Automotive Window Tint Evolution: Authored by Michael Burke of SunStoppers The first window film was invented in 1966, however its popularity skyrocketed in the 1980’s, when everyone who was anyone had custom window tint installed on their vehicle. Back then, tint was...
What Is
Window Film?
Window film or window tint consists of layers of polyester. Multiple layers, less than a millimeter thick, are layered together along with a scratch-resistant coating for increased performance and added benefits. The product adheres to the glass with a final layer of adhesive. Window film can be installed on vehicles, boats, houses, offices, and more. The applications for window film are endless!
Enhances Appearance
One of the most obvious benefits of window film is the aesthetic appeal. Whether it’s giving your vehicle a cool, clean look or enhancing the atmosphere in your office with decorative film, window film can really make a difference.
Increases Comfortability
Window film has many hidden benefits that are invisible to the eye like creating a more comfortable environment. Window film is able to do this by reducing the energy emitted by the sun that is transmitted through the glass. By doing so, the window film creates a cooler, more comfortable environment for you inside your vehicle, home or place of business.
Reduces Glare
Window film also has the ability to reduce glare which cuts down on eye strain.
UV Protection
One of the most important benefits of window film is the ultra-violet (UV) protection that is offers. Most window films on the market today block over 99% of the ultra-violet light that is transmitted through the glass resulting in protection against skin and eye damage and as well as fading of your vehicle, office, or house’s interior.
IR Rejection
High performance window films go a step beyond offering infrared radiation rejection which causes that discomfort when the sun irritates your skin. That’s not all, though.
Safety & Security
Window film offers protection and safety against glass breakage. Whether mother nature or a burglar breaks your window, window film can the glass together protecting you or your belongings on the inside.
Privacy
Window film also offers enhanced privacy. Darker shades of window film make it difficult to see your belongings inside your vehicle while some architectural window films act as a one way mirror.
Reduces Energy Consumption
Lastly, window film can save you on your energy bill. Your vehicle, home, or office doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain the temperature inside saving you money.
Automotive & Boat
Automotive window film is available in a variety of brands, technologies, colors, and shades. The most popular types of window film are dyed, carbon, and ceramic.
Dyed window film is the most popular choice and has been in the industry the longest. Most people choose dyed window film for enhancing the appearance of a vehicle but it also reduces glare, reduces interior fading, protection from UV, and is the most cost-effective option.
Carbon window film offers an increase in performance over dyed window film by offering IR rejection in addition to the benefits already given by dyed window film. It is also manufactured to be fade resistant.
Ceramic window film is typically the most expensive option but offers the most benefits. In addition to all the benefits of dyed and carbon window film, ceramic window film offers increased IR rejection making it the highest performing technology.
Architectural
Architectural or flat glass window film is typically installed on any residential or commercial building as decor or for functionality. Architectural window film can meet a variety of needs such as heat reduction, privacy, decorative, and safety/security.
