What’s the Difference Between Ceramic Window Tint and Traditional Tint?

When it comes to window tint, there are several options on the market which are manufactured using different processes. Therefore, each of these have separate properties and performance levels. The main types of window film are dyed, metal, carbon, and ceramic. The latter two are considered the higher end of tinting options. Carbon is more common, but ceramic is a newer technology making inroads in the market. What are some features that set them apart?

How They Are Made

Neither carbon nor ceramic tint contain any dyes, so their anti-fading properties are very good. Carbon films are made with multiple sheets of materials glued together, each playing a role in providing the sun protection, structure or durability components. Ceramic tint is made by imbedding nano-ceramic particles into the film. Being microscopically small, they do not reduce visibility yet add an additional level of overall functioning.

Their Performance Capabilities

Both carbon and ceramic films do not interfere with mobile phone and GPS signals. Each of them provide a clear, non-metallic finish. However, while both films perform better in all areas than their dyed and metallic counterparts, ceramic tint has proven to outperform carbon in several areas:

• UV protection – It is capable of filtering out 99% of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that come from the sun. These are known to contribute to several negative health effects including skin damage and certain skin cancers.
• Infrared blocking – This is the spectrum of light that humans perceive as heat. Ceramic films reject 90% of these rays.
• Durability – Being constructed with high-strength ceramic means that it is highly resistant to scratches, tears and other surface damage. It also makes the window it is affixed to virtually shatter-proof, so if the glass were to break the film would hold the shards safely in place.

Carbon and ceramic films both provide excellent tinting performance. As you evaluate your project and compare costs, it is beneficial to understand the differences in these types of products.