Window Tint FAQ
Common Window Tint Questions and Answers... from a window tinter of 17 years.
Q - Does window film affect cell phone and/or radio reception?
A - Metallized or Sputtered Metal (Hybrid) window films can affect cell phone reception. Typically the extent of which it affects reception is not extremely noticeable, but if you are concerned you may want to avoid metal films. The reflective appearing films are typically fully metallized films, though sputtered metal films can be hard to tell apart from non-metal films. They will typically have a slightly higher reflectivity. Radio reception depends on where your antenna is mounted. AM antennas are commonly integrated in the rear window defrosters and therefore are affected by metal window films. FM antennas integrated in the same manner would also be affected, though the majority are mounted outside the vehicle.
What metal films offer in comparison to dyed films are increased heat rejection and better longevity, especially when it comes to fading. Full metal films will never fade. However, there are some non-metal films that are just as efficient in both categories. On the cheaper side, there are extruded films; like Madico Charcoal & Charcool, which don't have the high heat rejection (though charcool comes pretty close), but are very good quality and long lasting films. If you don't mind spending money for a high quality film, go for ceramic. Ceramic films (like Huper Optik) provide even more heat rejection than metal films and will likely last as long also.
Q - How do I know which film was applied to my vehicle?
A - Be careful when purchasing expensive window films. I've worked for shady window tint shops who tell customers they are applying a high performance or ceramic film, then use a cheaper film and rip off the customer. Make sure that you receive a warranty card, ask to see a sample of the film, and look for a manufacturer marking...
Below - 3m logo on 3m crystalline window film. Sometimes the marking will be on the film liner, which is disposed of when the installation is performed. Crystalline's logo is on the actual film and must be cleaned off with alcohol. Ask the shop not to clean off the logos, if applicable, to ensure that they are applying the film that you paid for...
These markings are typical of really high performance films like Huper Optik and Crystalline. Medium of the road films, like Llumar ATR, will not have a marking on the film or liner. However, you can ask to see the roll that they are using and look inside of the roll to find out the specifics. It should say the brand, film type, VLT (shade), and lot number (the larger roll that this roll was cut from when manufactured).
More expensive films are typically thicker, though that is not always the case. Wincos is a thin film that is expensive. However, I would suggest staying away from Wincos and spending that amount of money on a ceramic film like Huper Optik. Wincos has a somewhat strange looking hue, doesn't install very easily, which can lead to ghosting where the film was heated, and I question the accuracy of their heat rejection claims... (They seem to prefer marketing their infrared rejection, where most films are gauged based on their total solar energy reduction.. The different terms confuse consumers and makes Wincos numbers appear higher than they really are...
to be continued
Q - Does window film affect cell phone and/or radio reception?
A - Metallized or Sputtered Metal (Hybrid) window films can affect cell phone reception. Typically the extent of which it affects reception is not extremely noticeable, but if you are concerned you may want to avoid metal films. The reflective appearing films are typically fully metallized films, though sputtered metal films can be hard to tell apart from non-metal films. They will typically have a slightly higher reflectivity. Radio reception depends on where your antenna is mounted. AM antennas are commonly integrated in the rear window defrosters and therefore are affected by metal window films. FM antennas integrated in the same manner would also be affected, though the majority are mounted outside the vehicle.
What metal films offer in comparison to dyed films are increased heat rejection and better longevity, especially when it comes to fading. Full metal films will never fade. However, there are some non-metal films that are just as efficient in both categories. On the cheaper side, there are extruded films; like Madico Charcoal & Charcool, which don't have the high heat rejection (though charcool comes pretty close), but are very good quality and long lasting films. If you don't mind spending money for a high quality film, go for ceramic. Ceramic films (like Huper Optik) provide even more heat rejection than metal films and will likely last as long also.
Q - How do I know which film was applied to my vehicle?
A - Be careful when purchasing expensive window films. I've worked for shady window tint shops who tell customers they are applying a high performance or ceramic film, then use a cheaper film and rip off the customer. Make sure that you receive a warranty card, ask to see a sample of the film, and look for a manufacturer marking...
Below - 3m logo on 3m crystalline window film. Sometimes the marking will be on the film liner, which is disposed of when the installation is performed. Crystalline's logo is on the actual film and must be cleaned off with alcohol. Ask the shop not to clean off the logos, if applicable, to ensure that they are applying the film that you paid for...
These markings are typical of really high performance films like Huper Optik and Crystalline. Medium of the road films, like Llumar ATR, will not have a marking on the film or liner. However, you can ask to see the roll that they are using and look inside of the roll to find out the specifics. It should say the brand, film type, VLT (shade), and lot number (the larger roll that this roll was cut from when manufactured).
More expensive films are typically thicker, though that is not always the case. Wincos is a thin film that is expensive. However, I would suggest staying away from Wincos and spending that amount of money on a ceramic film like Huper Optik. Wincos has a somewhat strange looking hue, doesn't install very easily, which can lead to ghosting where the film was heated, and I question the accuracy of their heat rejection claims... (They seem to prefer marketing their infrared rejection, where most films are gauged based on their total solar energy reduction.. The different terms confuse consumers and makes Wincos numbers appear higher than they really are...
to be continued