The Science behind how window tinting works

Window tinting utilizes a particular type of polyester-based film that allows certain types of light rays through while reflecting or absorbing others. Depending on the utilization and amount of metal and dyes within the film, different levels of visible light can be blocked, which is why tint levels are differentiated by the percentage of visible light allowed through.

A common misconception is that window tint is dark, and nighttime driving is impossible when a car is tinted. The truth is that there are films of ANY darkness that suit your preferences. Also, unlike sunglasses that do impair your ability to drive at night, tinting film is designed to reduce glare and not impede nighttime driving. State window tint laws also protect consumers against illegal tint that may put them in harm’s way during nighttime driving.

When technicians adhere this laminate film to the inside of the car’s glass window or windshield, the amount of light that passes through the window from the outside is dramatically reduced, while the amount of light that travels from the inside isn’t affected. That’s how window tinting is actually different than sunglasses: Unlike those cool Ray-Bans you wear on your face, window tinting does not impede visibility in the dark.

At the most basic level, window tinting entails the application of tinting film onto a window glass surface. Unlike popular belief, the films are not installed on the out-surface of the glass. Instead, window tint is applied on the inside. This is done to protect the tint from external sources of wear-and-tear, including flying debris and other hard objects.

It is a sheet of strong polyester laminate treated in variety of ways to improve the look and performance of existing windows. This layer makes up the bulk of tint film, with an extra thin layer made up of tinting agents like metals and dyes added to achieve the desired performance characteristics.