What Is Window Tint?

May 22, 2024

Window Tint Options

 Window tint is essentially just a somewhat transparent film that goes on the inside of your windows. This window film can be made up of 3 materials that differ in performance. The material options are dyed tint, carbon tint, and ceramic tint. Some manufacturers offer a mix of carbon and ceramic films to provide an "in between" material option. Any of these options are offered in a variety of different shades that are reffered to as VLT's (Visable Light Transmission) ranging from 75% (lightest) all the way down to 5% (darkest).

Ceramic window tint is going the be the best tint option you can buy, this is because ceramic particles are superior at rejection heat compared to the carbon and dyed alternatives. Ceramic window films typically will reject up to an impressive 70-75% of heat depending on the manufacturer and will keep your car the coolest it can possibly be. Ceramic window tint is color stable and often offered with a lifetime warranty due to its extremely long lifespan.

Carbon window tint is also a great option but isnt at the same level as ceramic. This window film will be slightly cheaper to have installed compared to ceramic because it typically only rejects up to about 50-55% of heat. This is a great window film choice if you are on a budget or plan to get rid of your vehicle in the near future. Carbon window tint is color stable and often offered with a lifetime warranty due to its extremely long lifespan.

The least effective option is dyed window tint, this is an option that we dont even carry here at Sharkey's Detailing & Tint due to its lackluster performance. dyed window films typically reject up to 30% of heat and suffer from having a shorter lifetime compared to the carbon and ceramic alternatives. dyed tint is also know to start changing color over time into a purple hue and also start to bubble from adhesive failure. 

 

How Are Windows Tinted

When you get your vehicle tinted, you will first have to select what material of tint you want and also what darkness you'd like it to be. Different states have different laws so make sure you check with your local juridsdiction before selecting what darkness you want. After you've told the installer what you'd like, they will begin the job.


First the installer will either cut the tint by hand or via a plotter to match the shape of your vehicles windows. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages but each will get the job done properly. Some windows such as the rear window and windshield will require the tint to be shrunk to fit the curvature of the glass, this is done by applying heat which allows the tint to "tighten" and shrink to the proper curve of the window.


After the tint has been cut and shrunk, the installer will move to the inside of the vehicle to prep the glass for install. In this step they must make sure to remove all dirt, grime, or leftover adhesive from previous tint that may be on the windows. Typically the window sweeps will be removed to give the installer more room for a quality install


Once the window has been cleaned its time for the install. This is done by spraying the window with a soapy water solution that will prevent the adhesive from tacking and allow the tint to be moved into place. The installer will then peel the liner that covers the adhesive side of the tint and place the tint onto the vehicles window. Once the window tint has been positioned correctly, the soapy water will be squeegeed out which allows the adhesive to tack and keep the tink stuck to the window.


Once all the soapy water has been squeegeed out, the tint will be post heated to allow the adhesive to further tack onto the glass. After all windows have been tinted, the installer is left to clean up the vehicle and re-install any sweeps, panels, or plastics that may have been removed for install. 

Sarasota Window Tinting

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