101 Window Tinting Terms Explained

Window tint changes the interior of your vehicle dramatically. It can also be used in residential and commercial buildings. Before choosing the type of window tint to use, you should take you time to know more these magical films.

Here are terms used in the window tinting industry explained:


window tinting terms

Visible Light Transmittance
Also known as VLT, the Visible Light Transmittance refers to the amount of light that pass through a window. If a tint film’s VLT is low, it means you will less light inside your car. For example, 50% will allow 50% light to pass through the window and block 50%. It is easy to identify low VLT films because they come with more tinted films.


Internal Visible Light Transmittance
VLT or Visible Light Transmission is the percentage of light that can pass through a window from the interior of a car or building.


External Visible Light Transmission
It is also referred to as VLT, but it’s the percentage of light that can pass into a can through a tinted window from an outside source.


Visible Light Reflectance
This is one of the hardest terms for car and home owners. Most people do not even know how to consider it before buying window films. However, Visible Light Reflectance simply refers to the amount of light reflected by either the window glass or tint film. If your window has a higher VLR percentage, it means more light will be reflected. It is used control the effectiveness of a window fil to prevent glare.

U-Value
Also referred to as U-Factor, it is about the ability of your film to transfer heat from the outside and inside of house. It is usually measured per square foot foe each Fahrenheit degree temperature change. The temperature surround the field determines its U-Value. However, a window film with low U-values requires less energy to keep the interior of house or vehicle cool.

 

Shading Coefficient
This is the ratio of amount of solar heat that can penetrate a window film and the amount of heat that can pass through a non-tinted window. The lower the ration value the stronger the tint’s shading capabilities.

 

Metalized Tint
Just like the term suggests, this film has embedded particles of metal. It has a number of layers that combine to keep the sun rays away from your car or home’s interior. They also come in different colors and other features to meet consumer needs and preferences.

 

Sputtering
Sputtering creates a solid window tint that block the sunlight effectively while giving your windows enhancing the appearance of your windows. This vapor deposition vapors bonds with metal particles such as gold, chromium, copper and silver and make a fine film layer.

 

Dyed Tint
Dyed window film has an adhesive bottom layer, a dyed middle layer and the top coating is made of polyester. The bottom layer sticks to the window glass and the top layer blocks the sun.

Hybrid Tint
Hybrid tent is a combination of a metalized and dyed or polyester layer. The polyester later blocks the light and the metallic later gives your windows a sleek dark appearance. It comes with the benefits of dyed films and meta tint giving your superior protection against harm sun rays.


Ceramic Tint
Ceramic tint reflects a high amount of ultraviolet rays and absorb light. It is made of ceramic molecules and contains no metals. It provides solar protection while giving you maximum visibility.


Total Solar Energy Rejected
Also known as TSER, it refers to the ability of a window tint film to block the UV, visible light and infrared radiation. The higher the TSER value, the higher the ability of a film to block solar energy.


Attachment systems
Attachment systems should bind the film on the window glass tightly and create a smooth single piece without any weak points. It determines how long your tint film can last.


Curing Time
After installing your window tint film, you have to give it enough time to cure. This allows the adhesive to bond and any solutions used to evaporate. It can take about three days to cure. For best results do not tamper with film during curing time.


Knowing the different terms used in the window tinting industry can help you make a good decision when buying one. You can also talk to an expert like Springstint.com for more information regarding these essential car accessory pieces.

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