There are several different grades of automotive films for windows. Some of the most common include:

Dyed Window Tint: This is tint that is made with a polyester material with a liquid dye. This dye is applied to the inner material based on the level of ‘tint’ desired. The darker the tint (also called limo tint), the lower the VLT rating. So – limo tint would have a visible light transmission of 5 percent. A dyed tint is not as great at blocking UV ray emissions.

Metalized Window Tint: The next level of window film is a metallic tint. It’s made with metallic flakes that help to block ultraviolet rays such as UVA and UVB. These emissions are responsible for damaging surfaces including interior materials like leather, plastic, rubber, and even textiles. However, UVA and UVB is also a main contributor in the development of skin cancer. A metalized window film can also provide added strength to the window – so it doesn’t shatter.

Hybrid Dye/Metallic Film: A mid-grade tint blends the best of dyed and metallic films. It helps to add UV protection and improve clarity. The hybrid tint uses a combination of grey dye and titanium flakes.

Carbon Color Stable:  This is a multiple layered film with an infusion of carbon tint materials – which adds strength and longevity to its lifecycle. The term color stable refers to using high-quality dyes and polyester linings, that extend the lifespan and reduces the potential of discoloration.

Ceramic Window Tint:

With a ceramic-infused window tint, nanotechnology is the name of the game. It’s a multiple-layered film that uses microscopic ceramic particles that are nonconductive to block nearly 99.9% of UVA and UVB. The lack of metals in the film helps improve cell phone and electronic device signal strength. Plus, when a nano ceramic tint is infused with IR blocking technology, it can significantly reduce heat entering the vehicle.

When you compare the pricing between the multiple grades of automotive window film, ceramic film offer the best bang for your buck. The added IR protection, reduced cell signal blocking, and the ability of some brands to bond better to windows, or to be used as a windshield IR blocking tint, leads to longer-lasting protection. So – in a nutshell, ceramic tint for cars is a great investment.

The amount of time varies, depending on your type of vehicle. A complete car can take 2 to 4 hours. Full-sized trucks generally take between an hour and an hour and a half. A set of front doors usually only takes 30-45 minutes. If old aftermarket film has to be removed, that can add anywhere from 30 minutes to half a day.

We recommend that you leave your vehicle windows rolled up for at least 24 hours after window film has been installed. This allows the film to cure and adhere to the glass before the window is moved.

No, window film nor the car’s rear defroster will be affected.

Yes. As long as it is factory window tint, we can install window film directly on the glass. Factory window tint’s color is actually a pigment in the glass. Aftermarket window film also has many more solar benefits than factory window tint. Factory tint only rejects part of the UV rays, and only rejects a small amount of heat. Aftermarket window film rejects 99% of ultraviolet rays and between 35%-60% of heat, depending on the film level used. In addition to these benefits, darkening factory tinted glass will give you more privacy for storing your personal items in the back of the vehicle.

Window Tinting laws California