Types of Car Window Tinting Film
Car window tinting film is an economical and practical way to customize your vehicle, block UV rays and reduce glare. But you must choose the right kind of window tint for your car’s make and model; there are six varieties of car window tinting film, each with its own advantages and drawbacks.
Dye-based Films: Perhaps the most widely available type of tint, dye-based films are easy to apply and cut/shaped with ease. While they provide good heat rejection and UV protection, they may fade over time if not properly installed and maintained.
Carbon-based Film: This type of window tint is the most durable option among all other options, offering good protection from heat, glare and UV rays while having a tinted finish that can be applied to curved windows with ease.
Ceramic window tint: These tints are made with ceramic particles to block heat, glare and UV radiance at an advanced level. Plus, they’re highly shatterproof which adds to the structural stability of your windows.
Although not as long-lasting as other window tints, they’re still effective and cost-effective. Furthermore, they provide a high level of privacy – which can be an important benefit to some individuals.
If you’re new to window tinting, it may be beneficial to watch YouTube videos about installing the tint before trying it yourself. Doing so will guarantee that the job is done correctly the first time around.
You have two choices for window tinting film: pre-cut film from manufacturers that will be delivered to you, or rolled window tinting film that must be cut to fit your windows yourself. In either case, make sure the manufacturer knows your car’s make, model and year so they can provide you with a quote tailored specifically for your windows.
Some companies will send you a sample of their tint to test on your window before purchasing, so that you can see how it looks on your glass and decide if it’s suitable for you.
Rolling tint is simpler to install than pre-cut tint, but you must take extra care when cutting it to the correct size. Use a plastic card to push it into corners and use a heat gun to keep it pliable until you’re satisfied with how well it fits.
Finding the perfect fit can be challenging, but with practice you will become adept at it. If your vehicle has compound curved windows such as rear windows, using a heat gun to shrink tint before applying it often leads to better results.
You can achieve a good fit by cutting the edges of the film to an even width, then gently stretching them until they are as tight as possible. Finally, carefully remove any excess film.
Before you begin tinting, be sure to read and follow all instructions closely. Failing to do so could result in costly fines from either the police or DVSA; additionally, if the tint is too dark, you could receive a prohibition notice that prevents you from driving until it’s removed.