Window Tinting Basics

Looking at the posts with the "Window Tinting" key words, it as astonishing to see the lack of understanding and basic knowledge about the tints.

It is really quite simple. Like most things in life, there is good and bad.

Here is the rundown:

The cheapest and least effective film is dyed. Very low heat rejection, often turns purple within a short time. Mainly sold in DIY shops and cheap tint shops.

Then you have the metallised film. Much better performance and colour stability. This type of film is used most often by the professional tinters. Can be reflective or non-reflective.

And then there are the high performance films, such as the ceramics. These films are more expensive, but offer much better performances again. Just beware of people selling you a brand, rather than tried and tested products. In the states, look for NFRC rated films.  Unfortunately, New Zealand does not recognise this rating system so far, but nevertheless, it is a good benchmark.

Here is a link to a site to explain it in detail.

Do they work?

Yes, they do. Apart from the dyed films, your window films make a big difference to the heat coming in, they block the UV very effectively giving you good fade protection and will generally last for a long time. Does film make the home colder in winter? No it does not. Does it make it warmer? Not really, and anybody saying otherwise needs to be questioned a bit more.

You have to decide what you want from the tinting. The more benefits you want, such as optical clarity or pleasant outlook, the more your tinter is getting charged for the film. So don't expect the best for a bargain basement price. If you do, something is not right and you may have been duped.

And something else: If you want a cash job, you pay less but have no warranty! The money goes straight into the dealer's back pocket and he will not know you, the moment after he's paid.

Here, we use Johnson Window Films as main supplier, with some others where required. Having been around the industry for a while, we have seen how some other manufacturers are going through some massive warranty claims. Luckily, the distributors are looking after their customers, but it is a hassle to remove faulty film and nobody really likes taking it off.

As someone in the industry recently commented to me, they are replacing the film, but have they changed the product? Or is it going to happen again?