Window tinting runs the gamut from inexpensive to hella pricey. It is a DIY project that can be difficult to do without a clean, dust-free work space and the right tools.
Tint helps protect your vehicle’s interior from harmful UV rays, reduces glare while driving and improves privacy and security. It also works to increase energy efficiency by reflecting solar heat and reducing cooling costs.
UV Protection
Window tint blocks harmful UV rays, which are known to cause sunburns and skin cancer. These rays can also fade carpet and upholstery, so it’s important to protect your vehicle’s interiors from the damaging effects of prolonged sunlight exposure. Window tint films are designed to block out 99% of UVA and UVB rays, which helps to keep you and your passengers safe and prevents interior fabric damage.
Some window tint options are more effective at blocking UV rays than others. Other types of window tints have a more reflective surface, which makes them more effective at reflecting the sun’s rays and keeping the inside of your car cooler. This type of tint is also great for people who want to reduce glare while driving, but don’t need the extra UV protection offered by darker tints.
Window tint is a thin film that’s applied to the windows of your vehicle or building. The darkness of the window tint varies, and it’s measured in terms of its Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage. Window tint is available in a wide range of shades and darkness levels, and it can be customized to meet the needs of each individual customer. The best window tints will be made of high-quality materials, and they’ll have a scratch resistant coating to help keep them looking new.
Heat Rejection
A car tint is not only great for blocking UV rays, but it can also protect you from the sun’s heat. This is especially important considering the fact that sun exposure is linked to an increased number of skin cancer cases, including melanoma. While clear window tints do not block heat, crystalline window tints have excellent heat rejection capabilities. These tints are made of multiple layers that allow a good amount of light to pass through while simultaneously blocking the sun’s harmful rays and heat. This combination of low-key aesthetics and effective UV protection makes crystalline tints a popular choice for many customers.
A hybrid window tint is a great way to get the benefits of both dyed and metallic window tints. It combines titanium metal flakes and grey window tinting to create a medium-grade film that is both dark enough to effectively block UV rays and reflective enough to reduce glare. In addition, it is not so dark that it interferes with driving at night.
When selecting a car tint, be sure to ask for an IR rating or Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER) rating rather than an IRR (Infra-Red Reflectance). This way, you can be certain that the tint you select will have the highest level of heat rejection possible.
If you are looking for a clear tint with high heat rejection, ceramic window tint is an option to consider. These films are infused with carbon materials that help to reflect the sun’s rays and keep your vehicle cool. In addition to being highly insulating, they also offer an attractive matte finish and do not interfere with radio signals. However, it is important to note that ceramic window tints are more expensive than other types of window tint.
Glare Reduction
While people often associate window tinting with vehicles, it can also be applied to the windows of homes and offices. Residential window tinting can save energy costs and increase privacy while blocking out harmful UV rays. A professional window tinting company can help you select the right option for your home or office, and you can even get training by Direct Tint website.
A common reason for getting car window tint is to eliminate glare, particularly on a sunny day. Harsh glare can cause eye strain and raise the risk of accidents while driving. Having a ceramic tint installed by an expert will significantly reduce the sun’s glare to make your driving experience more comfortable and safer.
Glass tints are available in a wide range of VLT percentages to comply with state regulations and to achieve specific aesthetic goals. Some films are clear enough to maintain a pristine appearance, while others provide a darkened look that can enhance the overall style and function of your vehicle.
While you can buy DIY tint from retail outlets and automotive stores, it’s best to have a professional installer install your window tint for optimal results and longevity. Tinting your own windows can be tricky, and mistakes can lead to a messy application that prematurely wears the film. A professional will take the time to properly prep the glass and ensure the adhesive is bonded well, which will extend the life of your tinting job. Plus, a professional will have the tools and equipment necessary to do the job efficiently. This includes a squeegee to remove any air bubbles and a tool kit for trimming the film down to the correct size.
Privacy
Modern tinting reduces solar heat and filters out the dangerous UV rays that can cause skin cancer. It also blocks infrared rays (IR) and reduces glare for a more comfortable interior. There are many different types of tint, each with its own unique attributes. Some are purely aesthetic, some provide privacy, others reflect sunlight to help lower energy costs and there is even a film that hardens the glass for security purposes.
Some window tints are dark, some are not, depending on your preference and the VLT (visible light transmission) percentage you select. A high VLT tint allows more natural light to enter a room, while a low VLT tint helps to block IR and UV rays, but does not allow as much light to pass through the window.
The type of tint you select will depend on your needs and budget, and your local laws will impact what options are available for your vehicle. Check the tint legality for your state online, and be sure to know your vehicle’s specific requirements. For example, some states require that your windows be completely transparent to the front and rear seat passengers, so you may need to choose a different type of tint for the back.
The installation of window tint is a complex project that requires a high level of precision. Choosing a reputable installer is critical to ensure that your tint is installed properly and the adhesive is cleaned up correctly, so that it stays free of damage and doesn’t peel or bubble. The installation process is also time consuming, and it’s usually easier to work with a model-specific pre-cut kit; the fewer variables there are, the less chance of cutting mishaps that lead to uneven adhesion and an unsightly result.
Security
For a long time, window tint has been perceived in pop culture as a purely aesthetic feature that adds little to no practical value to the vehicle or home owner beyond style points. This perception could not be more inaccurate as window tint actually has many practical benefits for home and car owners alike.
Window tint is great for helping to control the amount of heat and glare that enters a vehicle, which can help reduce energy costs as the driver will need to run their air conditioning less often. This can be especially helpful in states with a hot climate, as the savings on energy expenses can add up quickly over the course of a year.
In addition to reducing glare, window tint can also help protect the interior of your vehicle from harmful UV rays. These rays are not just bad for the skin but can also cause fading to the upholstery and cracks in leather or vinyl surfaces. Window tint can help prevent this deterioration by blocking almost all UV rays and allowing the sun’s light to enter the car without being absorbed.
Another benefit of window tint is that it can help to deter theft and break-ins. Window tint and film will reduce the visibility of any valuables that are stored inside a vehicle, which makes it much more difficult for thieves to spot what is inside your parked car at all times. This can be particularly beneficial in high-crime areas, where thieves are more likely to target vehicles that they know have valuables inside of them. In the event of a crash, window tint can also help to keep glass in place rather than shattering into sharp shards that may hurt or injure passengers or other road users.