How exactly does Window tint work?

When you see window tint installed on someone’s car, sometimes you must wonder how window tint works. Window tinting works by using a specific type of polyester film with a scratch-resistant coating. This film allows some types of light rays to pass through while absorbing or reflecting others. In the most basic sense, window tinting refers to the process of applying a thin laminate film to your car’s glass.

The reasons people choose to tint the windows of their vehicle may vary. These generally include security or privacy, reducing solar gain (interior heat), and protection from UV rays (UV A and UV B rays), responsible for causing skin cancer.

Of course, there are purely aesthetic reasons for applying car window film as well. It doesn’t hurt that the tinted car windows look cool, like celeb-style sunglasses for your car.

Also, keep in mind that, unlike sunglasses that impair your ability to drive at night because of dark lenses, glare, and reduced visibility, automotive window tinting film reduces glare and does not impede nighttime driving.

Minnesota Window Tint Laws also state that your window tint must allow 50% light into the vehicle to comply with the law.

Another significant misconception people have about window tint is that it is bonded to the outer surface of your vehicle’s glass. But, in fact, the window tint film is always applied on the inner surface, protecting the film from outside influences like flying debris.

Below we’ll describe how tint works and how you may benefit from window tinting – read on to know more.

The Science Behind How Window Tint Works

Although there are different types of films, all of them work on the following basic principles:

• Reflection
• Absorption
• Radiation
• Transmittance

The primary objective of the window films is to reflect the major portion of the harmful visible and ultraviolet rays, with what is known as the ‘sputter coating’ (a coating of metal particles), which affects the amount of light that’s rejected by the tint. If there is more sputter applied, more light gets rejected when.

During the winter, car window tints also aim to provide heat. The heat from the sun radiates through the film and keeps it from escaping. This is how tint works to improve thermal control in your vehicle, giving you the benefit of a warmer and more comfortable temperature while driving in cold temperatures.

Another absorption function of window tints comes when a percentage of sunlight is absorbed and not transmitted inside the vehicle. This reduces the visible light and reduces the glare emanating from the sun, other cars, and glass buildings.

Depending on the amount of metal and dyes within the window film, and its utilization, window tint can block different levels of visible light. There are different configurations which vary by the percentage of visible light allowed.

VLT (Visible Light Transmission) is a measurement of the amount of visible light waves that transmit through a material. Measured as a percentage, VLT values for vision glazing and typically range between 40-70%. This percentage tells you how much visible light can shine into your car and also indirectly how dark the tint looks.

Once tinting film is applied, the characteristics of how visible light comes into your car change. Standard auto glass without tint reflects about 5% of visible light (or VLR%), absorbs another 5% (or VLA%), and transmits 90% of visible light (known as VLT%) into the car.

These percentages can change dramatically, depending on the type and quality of the tinting film applied. Some tints are more reflective, while others absorb more light. At Bravo Protection Products, we only use Window Films from XPEL. Tinting products from XPEL are perfect for absorbing light and keeping your vehicle’s temperature colder during summer and warmer during winters, always making your drive comfortable.

Why do you need your Window tint to Work?

Window tinting has many benefits, more than you probably realize. For people living in hot sunny climates, window tints are vital for comfort and safety as they efficiently block out the sun’s harmful rays and prevent extreme internal heat.

Window tints are like sunglasses for your car and even your home and office. Glare, heat, and sunburn are three annoyances solved by tinting your windows. Apart from protecting your eyes from the sun, it also blocks nearly all damaging ultraviolet rays, which can harm your car’s interior, and most importantly, your skin. Plus, it keeps the cabin slightly cooler.

Let’s have a look at some reasons for window tinting:

• Privacy

No matter if you’re in your car or your home, you always deserve privacy. Without window tinting, though, anyone can look through your windows. While this isn’t a massive issue for some, privacy is still important for the utmost comfort. Whether you’re trying to deter thieves or headbanging to your favorite songs, Window Tinting is an excellent investment for those who want privacy.

• Sun Protection

If you reside in a hot climate or high-elevation area, you may notice many cars and buildings have window tint. While privacy is an added benefit, people most likely opt for window tint due to the copious amount of sunlight in their area.

Tinted Windows can easily block UV rays from entering your car or property. Tints help prevent glare, sunburn, and excessive heat. In the long term, prevention from sunburn will decrease the odds of skin cancer.

• Prevents Shattering

Yet another perk of window tinting is glass shatter prevention. Window tints help hold your window glass together to prevent them from breaking in a car accident or natural disaster. This benefit helps protect your safety and the well-being of your car or home.

• Reduced Glare

Glare reduction helps drivers the most, especially at night. The most common culprit of nighttime glare is oncoming headlights. Bur your window tint will help prevent eye strain & glare issues and help avoid potential road accidents caused by headlight glare.

Now we know how Tint Works, let’s see if it’s for you

Now that you know “How Tint Works” & Window Tinting’s benefits, you must be looking for a window tinting specialist. Contact Bravo Protection Products today because you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the absolute best to protect your vehicle. For example,  truck, SUVs, boats, RV’s, home, or business.

If you live in Minneapolis, St Paul, or surrounding suburbs, call us today to set up an appointment. Get professional window tint installation using only the world-class products from XPEL. To find out more about them and our installation services, you can visit us at www.bravoprotectionmn.com, or call us at : (952) 476-7025.