Types of Window Tint
When putting window tints on your car, you’ll obviously need to decide which type you want. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types.
This type is a good choice for anyone who is on a budget and still wants that sophisticated look of window tinting. Dyed films are made just like how they sound. The film contains a dyed layer, with no metal, and gives your car the privacy you want with great heat absorption qualities. The heat that is absorbed by the tint is transferred to the glass and then dissipates into the air.
This type of tint has a thin layer of metal that will help give your car a beautiful reflective quality and also has heat and UV blocking properties. Making these films starts with coating a layer of metal onto polyester and then adding a clear laminate to protect the metal. An adhesive layer and scratch coat are then added to produce the final product. If you want a highly reflective look and a thicker film, this is a great option. Keep in mind, though, that this type of film can have some restrictions depending on the type of vehicle and can, in some cases, block GPS and radio signals.
Similar to metalized film, sputtered window tinting is lighter and thinner, making it easier to apply. This type also has great versatility. Sputtered film isn’t the best option for blocking out heat, but is good at blocking UV radiation.
A combination of both metal and dye films, this type has the benefits of both systems without some of the drawbacks. Hybrid films have both reflective qualities with the layer of metal and the dyed layer is great for its absorptive qualities. This option is a great choice when you want to get the most out of your money.
More expensive than hybrid films, ceramic has a variety of benefits. The most advanced technology, ceramic films tend to keep their color and appearance for years, reflects heat, infrared light, and can block up to 99 percent of UV rays. This is especially beneficial because UV rays can do damage to your skin as well as the interior of your car. Ceramic films can do all of this at lighter shades, so it won’t get in the way of night driving (but may not offer as much privacy).
When choosing which type of film is best for you, take into consideration what qualities matter most to you. This could be the shade of tint and how much light it lets through, the reflectivity (shiny, matte, or a mirror quality), and how efficient the film is at blocking UV rays.