Window Tint, commonly associated with your everyday car or truck, has become a standard aftermarket upgrade. In most cases, window tint is one of the first accessories new car owners have installed after a purchase. With so many different credible products and reputable bands on the market, you can accomplish nearly any look or feel you’re searching for.
Why Window Tint
With so many new developments in technology within the industry, the film itself has become so much more than just privacy. 99% ultraviolet (UV) rejection seems to be an industry standard and we are more frequently seeing film lines backed by manufacture lifetime warranties. Pair this with the superior heat rejection that a ceramic window film offers and you have the ultimate barrier of defense between you and anything the sun throws your way.
What are the different Types of window Tint
For the sake of this article, lets stick to automotive window tint:
General Purpose
Low grade film. Typically a thin 1 ply material. Can be brittle and hard to work with. Usually not paired with any warranty.
Dyed
Usually a little more durable than general purpose, dyed films can have great color and affordability, but usually only last 1-3 years before the sun’s UV rays discolor, fade and cause the adhesive layer to bubble. Typically covered under a 3 year manufacture waranty.
Color-Stable Dyed
A more durable construction. Color-stable dyed films will have UV inhibitors in multiple layers of the film, protecting the color and the adhesive layer for a long lasting look. Color-stable films are usually covered under a manufacture lifetime warranty.
Metalized
Long lasting durable construction with a micro thin metal coating, usually aluminum. Metal films are higher in heat rejection than your color-stable options, but that’s due to the films reflective nature. The metal can give off a mirrored finish which many state laws have low tolerance for. Normally covered under a manufacture lifetime warranty.
Carbon
Micro carbon particles built into the films composition absorb light and thermal energy. Its non-reflective nature and increased heat rejections makes this film a more economical choice than a metalized film.
Ceramic
Designed to be non-reflective and superior against anything the sun can throw at it. Nano ceramic particles in the films composition directly target the sun’s UVA radiation, which are what we feel as heat. Ceramic films can give the ultimate protection with very minimal visual interference. Usually covered under a manufacture lifetime warranty.
Can I Tint Over Privacy Glass
Yes, Since privacy or factory smoked glass is not a film, window tint can be applied without any issues. Privacy glass measures around 22% to 28% VLT and although the glass itself blocks UVB and UVC radiation from the sun, it does little by itself against the UVA radiation. Applying window tint over privacy glass will affect the overall darkness. Consider applying a lighter shade to maximize your benefit from the heat and harmful UV rays without losing visibility.
What’s Legal
Every state has their own restrictions and limitations. To see our U.S. Window Tint Law page click here.
Please refer to your local legislation for the most current and up to date laws and regulations about window tinting.
What’s next
Window tint has become more of a multipurpose product. Nowadays, customers are looking at what other benefits their film choice has to offer. With so many great product options available on the market today, in most cases, there isn’t really a bad choice. We recommend reaching out to a credible local installer and discussing your options.