Tinting commercial building windows or the windows on your car has several benefits. However, not all window tints are created equally. Before deciding the type of window tint you want on your property, it's important to understand the differences between each shade. The two most popular window tints on the market today are ceramic and regular tint. By understanding how ceramic tint differs from regular tint, you can better decide the window tint that best suits your goals and needs. So, which is better for you: ceramic tint vs regular tint; let's dive in!
What is Ceramic Tint?
This is a type of window tint made of tiny ceramic pieces. Like regular tints, ceramic window tints are made from laminate-based sheets or polyester. They also come in a variety of colors and shades. However, the major difference between regular and ceramic tint is that ceramic tint is coated with ceramic particles once manufacturing is complete.
Like regular tints, ceramic tints also add privacy and block visible sunlight. However, the ceramic coating on the tint effectively blocks harmful UV glare, rays, and heat. This aspect helps to improve your window's performance drastically.
Pros of Ceramic Tint
85% heat reduction
It can reject sun glare, heat, and UV rays
Structural stability
99% UV protection
Durability
Cons of Ceramic Tint
It is pretty expensive
What is Regular Tint?
Regular window tint is one of the most common types of tint. Regular tint sheets are made from either polyester or another laminate material. Depending on the window tinting levels, these materials can be dyed in different shades – from light to very dark.
The most common shade regular window tint has is black. But, you can also access other shades and colors, such as brown and gray. The primary purpose of regular window tint is to add privacy to businesses, homes, and vehicles. It is also used to block sunlight; however, it doesn't reduce the amount of glare and heat entering a room.
Pros of Regular Tint
It is affordable
It blocks light rays and absorbs some heat
This tint is ideal for people who want some privacy but aren't completely concerned about infrared light rejection or UV light.
Cons of Regular Tint
Discolors and fades over time
It has a low heat reduction ability
Its infrared light and ultraviolet rejection aren't that high
It can be damaged easily
Now that you understand each of the two types of tint let's look at the differences.
Differences Between Ceramic Tint vs. Regular Tint
Some of the differences between ceramic window tint vs. regular tint include:
Material
As mentioned, both regular and ceramic tints are made using polyester or laminate-based sheets. However, what separates the two types of tints is the ceramic-coated particles that are added to the ceramic tint at the end of the manufacturing process.
Functionality
While both regular and ceramic tints provide privacy, regular tints can't block visible sunlight. The inability to reflect UV rays can cause thermal stress inside your car, home, or business, making it hotter than it would have been if your windows were tinted. Also, with the regular tint, the more heat your windows get, the easier it gets for them to break or crack due to thermal stress.
On the other hand, ceramic tints can block out UV rays, heat, and glare, thus efficiently improving your window's performance while reducing any thermal stress to the glass.
Durability
Compared to regular tint, ceramic tint is more durable. Ceramic tint's durability is attributed to its anti-scratch coating. This coating helps the ceramic tint last for a longer time. But it is important to note that the anti-scratch coating eventually breaks down. If that happens, you may have to re-tint your windows because of the scratches.
Electrical Signals Interference
The metallic component in most window tints, like regular tints, blocks WiFi, radio, Bluetooth, and mobile phone signal. On the other hand, ceramic tints don't interfere with electronic signals, thanks to the nano-ceramic technology used to create these tints.
How to Check the Differences Between Ceramic and Regular Tints During Purchase?
Now that you know the difference between ceramic tint vs. regular tint, how do you use that knowledge to purchase the tint you need? Well, here's how;
You check the type of tint you are purchasing by testing the amount of heat going through the window. You can use heat lamps for this test, as most tint shops have them. Simply place your hand on the window's other side and feel the heat. The heat you feel will help differentiate between ceramic and regular tint.
Using a solar power meter, you can also measure the amount of heat coming through the window tint. For regular tints, the meter will indicate a reading of 400+ BTU. The solar power meter will display a reading of 45 to 50
BTU for ceramic tints.
So, the lower the solar power meter reading, the less the heat coming in. This will also help give you a clear indication of the type of tint you need to purchase for your car, home, or business.
It's no secret that there is a huge difference between ceramic and regular window tint from the information above. Despite those differences, every type of tint proves beneficial to people depending on what they are looking for. So, before you dismiss one type of tint and reach for the other, always ensure you outline your needs and goals for the window tint.
It would also help if you had a window tint Louisville, KY professional advise you, which is where Sun Tint comes in. Our primary objective at Sun Tint is to partner with you on your journey to an aesthetic utopia. And with our window tinting services, you can achieve the look you desire for your home, car, business, or office without wracking your brain on the right type of window tint to use.
All you have to do is contact us. We can help you decide the right window tint to use for your window tinting project based on your needs and budget.