More often than not, when you see a vehicle on the road or sitting in a parking lot, the windows aren’t always crystal clear. Whether it’s from the dealership or from an independent window tinter, tinting windows is an excellent choice for any car owner. When shopping for window tinting Colorado, it’s essential to know the basics.

Although many confused window tinting, thinking every film applied is the same film. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, there are many options available to consumers, and they all have excellent advantages and a few disadvantages. In this article, we’ll go over some of the basics of window tinting, what you should know, and lastly, what the difference between window tints actually are.

Benefits of Window Tinting

If you’ve been eyeing cars around you that have a stealth look, you may have considered getting window tinting a time or two. But what advantages can be gained from spending money on window tint on the aftermarket? Let’s take a look at a few of their benefits.

Looks Amazing

A tinted window always looks good. If you like the aesthetically pleasing look of window tint the way it camouflages the glass, it is a must. For many individuals tinting windows on a black car gives it a real stealth look.

Prevents Harmful UV Rays

If you’re worried about harmful rays, window tint can be an outstanding solution. For long drives where your skin is exposed, window tint can buffer the UV rays away from your skin. In addition to protecting your skin, UV rays can also damage your vehicle’s plastics. The sun is powerful and will warp and crack plastics with excessive exposure.

Protect Leather

If your vehicle has leather or vinyl, window tint is a must. Just as window film can protect the dash, it can also protect the leather from cracking. Overexposure to the sun, along with high temps, are horrible conditions for leather or leather-like materials.

Cooling Effect

Vehicles with window tint can often see a reduction in cabin temperature. Depending on the window tint you choose, the effect may be more significant. For example, ceramic does a better job at repelling heat versus the dyed tint that offers zero protection.

Hand-Cut VS. Precision Cut

There is often some debate in the industry as to whether or not hand-cut is better than precision cut. But the general consensus is that precision cut is the victor. The most significant problem with hand-cut tint is the experience or steady hand needed to make exact cuts. This only comes with time or talent.

Precision cut window tint uses a machine and software to make exact cuts to match each window. The downside here is that the machines needed to process and cut the tint are expensive. For start-up window tinting companies, this is often not a feasible option. Regardless of the technology cost, precision-cut not only produces excellent results, but it also won’t scratch your glass or plastics.

Types of Window Film

Dyed Film

If you’re solely looking for window tint for the appearance value, the dyed film is an acceptable option. This, however, isn’t the preferred choice by many. Though it is the most affordable, it has the shortest life span. The dyed film will typically start to discolor, turning purple, and lift from the window or bubble.

Metalized

A step up from dyed film, the metalized film is a great option for blocking UV rays. This film doesn’t fade and blocks and reflects heat. Often individuals on a budget will go back and forth between the dyed and metalized. Between the two, metalized is almost always better.

Hybrid

For just a little extra, you can get a combination of dyed and metalized. There are virtually no downsides to the hybrid option as it combines all the excellent benefits of both films. It will block heat, glares, won’t delaminate, and lasts for years.

Carbon

For the ultimate in interior protection, you’ll want to choose carbon window tint. This matte black finish protects better than metalized, dyed, and even hybrid. Carbon tint can prevent fading on your car’s interior by blocking virtually all harmful UV rays.

Ceramic

Known for being the highest class of window tint, ceramic is the best on the market. This type of film offers the best visibility while blocking heat gains and harmful UV rays. About the only downside to ceramic is the cost. It is the most expensive available.

Published: 2020-09-19 11:55:38