-entry concerns.
Construction (verified): Clear polyurethane (not PET); 25 mils with adhesive, per the Apr 2025 technical data sheet.
Attachment: 3M requires its Impact Protection Attachment (IPA) sealant for approved break-and-entry applications. Confirm requirements for your glass and frame in 3M's documentation.
Spec-review questions: Which tested assembly supports the stated use?
Is the proposed attachment the one referenced?
Is 3M IPA sealant attachment included in the scope?

Documents: 3M S2400 Technical Data Sheet (Apr 2025) · 3M S2400 product page · 3M Security Window Film Installation Guidelines (Jan 2025)

C-Bond Systems

C-Bond BRS

Purpose: Ballistic-resistant system as described by its manufacturer — a separate category from security film.
Construction (verified): Multilayer proprietary film used with C-Bond Secure treatment on a specified glass configuration (manufacturer spec sheet).
Attachment: Assembly-specific: glass, film, treatment, frame and size must match the tested configuration.
Spec-review questions: Current test report for my glass, frame, size and threat level?
Who performed the test and to which standard?
What changes if my glass doesn't match?

Manufacturer-reported testing applies to the configuration tested. Existing glass does not become rated by adding film.

Documents: C-Bond BRS manufacturer spec sheet

Thickness basis — not a ranking

Product	Published figure	Basis
Ultra S800	8 mil / 9 mil	Nominal film / with adhesive (PET)
Safety S140	14 mil	Nominal (PET)
S2400	25 mil	With adhesive (polyurethane)

These figures use different bases and different materials, so they can't be compared directly. Thickness is not a performance ranking: results depend on the glass, frame, attachment and tested assembly.

Reading this comparison

3M's installation guidelines require 3M Impact Protection Attachment (IPA) sealant for certain approved applications — including break-and-entry, windstorm and explosion uses, and spontaneous breakage concerns with single-pane tempered glass. Separately, 3M's Ultra S800 technical specifications limit specified blast-mitigation applications to commercial and non-educational government facilities, which is why this site does not market blast protection for schools or houses of worship. Other mechanical attachment approaches exist, but they are not a substitute where 3M requires IPA.

For a deeper explanation see film vs. ballistic glazing and how to compare proposals.