Before tinting a car, it is worth paying close attention to choosing the “right” film. At the same time, everyone has a different main criterion. For some, it is the price, for others, it is protection from ultraviolet radiation or some specific strength indicator. The most common reason is a change in appearance, the beauty of the car. In any case, It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the types of films offered by a Tucson Tint Company to best satisfy your needs.
Types of tinting films for car windows
To facilitate the selection process, it is necessary to understand the basic properties of the material provided by the Tucson Tint Company. Let’s break them down into specific groups:
- A budget option with a short service life is painted films. They rarely last more than two years and fade greatly in the sun.
- Metalized– more durable and protects against ultraviolet radiation. Consists of three layers: protective, tinting, and metal spraying between them. Can prevent the passage of radio or mobile communication waves. Reflects sunlight well.
- Spatter is an “upgrade” of the previous type. The metal is not one of the layers but is embedded into the structure of the material at the molecular level. Most manufacturers provide a lifetime warranty on this type of film.
- Mirrored ones have a layer of aluminum on the outside, so they glare a lot in the sun.
- Gradient or with the color transition – this is a “mix” of painted and metalized film. Normal at the bottom, with metal at the top. From the outside, it looks like a color transition, and from the inside as a gradual darkening from bottom to top.
- Athermal ones are probably the most useful. They protect the driver from sun glare and the car interior from heating while having sufficient light transmittance. They can be transparent, and this option looks original. The violet shade with overflow adds a “premium” look to the car’s appearance, and the cost corresponds to the type.
- Carbon films are a “new generation” that are rarely found in our area due to their high cost. Thanks to the technology of spraying graphite in a vacuum, they are practically not subject to wear, do not “fade” and do not glare.
- Removable films. They can be silicone, gel, or any of the above, glued to a very thin layer of plastic. According to reviews, silicone has a cloudy appearance and a limited resource for re-sticking (bubbles, burrs along the edges). Because it is not exempt from fines, it does not make much sense.
Nuances of choice: what to seal the rear and front windows of a car with?
Having decided on your attitude to regulations and standards, you can proceed directly to choosing an option for yourself. Keep in mind that the glass itself does not transmit 100% of the light (usually 90-95%). Before installation, it is advisable to take a small piece of material and check the total light penetration indicator with a device.
Let’s start with “budget” films. If finances are very limited, you might want to consult a Tucson Tint Company for budget-friendly options like Chinese films. Just don’t glue them yourself – you’ll suffer, use the services of film gluers (they can then be required to eliminate defects). If you are consciously ready for a short service life and gradual loss of color, this may be your option.
Painted films from famous manufacturers are more durable and easier to apply, especially when handled by a skilled Tucson Tint Company. You can choose a more expensive film and install it yourself. For the same money, you will get a higher quality product for your car.
The next “level” is all types of metalized films: colored, gradient, or simply black. In addition to changing the appearance, the ‘load’ includes protection from ultraviolet rays and good wear resistance, which a professional Tucson Tint Company can ensure for 5-6 years. True, you will have to pay extra for these properties. Good craftsmen can apply almost any pattern to a colored film (it costs at the level of airbrushing). If you are ready to pay an extra +30% for a higher quality product, take a tinting film made using spatter technology.
The athermal film is suitable for practitioners who have decided to comply with the law. Transparency allows you to completely cover the windshield and front windows. High-quality ‘athermal’ film, available through aTucson Tint Company, retains up to 90% of heat from the sun’s rays. Many note that after installation, they began to turn on the air conditioner much less often. This is achieved due to multi-layering (up to 20 layers, depending on the manufacturer). Each layer retains a certain narrow spectrum of ultraviolet and infrared rays. Naturally, such a complex technology leads to a higher cost. This is an option for those who are ready to pay for their comfort. The transparent tinting film” performs the same functions, only with a beautiful overflow, so it costs twice as much.
Colored and gradient films are suitable for tuning enthusiasts. Usually in such cases, “invisible” properties do not have much significance. The main thing is to choose the right color.
When choosing a tinting film, the main criterion is the price. If there is no specific amount, then the choice is limited. But for every thousand you pay on top, you get additional properties. Decide how important they are to you, and the choice will become clear. If you are not gluing it yourself, then inquire about the finished work or find reviews on the Internet about the installation company. “Bad hands” can ruin the best film.