Types of Auto Window Tinting
Window tinting offers shade for a driver's eyes and protection of interior materials. This method of vehicle shading has been used for decades and its technologies have improved over time. Today, there are a few main types of effective tint film available.
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Dyed Film
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Dyed film is a film that has been dyed to a certain degree of tint. That type of tinting film absorbs heat instead of blocking it, and therefore dissipates that heat to the interior of the vehicle. This is the least expensive type of window tinting and has been known by professionals to fade, peel, and generally fail after only a few months of use.
Deposited Film
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The deposited film is relatively inexpensive and works well, but has its limits. The film is made with a vacuum insertion of aluminum, nickel-chrome, and copper to give it heat and UV-ray blocking properties. This process creates a thick layer that produces the tinting film's darker color and mirrored appearance.
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Sputtered Film
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Sputtered film is created in a similar way to deposited film, as they are both made in a vacuum. The metallizing in this method is achieved by electromagnetic field streams of argon ions applied to the metal; that causes groups of metal atoms to dislodge in tiny bursts uniformly across the film. Because this method is at an atomic level, thinner films with higher reflectivity can be achieved. The complex nature of this manufacturing process pushes this type of film to the higher-end, more expensive brands of window tinting.
Hybrid Film
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The hybrid film is the most complicated of the types because it contains both dyes and reflective metals. By combining those two components, their individual drawbacks can be reduced without giving up performance. These films are able to be non-reflective and let a good amount of light pass through the window.
Considerations
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Window tinting should be used responsibly, and an owner of a car should not apply tinting that may hinder visibility at night. Beyond personal safety, a number of states have strict regulations on what shade of tint is considered too dark. Law enforcement in those states will test the window darkness and issue citations for violators of such regulations.
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