Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Dyed, Metalized, Hybrid and Ceramic Window Film. What's Best?

Each of the four types of film is named because of the primary component used to protect you and your car.  With so many options, which do you choose?

There are a lot of benefits to using window tinting; glare reduction, heat protection, fade protection, U.V. protection, safety, aesthetics, privacy.  You will have to decide, what you are wanting your window tint to do.  Window tinting is simply adding a layer of UV treated optical grade polyester film.  That film can be manufactured in several ways, not just in the components mentioned in this article, but more specifically how it is made.

Dyed Film
This type of window tinting relies on the absorbing properties of the dye to keep your car cool.  Because it does not contain any metal it gives your automobile the blackest look and does not have any "sheen" to it.  This film rejects the least amount of heat and is mainly used for its appearance.  It does reduce glare, and reduces fading to interior upholstery.

Metalized Film
This film is a good product for customers that desire crisp appearance, heat reduction, glare reduction, fade protection, and UV protection.  Metalized window film are either all metal or have a single layer of ceramics.  Metalized window tinting is very good at reducing heat and reflecting UV rays.  However, they are very shiny and can cause interference with radio, GPS, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) sensors, and cell phones.  Its shade and color are mainly determined by the type of metal used to make it.  Metalized window film's purpose is to reflect.  These are rarely used anymore after the introduction of the TPMS.

Hybrid Film
Hybrid films use a combination of a dyed layer as well as a metalized layer.  Using Hybrid window tint offers the best of both worlds. A metal layer is used for its reflective qualities and a dyed layer is used for its absorptive qualities.  Because not a lot of metal is used by some manufacturers, these are the best bang for the buck as they don't block any of the signals the 100% metalized films do.

Ceramic Film
The fourth and final type of window tinting is ceramic.  Absorbing twice as much heat as dyed or hybrid films, it is considered to be the most technologically advanced type of window tinting.  It is capable of high heat absorption at relatively light shades.  It is definitely the ultimate in heat reduction; however, the cost is almost twice that of Hybrid films.  This film is optimal for customers desiring a highly durable material, with excellent clarity, and providing superior heat reduction versus other film choices.

It's easy to think that all lifetime warranty films are alike.  Many get caught up in the trap of comparing pricing rather than the film quality.  Be careful.  Some companies may install the dyed film rather than the hybrid, selling it at a lower price but actually making a higher profit.  Also, note thicker film may take up to weeks longer to dry out than other film choices.  Ultimately, it comes down to the purpose for getting your windows tinted.

- Bryan Lin | CEO, The Motorsports Authority, Inc. | MSAStore.com

31 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for taking the time to explain the various tints. This is the best explanation that I have found on the internet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not a problem. Thanks for reading!

      Delete
    2. How to tell if one is indeed getting the old switch-a-roo?

      Delete
    3. How to tell if one is indeed getting the old switch-a-roo?

      Delete
    4. I own a window tint shop in Kansas and I'll be happy to explain. They hybrid film with have more of a sheen as explained, our dyed and hybrid film look very similar but if you look at the film at an angle you'll see one is shiner than the other. Ceramic film will have kind of a blueish color to it at an angle. Hope this helps.

      Delete
  3. Thanks for sharing! It is quite helpful or me! will definitely share this with my fellows car financing in houston

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you found it helpful. So many get confused when I discuss options over the phone.

      Delete
  4. Nice post!! It is really helpful.You describe it in a very well way.Thanks to provide such a good information.
    _______
    http://www.getsunstoppers.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. I found it when I was looking for a different sort of information but I am very interested in the article, It is nice to read such kind of good posts I like your work keep it up!
    Window tinting West Vally City

    ReplyDelete
  6. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  7. THANK YOU! VERY USEFUL INFORMATION.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your blogs and every other content are thus interesting and helpful it makes me return back again. Los Angeles Window Film Pros

    ReplyDelete
  9. Useful information shared. I am very happy to read this article. Thanks for giving us nice info. Fantastic walk through. I appreciate this post.
    custom window tint utah

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hey very nice blog!! Man you have done the Amazing efforts to make this blog... I will surely bookmark your blog. auto tinting

    ReplyDelete
  11. this blog evey post are interesting and helpfuull me because it's provide guidens for trapped car

    ReplyDelete
  12. Really window Tinting is one of the best options to protect from the heat, direct UV sun rays and has many other benefits also.Energy efficient windows saves both energy as well as cost.In addition to this they lower.
    houston shutters

    ReplyDelete
  13. You have a decent point here!I absolutely concur with what you have said!!Thanks for sharing your views...hope more individuals will read this article!!! tint for cars

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks for the post and great tips..even I also think that hard work is the most important aspect of getting success.. buy dvd tyrant season 2

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you for sharing such an informative blog post educating on automotive window tinting. I hope to read more blog post from you in the future. Tint Room Cebu is a car accessories shop in Cebu city where we provide complete automotive, commercial, and residential window tinting solution. We also offer GPS tracker for vehicles, Dashcams, and various other car accessories.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I think tints anywhere or of any type are always very useful.In my opinion they are actually the best protection one can provide to his car.

    Automotive Window Tinting

    ReplyDelete
  17. Fine writing ! Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful blog. It's clean, engaging and very very enjoible. Keep writing as I am waiting for your next.

    auto ceramic coating pittsburgh

    ReplyDelete
  18. I think there is a need to provide some more information about window tinting and its other aspects as well.

    Window Tint Training

    ReplyDelete
  19. Such a nice writing. The style you have narrated is simple beautiful and well authored. The quality of writing can be seen from the beginning until the end.

    Read an interesting Blog on "car detailing near me" now

    ReplyDelete
  20. Our Tesla Model Y accessories provide you and your passengers with comfort and convenience while preserving your upholstery from spills and wear and tear. tesla model y accessories

    ReplyDelete