Window tinting refers to a process which converts plain glass into opaque or color glass by bleaching or chemically modifying the glass. The original plain glass is usually oxidized to prevent corrosion and protects against breakage. In the production of window films, two or more colored glass pieces are melted and poured into a mold. Various types of chemical compounds are added to produce different colors. Once the glass is formed into the desired shapes and sizes, it is inserted into molds and baked until it becomes opaque or colorless.
It is possible to obtain window tinting products at home rather than going to a dealer who specializes in this product. For instance, aluminum window films can be made by applying thin layers of clear plastic film over glass which has been already formed into a shape. Some people prefer this method because it is simpler and quicker than making large quantities of customized window films. A wide range of colors and textures are available from local retailers; however, online suppliers offer a wider selection. Aluminum window films can be made into any shape and they can be applied to glass, which is not easily broken.
Another common type of window tinting is the installation of window films on the backside of vehicles. Usually, this type of tinting is applied to the driver’s windows. Vehicle windows have glass panels, which are made of a substrate which has been painted with an adhesive solution. When the window is tinted, the glue between the substrate and the tinted glass is weakened and will eventually detach.
Black dots are another popular method of window tinting. Black dots resemble small black specks when viewed through the viewfinder. To apply the black dots, a cloth lens which has been moistened with window film adhesive will work better than a brush as it allows better penetration into the substrate. Another advantage is that black dots are invisible against the clear glass. Some experts advocate using a black dot projector for window tinting as the exposure to ultraviolet light, which is emitted by sunlight, is less compared to other methods.
High-performance window tinting includes high-gloss, low-emissive or even no-emissive films. Some of these types include solar heat gain films, which are usually coated with argon, carbon or titanium, and anti-ultraviolet (UV) film. The solar heat gain film is usually applied to rear window sections, as these areas are most prone to heat transfer. However, some experts recommend applying the film to the front windows only, because it can create sun deflection problems.
Many auto glass shops also offer vinyl films for window tinting. These films are usually applied to windows using a pin applicator or with a universal stick. The advantage of using a stick is that it leaves no permanent mark on the tinted glass and is very easy to remove if necessary. Auto glass shops usually provide a complete line of tinted glass products for every vehicle model.