We’re talking about things like increasing your privacy, protecting your car’s interior, and defending your skin from the sun – and that’s just the beginning.
We know what window film is in the most basic sense: it’s a thin laminate film that can be installed on glass surfaces in automobiles, boats, homes, and commercial buildings.
It is easily recognized by how it often darkens glass and creates an attractive finish on any type of window.
Exploring the science behind window tint is incredibly fascinating. Let’s take a look!
Although there are many types of window tinting film on the market, most window films start as small pellets of a material called polyethylene terephthalate or PET.
PET is used as the base material for window tints because it has marvelous optical clarity and strength.
To begin, PET pellets are first melted down into a semi-liquid state. Once in that form, the material is stretched into polyester sheets.
Other chemicals and materials that block ultraviolet (UV) light are typically added during this stretching process.
Next, dyes or metals are added to the polyester sheeting. Whether a dye or metal is added depends upon the intended type, quality, and function of the film.
The newest and highest-quality window films may add carbon or ceramic particles to the polyester sheeting rather than metal or dye.
different kinds of materials are added to window tint
Once the film is fused with the metal, dye, carbon, or ceramic particles, a scratch-resistant layer is applied to the film on the side that faces the interior of the home, office, or vehicle.
This layer is meant to protect the window film from anything that may hit or scrape the window. It provides added protection so that the film can last for a long time and is not marred by a minor scratch.
Finally, an industrial-strength adhesive is applied to the window film for longevity and to ensure that it does not peel or bubble.
At the end of the window tint manufacturing process, several materials are combined so that certain types of light rays are allowed through the glass while others are reflected or absorbed.
As you probably noticed, different kinds of materials can be added to polyethylene terephthalate to create various types of window film.
For example, a dye can be added to make dyed window tint, or metal could be added to create metalized window tint.
Each type of window film has a particular set of advantages and disadvantages, so it’s well worth our time to look at each of them!
Dyed window tint is a good option if your primary goal is adding privacy to your vehicle or if you like the appearance of dark windows.
Window Tinting In Charlotte, NCdyed window tint creates a dark appearance
In fact, dyed window film provides the darkest effect of any window tint option.
Plus, dyed window film is usually the most cost-effective option on the market.
However, dyed window tint also has some significant drawbacks.
Perhaps the greatest disadvantage is that dyed tint absorbs solar heat rather than reflecting it. In other words, it doesn’t keep the cabin of your vehicle very cool.
Beyond that, dyed film fades over time from UV exposure, turning the tint from black to purple.
Metalized window tint is what you’d expect. Embedded in the material are metallic particles, which make it a thicker type of film.
Metalized window tint is what you’d expect. Embedded in the material are metallic particles, which make it a thicker type of film.
Designed with several layers, metalized tint films reflect heat from the sun, keeping it outside your car to protect the interior.
The metal elements within the layers not only strengthen the window, making it more durable and shatter-resistant, but also give off a shiny appearance from the outside.
As you can see, metalized window tint performs better than dyed window tint in some critical areas: it reflects heat before it enters your vehicle, and it doesn’t fade.
Unfortunately, metalized film often interferes with technology such as your GPS, cell phone, and radio reception. Unless you’re willing to deal with the head-slapping frustration of glitchy electronics, this window film may not be for you.
Those that don’t appreciate the shiny, reflective qualities of metalized window tint may love carbon window tint!
Carbon window tint films give you a dark, matte finish with a sleek vibe. Hundreds of micro-layers of polymer and carbon block infrared light from reaching the interior of your car.
That means your exquisite leather seats or perfect upholstery receive some defense from the detrimental effects of UV light.
Beyond that, carbon window tints don’t fade over time which makes them more durable than dyed tints.
The primary drawback of carbon window tints is that the carbon particles within the film are large. As a result, light can bounce inside the film. At times, this can create a glare or haze, making your windshield challenging to see through.