Understanding Window Film

Window tinting can have many benefits including privacy, glare reduction, UV protection, and heat rejection.

First let's go over percentages or VLT and legality. VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission. When it comes to window tint VLT, the lower the number the darker the film. The percentage is based off how much of the light passes through the film. So a 70% film will block out 30% sunlight and allow 70% of it to pass through the film and into your vehicle. In the wonderful Commonwealth of Virginia the legal limit for passenger cars is 50% on the two front roll up windows and 35% on all the windows behind the front doors. MPV's which includes van, SUVs and pickup trucks follow different restrictions for the rear of the vehicle. For these vehicles 50% for the two front roll ups is the limit just like coupes and sedans but for everything behind the two front doors, it is perfectly legal to go as dark as you would like.

Now let's talk about the different types of film. Today we have 4 main types of automotive window film. There is dyed, metallized, carbon and ceramic film.

Metallized film is rarely used in today's electronic world because of its construction. This film is constructed with a layer of nano particles of metal to help reduce heat and often gives it a reflective appearance. The reflective appearance has fallen out of trend and can look tacky on some cars but with the widespread use of cell phones, vehicle GPS and other wireless connection devices the metallized film caused havoc on these devices weakening wireless signals or outright blocking them. For this, metallized film has been almost completely phased out.

Dyed film is exactly what it sounds like, a film that is dyed. This film uses a dye to achieve its charcoal or black color. Generally does not have a very long warranty because the dye will eventually fade. Everyone has seen that car will old purplish colored tint, that is the result of faded dyed window film. Dyed film will block UV light but that's where the protection stops. You won't be getting any heat rejection properties with a dyed film. It's still has its place though, as I personally like to call it a privacy film. If all you are looking for is something inexpensive that provides some privacy and some glare reduction, dyed film may be for you.

But if you are looking for something with more benefits carbon and ceramic film is where you want to focus your attention.

Both of these films are constructed with nano particles of the respective names. These nano particles provide the color for these films as well as their heat rejection properties. Because of this these films will never fade in color. I personally haven't seen a carbon or ceramic constructed film that's doesn't come with a lifetime manufacturers warranty. Carbon and ceramic films also generally have just an overall better quality construction and finish than dyed film. Slightly thicker material with a tough scratch resistant coating are just some of the signs of this superior film.

Now the differences between carbon and ceramic film really show themselves when we start looking at heat reduction properties. While carbon films do block some heat, it's almost un-noticeable if we are being honest. You may feel the difference on a warm spring or fall day but in the middle of summer, you probably won't even tell your vehicle has any heat rejection.

Ceramic film and it's ceramic construction does the best job of keeping you cool even in the

hottest of mid August days. A difference you can clearly feel. Not only does this film reject heat to keep you cooler it also absorbs it and holds it in acting as a slight heat sink. If you are trying to keep your vehicle and yourself cooler, ceramic film is the only real choice.

As the weather begins to heat up and window tint becomes more on your mind, I hope this helps in your decision making process, and of course I hope you reach out.

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