Types of tint film for cars: differences and characteristics
Content
Stickers can protect from the sun and sun glare, keep the interior from heating up quickly in hot weather, and make visibility through windows more comfortable. They give protection against vandals, increase the strength of the glass by several microns and allow water to drain faster from the surface.
Despite the prohibitions in the traffic rules, there are no fewer fans of tinting in Russia. After all, you can darken the rear windows, which is permitted by law, or choose a material that is suitable according to GOST for the front windows. But to choose, you need to know the types of tint film for cars and their properties.
Types of films for tinting according to the materials used
Car tinting film is made from a variety of materials. They differ in durability, design and other characteristics. Some products are easy to use, while others are difficult to work with.
Window tint films are available for any car. The brand of the car does not play any role for the choice. But some of them can be glued not only on glass, but also on the body. There are types of tint films for cars, designed only for the rear or for the front windows.
Metallized film
Metallized films for tinting car windows have a layer of metal deposited on a polymer. It can be sprayed both from the outside and from the inside of the product. The main difference is the ability to reflect sunlight. This makes driving in hot weather comfortable.
Infiniti film
Auto window tinting films of this type have a metallic layer on the outside. Compared to conventional metallic, they can be coated with different alloys or combinations. This type of coating provides better visibility from the inside of the car.
Film "Chameleon"
Types of film for tinting cars "Chameleon" are athermal. They are produced by many European, American and Asian brands. They have a purple hue that shimmers with different colors. These stickers provide reliable protection from the sun and provide good visibility through the windshield in sunny weather.
It is worth knowing that there is a difference in the percentage of light transmission depending on the lighting and the place where the measurements are taken. When meeting with traffic police officers, problems are sometimes possible. Therefore, such stickers are used with caution.
Carbon
Car tinting film "Carbon" can be used both for windows and for the body or interior. There are materials of different thickness, design and purpose. They are modern and resemble "metallic" in properties, but are devoid of its shortcomings. The cover will last more than one year. It does not create glare in the sun and does not fade.
Types of films by light transmission
There are various types of films for tinting car windows in terms of light transmission. According to the current legislation, it is necessary that for each type of window it has a certain transparency. Otherwise, the driver faces a fine for too much dimming.
Therefore, the thickness of the sticker in microns and how much light it transmits as a percentage is important. According to the current GOST, the windshield must transmit at least 75% of the light, the front side windows - from 70%. For rear windows, there are no requirements for this criterion. Specular darkening of any glass elements is prohibited. The penalty for incorrect tinting in 2020 is a fine of 1000 rubles.
5 percent
The 5% tint film for cars is the darkest. They let in very little light and create a strong darkening. Therefore, they can only be used from behind.
15 percent
Such materials have a slightly greater light transmission than the previous ones. They are available from many famous brands. But they can also be applied to the rear windows of cars.
25 percent
Coatings with this rating are acceptable at the rear of the machine. They do not give a strong blackout and give a light toning. UV protection is usually average.
50 percent
Drivers sometimes try to stick similar types of tint film for cars on the front windows. But despite their fairly strong light transmission ability, it is illegal. They are suitable for rear glass parts. They often give a decorative effect and allow rainwater to drain faster from the surface. But there are also athermal.
75 percent
Products with these characteristics can be used in front. Often they have an athermal effect and keep cool in the cabin. They give a slight change in the shade of the surface, overflows. When applied to the windshield and side front glass elements, the light transmission values must be measured. Indeed, for some cars, such a coating of the front glazing is also unacceptable.
Functions of films for tinting
Film tinting is a convenient and inexpensive type of car tuning. It is available to every car owner. But at the same time, such materials have other useful functions.
Stickers can protect from the sun and sun glare, keep the interior from heating up quickly in hot weather, and make visibility through windows more comfortable. They give protection against vandals, increase the strength of the glass by several microns and allow water to drain faster from the surface.
Decorative
Motorists often choose tinting because of its decorative qualities. It quickly changes the look of the vehicle. Tinting helps to give the glass the desired shade and design.
Through the tinted glass element, it is worse to see what is happening in the cabin. A car with these stickers looks stylish. The method allows you to give the car a more expensive look.
impact resistant
There are film products that increase the strength of glass upon impact. Most often they are armored. The coating makes the window less vulnerable to mechanical stress. And with a strong blow, if the glass breaks, then its fragments do not scatter around the cabin and the road. They are held in place by adhesive material.
Sun protection
Most films prevent strong penetration of the sun's rays into the interior. And athermal ones do not allow him to overheat in the heat. Decals help increase visibility through windows and eliminate the harsh glare of the sun and light. They save the interior of the car from burnout and damage to plastic elements in hot weather.
Types of films for tinting according to the method of application
There are various types of tint film for cars according to the application method. Some of them are popular, while others are almost outdated. There are also newfangled techniques that are still unknown to most motorists.
This criterion is also important when buying coverage. After all, some of them are removed simply, while others cannot be removed. There are products that, after removal, can be installed again. There are both cheap materials, and expensive or rare.
Removable films
Any film tinting is removable. The material is easy to remove with simple improvised means. It does not leave any traces behind and does not harm the glass surface. This method is cheap and popular. The most famous manufacturers of such coatings are LLUMAR, SunTek, Solar-Guard. Products can always be selected according to the ratio of quality and cost, as well as durability and desired properties. They are applied both with their own hands and in car services.
There are also special removable stickers. They can be quickly glued with your own hands thanks to a silicone or adhesive base. There are also frame and rigid. Removing such an accessory is also easy. Then it can be used again. It is in demand among lovers of tinted front windows, as it allows you to quickly get rid of the blackout when stopped by a traffic inspector. Therefore, it must be remembered that strong tinting in the front is prohibited. And you need to buy only proven dimmers that have good reviews. There are many dishonest sellers and manufacturers on the market. Their product is a waste of money.
Spraying
Spraying is a surface treatment with a metallized chemical composition. The process is carried out strictly in a vacuum chamber. Chemistry can greatly darken glass and create a mirror effect. It is durable and sticks to glass forever. It is impossible to apply such a composition without professional equipment.
Electronic coating
These are technologies that require a professional approach when installed on a car. They can work both automatically when sunlight hits the car window, or turn on at the request of the owner with a button. The method has appeared recently. It instantly changes the transparency and hue of the surface.
Buying and installing new items is an expensive pleasure. In Russia, it can cost about 300 thousand rubles. Therefore, even the owners of premium supercars almost never buy it. And in the world, the method has not yet become widespread.
Window tint film makes driving more comfortable. But it must be applied carefully. Before use, be sure to measure the light transmission index so as not to have problems when the car is stopped by a traffic police officer.