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When it comes to tinting the windows of your car, truck, SUV, home or office you want the best that your money can buy but you you don't necessarily want to spend your whole paycheck. That's why we offer a wide range of films in a variety of VLTs to fit every budget and every need. Choose from our economically-priced Rtint™ window films if budget is your primary concern and get 5, 20, 35 or 50% visible light transmission film. If price isn't your only concern and you want performance and heat rejection, check out our selection of Avery Dennison® HP and Ceramic IR films. Whichever you choose we know you'll love the fact that you can buy by the foot and get only as much or as little as you need.
When choosing what type of window tinting you want you first need to consider why you're going to use it -- in other words, what do you hope to achieve?. Each type of window film is made using different materials, and each type has its own unique set of positives and negatives. In the brief section that follows, we'll look at the types and brands we carry and what they can do for you.
Both Rtint™ and Avery Dennison® NR window films are dyed. These window films are a three-ply film, with a layer of dye sandwiched between a layer of adhesive and a protective layer on the outer surface. Dyed window films are the most popular type of window tint because they are least expensive but also the least durable. Regardless, you can still expect several years of life out of a properly installed dyed window film.
Dyed window film doesn't deflect heat from entering the car because the material isn't reflective, so your car's interior will still get quite hot. It will protect against the UV rays that can be more damaging to the interior surfaces of your vehicle.
One big advantage of dyed window film is that it is devoid of any metallic substances, so it won't interfere with your car's electronics systems - such as GPS, tire pressure monitors, antennas and phones.
Dyed film will give you the darkest look, even if you find other styles that block more light. The dye itself doesn't have much visual character of its own - it's simply dark.
Metalized window film is another popular choice, but many people find the drawbacks to outweigh the benefits. It consists of an adhesive layer and a protective outer layer with a UV-protective layer and a metalized layer in between. The only metalized film we currently offer is Avery Dennison® HP Pro Window Film.
The UV layer helps this type of window tint offer important protection from UV rays, which are harmful to both you and your car's interior. Car windshields may block nearly all UVA and UVB rays, but side windows are not required to offer nearly as much protection. Metalized window tints are also much more effective at keeping your car's cabin cool. They reflect UV rays, which is a benefit because heat overworks your car's AC.
Unfortunately, the metalized layer can wreak serious havoc within your car's electronic communication systems. This film will likely interfere with your radio if your antenna isn't externally mounted on your vehicle, and it could cause problems with your cell phone's reception, your GPS signal and even your tire pressure sensors. We aren't saying you will definitely experience these issues, but they are real possibility.
The additional material layers in metalized film make it quite durable. Properly installed metalized window tint can be reasonably expected to last the lifetime of your vehicle. The layers are less likely to delaminate and will not fade over time.
All of this durability comes at a cost. Metalized window tint films are more expensive than dyed film options.
The final consideration is how it will look on your vehicle. Since the metalized material is reflective, it is also shiny. This will give your car a much different appearance than if you used dyed tint film. Some people prefer one look over the other, so make sure you know what you want before you place your order.
Recently, window tint manufacturers have been introducing ceramic-based window tints. These tint films will block UV light and heat, and since there is no metal involved, it won't interfere with any electronics systems. At present, we offer Avery Dennison® NR Nano Ceramic IR Window Tint Film to fill this need.
Car window tint generally comes in two different colors: black and charcoal. Black is clean and pure, while charcoal can take on the appearance of other neutral colors like brown and gray.
Window tint films are classified by the amount of light they allow in, by percentage. A 5% tint is much darker - and almost universally illegal on passenger vehicles - than a 50% tint. Factory tints on rear windows tend to be in the 50-70% range, so buying something on the lighter side might not actually accomplish what you are going for.
State laws regarding window tint are quite clear, and law enforcement officers don't always have a sense of humor about illegal tint. Know the laws governing car modifications in your area. If you are going to exceed the legal darkness level, know the potential consequences of your decisions.
Window tint films of all varieties come in 1- and 2-ply thicknesses. A ply is typically 1mil (1/1000th of an inch), so 2-ply films are about 2mil. Thickness can imply quality and durability, but it isn't always necessarily true. A manufacturer could add a second ply to a cheap product, but the resulting window film wouldn't magically be higher quality. Trust product reviews and recommendations from experienced installers to make a decision on quality.
Dyed window tint film can offer that black, matte look because the dye used for the tinting absorbs light rather than reflecting it. A majority of this heat is transferred to the glass, where it is dissipated naturally. Dyed window tints won't make your car interior warmer, but the absorption means that it isn't as effective at keeping your cabin cool.
Metalized window tint film actually reflects sunlight and UV rays, which gives your windows an extra glossy look. The reflectiveness makes it the superior option for pure heat and radiation reduction.
The best window tint films reflect up to 85% of heat and ultraviolet radiation, so it's not worth settling for anything less than 50% reflection. Anything less is barely better than the performance of your factory glass.
Window tint films use two types of adhesive: dry and pressure-sensitive. Both adhesive types are common on automotive window tint film, and while they are not exactly interchangeable, there aren't many practical differences between the two.
Pressure-sensitive adhesive feels tacky to the touch, kind of like tape. A mounting solution can help to position the film in the proper position before the adhesion takes hold. Squeegeeing helps to squeeze out the solution to put the adhesion in contact with the glass surface, while simultaneously putting pressure on the film and its adhesive to help strengthen it. The adhesion is then finalized by the curing process, creating the permanent bond.
Dry adhesives don't feel sticky to the touch the way pressure-sensitive adhesives do. Dry adhesives form a chemical bond with the glass, and this bond is activated by the water in the mounting solution. Because the adhesive isn't tacky to the touch, it should be easier to avoid getting foreign particles stuck between your window film and the glass. In general, dry adhesives will last longer and form a stronger bond, but that's not to say there's anything wrong with the pressure-sensitive alternative.
Film is fairly easy to work with, nice clarity and so far looking good, time will tell how it holds up.
I was so excited for this to come in! I am now about to order my second roll, easy to use and lots of tint for the value (I bought the whole roll)
Shipping carrier issues.