A Crash Course on Window Tint Lingo and Terminology

Are you considering having your car windows tinted? If you’ve already begun researching the process, you may have stumbled across some unusual terminology related to window tint. Chances are, you’re interested in a window film because of the UV-blocking benefits and the comfort it provides. At Auto Cosmetics, we’ll help you navigate the world of car window tinting by providing a vocabulary guide. This post will cover the most important terminology to know when considering a car window film.

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Attachment Systems

When a window film is installed, attachment systems are used to augment the structural integrity of the glass. A properly installed attachment system will bind the glass and the frame to improve the safety and security of your vehicle’s windows, especially during inclement weather and break-ins.

Carbon Color Stable

This window tint is characterized by carbon content which improves its durability. The “color stable” refers to the long-lasting dyes used in the process.

Ceramic Tint

A ceramic window tint is composed of multiple layers of window film infused with ceramic particles. These particles can block out 99.9% of cancer-causing ultraviolet light. One of the most significant benefits of a ceramic window tint is that it won’t interfere with your cell phone reception, as is the case with other metal-based window tints. This innovative product is the most advanced UV blocking window tint on the market today.

Curing Time

Curing time refers to the time it takes a newly installed window tint to dry. Most window films are porous, and it can take several days for moisture to evaporate completely and the film to fully adhere to the window surface. Curing time can be the climate, and during the curing process, you may notice bubbles or other imperfections as the tint fully bonds.

Dyed Tint

A dyed tint uses either a dyed adhesive or a submersion process to create a darkened window tint. However, a dyed car tint tends to be primarily cosmetic and will not have the same advanced ceramic UV window film capabilities.

Emissivity (E)

Sometimes abbreviated simply as (E), emissivity refers to the ability of a surface to reflect infrared energy. When referring to car tint, low-E films will block bad light and heat during the summer and trap heat and light during the winter.

Hybrid Tint

A hybrid tint relies on a combination of metallic and dyed film designed to achieve the same look and quality as a tinted film. That can offer better UV protection than a dyed film alone, but a hybrid film can still interfere with cell reception and other electronics.  

Metalized Tint

In a metalized tint, metals are applied evenly to a transparent polyester film. The type of metal applied during a metalized tint will influence the color and performance of the final product.

Shading Coefficient

The shading coefficient is a mathematical representation of the amount of heat passing through a tinted window compared to the heat passing through the clear, untinted glass. The higher the shading coefficient, the more light will pass through the tinted window. Conversely, a low shading coefficient means that the window tint will block out more light.

Sputtering

Sputtering refers to a process in which metal particles are embedded into a polyester film. The most common metals used for sputtering are silver, stainless steel, copper, gold, titanium, and chromium. During the sputtering process, rolls of polyester film are unwounded and passed over designated materials, ensuring that metal atoms are evenly dispersed over the film’s surface through a process known as ion bombardment. The result is a window tint that has increased durability and increased ability to block solar rays.

Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER)

Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER), also called heat rejection, refers to the total amount of solar energy blocked by a window film. The higher the TSER, the more light is blocked by a window film.

U-Factor or U-Value

The U-Factor (or U-Value as it’s sometimes called) refers to the amount of heat transferred through one square foot of window film for every degree difference in temperature, usually measured in Fahrenheit. More simply, the U-Factor tells you how well the window insulates, though this will depend on the season. During the winter months, heat will transfer from the inside to the outside. A lower U-Factor means that the windows offer more excellent insulation. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that the U-Factor tends to be between 0.2 to 1.20.

UV Rejection

UV rejection refers to the amount of ultraviolet light blocked by a window film. The greater the UV rejection, the more reliable the UV window film. This is particularly important, as UVA and UVB radiation have been implicated in skin cancer development.

Visible Light Reflectance (VLR)

Visible Light Reflectance (VLR) refers to the amount of visible light reflected by a window film. This is usually expressed as a percentage, where higher rates indicate that more visible light is reflected.

Reflecting visible light can reduce window glare, and it can also make it harder for potential thieves to inspect the contents of your car. However, Arizona state law requires your side windows to be no more than 35% reflective.

Visible Light Transmittance or VLT (Internal and External)

Visible Light Transmittance (VLT) refers to the amount of visible light passing through a window film. In other words, VLT refers to how dark the window is. Be aware that according to Arizona state law, your front side windows must allow more than 33% of light to pass through.

Visible Light Transmittance can also refer to light transmitted from the inside and outside of your vehicle. Internal light transmittance refers to the amount of light transferred from the inside of your car to the outside, while external light transmittance refers to the amount of light transferred from the outside of the car to the inside.  

Window Film

A window film is a thin sheet of laminate material (usually polyester but may contain additives) applied to the surface of a window. Car window films may come in various styles and materials, but the best products provide protection from UV light and prevent your car from overheating during the summer months.

Window Tint Installations at Auto Cosmetics

If the terms you hear when researching window tint still sounds like a foreign language, you can always trust a native speaker. At Auto Cosmetics, we specialize in high-quality window tints, including those made by XPEL. These innovative products offer first-rate performance, and the Skin Cancer Foundation has even endorsed XPEL. All XPEL window tints are backed by a lifetime warranty, the only product in the industry.

When you’re ready to improve the look and functionality of your car window tint, contact the team at Auto Cosmetics. We’re proud to offer the best products on the market, as well as the best service in the area. Contact us today, and we provide your car or truck with the comfort and quality that comes with window tint installation.