Colorado Window Tint: The Ultimate Guide

What is window tinting? 

Window tinting is the process of adding special film to car windows to reduce glare, meet state requirements for visibility, and, in most cases, enhance your car's appearance. Window tinting has been around almost as long as automobiles themselves; racers used black paint or grease on their windshields for better night vision until about 1914. 

They developed Improved films were during WWII, but it wasn't until the late 50s that they became popularized by driving enthusiasts like people who race cars, want a little privacy from nosy people, or just prefer a darker look. In 1959, Madico started manufacturing aftermarket window films and later introduced heat-rejecting glass, allowing both the front and rear side windows to be tinted.

Film Types:

​The film comes in two primary types: dyed and metallic. The dyed films are typically automotive window film, meaning the product is constructed with an emulsion that allows it to the color glass while rejecting heat and ultraviolet light.
Because there is no interference with infrared/UV rejection, dyed window film offers superior performance over metallic styles at a relatively low price point.
The second type of film is called "metallized," and the third is called "ceramic."

Metallic films block all UV energy and can reduce visible light transmission (VLT) by 70%. This film style will create a mirror-like finish on your windows and reflect more heat than it absorbs, like regular glass.
Ceramic films typically have a greater heat-rejection capability than dyed films, in addition to blocking ultraviolet light, but the cost of this category is significantly higher.

​Tinted Window films

Tinting Window films can be applied to your car's front side windows and rear side windows to achieve both a look and certain benefits.

Compared with regular glass, window film decreases interior fading and increases comfort by reducing unwanted solar heat gain through your car's glass

It also blocks 99% of harmful UV rays that cause discoloration and fading while allowing less than 10% visible light transmission (VLT), making it the best window film for cars.

Auto window tint does not affect polarized sunglasses because it does not affect linearly polarized light, only the randomly polarized visible light.
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Different colors reflect different amounts of heat and light, so the film's VLT is measured in percentages. The higher the percentage, the greater the amount of heat and light blocked from entering your car.

Auto window tinting

In the U.S., drivers have been increasingly turning toward window tinting in recent years to protect themselves from UV rays and prying eyes.

The most popular color for auto window film in Colorado is a very dark shade of black or gray, with many owners going even darker than that in an attempt to hide their belongings inside the vehicle from would-be thieves.

Another reason why consumers are choosing Colorado auto window tint film is because it helps keep vehicles cooler during hot summer months when temperatures can climb beyond 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is window film made of?

​The window film is a thin, plastic sheet with adhesive on one side and a translucent layer of material on the other. It's made up of multiple layers: reflective, adhesive, and the translucent topcoat, which has color and/or properties to block sunlight.The colors can be solid, metallic, or mirrored, depending on the need for privacy, heat rejection, or just aesthetics.

How does it work?

Window film rejects solar energy by absorbing light in the infrared spectrum while allowing visible light. The thickness varies among products, but most are 50-75 microns thick. This low-maintenance product comes pre-cut to fit your window and installs in minutes.
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One of the biggest misconceptions about window film is that it acts as a mirror and creates heat by deflecting solar energy back into the room. It couldn't be further from the truth, especially with today's modern films, which reject up to 50% of solar heat while still allowing for comfortable views.

How much window film do I need?

​Figuring out how much window film you'll need might seem complicated, but it's pretty simple. On average, most homes could benefit from having 10-20% coverage on their west-facing windows, replacing about 20 square feet of glass with tinted film.

What is the best window film for home windows?

​Not all window films are the same. Some perform better than others, depending on their purpose and construction. In short, window film can be broken down into personal or commercial use, further divided by reflective or non-reflective properties. When purchasing a product, think about your lifestyle and how you'll be using your windows.

​Colorado Window Tint offers a large range of window films and designs, and we can help you achieve the look you want. If you're interested in learning more about window tinting for your home or vehicle, give us a call today or visit us online on Colorado Window Tinting to schedule a free consultation with one of our professional representatives.