What Are You Putting On Your Windows?

September 06th, 2013

Last week, we explored why tint shops carry so many different products and covered a few topics such as warranties and heat rejection properties (click here for last week’s article). This week’s article will explore what materials are used when creating window film and why there is even a difference. It was mentioned last week that one type of window film can not be applied to every window because of safety and/or efficiency. It is for this reason that different materials are used to create different films, and with technology advancing certain materials are taking the forefront.

Typically, most window film is a polyester film generally made of PET, Polyethylene Teraphthalate, the same polymer used to manufacture water bottles. Most films are applied to the interior surface of a glass window in a home, commercial building, or car, however some films are applied to the exterior surface of the glass window. A scratch resistant coating is adhered to the outer surface of the film for protection. Some are clear and feature multiple layers of PET to offer protection from shattering glass; others are tinted with metals, dyes or pigments to reduce the visible light transmitted through the glass, and block heat coming through from the sun (http://www.madico.com). Within the last decade, advancements have been made with a ‘newer’ type of film made out of ceramic. Huper Optik developed a ceramic film that is 100% metal and dye free. This type of film was created to provide a high performance heat, glare and UV light barrier. It will not break down and turn purple over time, like a dyed film, because there is no dye in the film that would cause fading.

At All American Window Tinting (A.A.W.T.) we carry products that we believe in and would put on our own cars, homes or office windows, AND we have! If you have any questions about our products, contact us today to find the RIGHT film for your car, residence or commercial business!