Ceramic Window Tint San Antonio: 3M Services
CERAMIC WINDOW FILM – A TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH
Window film technology has come a long way. The days of purple bubbling window film are virtually gone. Automotive window film in San Antonio is the number one aftermarket accessory, but there are lots of choices out there. So how do you choose the right automotive window film from the various film options available? Is Ceramic IR window film a smart choice? This page takes a detailed look at automotive window film in San Antonio and what types of films are available.
THE BEGINNING OF AUTOMOBILE WINDOW TINTING
Automotive window film first made its appearance in the 1940’s. Initially, window tinting for car windows was only available through the auto manufacturers. This made it difficult for the average consumer to enjoy the reprieve from the sun. However, it did not stop many from trying. DIY window tinting eventually cropped up. The results, though, were often dark and splotchy. DIY spray-on tinting was also difficult to apply and prone to streaking.
At around the same time that spray-on tinting became a thing, dye-based films were introduced. Dye based window film was basically vinyl with dye applied to the film or the adhesive. These films offered very low heat rejection and tended to turn purple in the sun and to bubble in intense heat.
Over time, due to the demand window film technology began to move away from 100% dye based window film. Despite the challenges that came with DIY tinting, the demand for more affordable and accessible film was there.
3M STEPS IN
In the late 1960s, 3M — a manufacturer best known for its development of Scotch Tape — finally unlocked the key to affordable and effective sun control. Its innovation involved adding metallic coatings to clear polyester film to create a sunblock that blocked a majority of the sun’s UV rays and heat. Three years later, in 1969, it introduced clear security film that was designed to hold broken shards of glass in place. This feature is still a standard of window films today. Professional installation ensures that these high-quality films perform optimally and provide maximum benefits.
STATES BEGIN TO REGULATE AUTOMOBILE TINT
Though dark tint proved to be great for privacy, it wasn’t so great for visibility. By the early 1980s, this became clear, and so states began to implement their own laws regarding to what degree automobile windows, including side windows, could be tinted. In response to this, window film manufacturers began to think of ways they could continue to block the UV rays and heat without interfering with a driver’s visibility. Eventually, one innovative manufacturer came up with a
“hybrid” film that used a combination of both metals and dyes. The metal served to reflect the sun’s rays while the dyes absorbed the heat.
The hybrid film proved to be the answer vehicle owners sought. That is, until smartphones, GPS systems and other forms of technology became ever-present. The metal in the film often interfered with electronic devices, and so manufacturers had to go back to the drawing board. What they came up with was a ceramic/dye hybrid. This combination lasts far longer than the metal/dye combination, rejects UV rays and heat better and does not interfere with electronics. It is a film that some window tinting companies still use today. While these films are often touted as “ceramic” films, they are not true ceramic films.
True ceramic films today contain no dye or metal. These types of films perform the best as they target high percentages of infrared heat, which is most of the heat that is transmitted through the glass. They also block heat from visible light depending on the shade of darkness.
The pie chart below breaks down the heat that is transmitted through glass. Near Infrared (NIS) accounts for 53% of the heat, while Visible Light (VIS) only accounts for 44%. So films that target infrared heat are more effective at keeping your car cool. Even in light shades they
outperform darker non ceramic films.
CERAMIC WINDOW FILM IN SAN ANTONIO
San Antonio is the home to some great tint shops. However, not all ceramic window film is created equally. Ceramic film is an amazing product which has a fascinating history. The San Antonio heat can be particularly harsh, making ceramic film essential for protecting vehicle interiors. Having been developed over many years, ceramic film now proves to be one of the highest quality window film products available.
3M CERAMIC WINDOW FILM
As the original patent holder in the window film industry, 3M continues to lead the way with innovative products like 3M Crystalline and 3M Ceramic Ir. Today, 3M is the only manufacturer that produces its own polyesters, adhesives, metals, and scratch-resistant coatings. This means that 3M can control all factors of quality control, allowing them to provide their customers with the best quality window films backed by a comprehensive warranty with a company you can trust.
CERAMIC CAR TINT IN SAN ANTONIO
Ceramic car window tint is generally considered the highest quality option available, offering exceptional heat reduction along with a range of other benefits that make it superior to other types of tint:
Ceramic car tint utilizes non-metallic, microscopic ceramic particles that can block a significant amount of solar heat, infrared radiation, and ultraviolet rays. This translates to a cooler car interior, especially in hot climates, and reduces the strain on your vehicle’s air conditioning system.
Ceramic car tint effectively blocks a very high percentage of harmful UV rays, often up to 99%. This helps protect your skin from sun damage and prevents the interior of your car from fading and cracking over time.
Unlike some metallic window tints, ceramic car tint does not interfere with electronic signals such as cell phone reception, GPS, or radio waves.
Ceramic car tint is known for its exceptional durability and resistance to scratches and fading. It tends to last longer than other types of tint, maintaining its appearance and performance over time.
High-quality ceramic tints offer excellent optical clarity, minimizing glare and reflections without distorting your view of the road.
Ceramic car tint can significantly reduce glare from the sun and headlights, making driving more comfortable and safer.
Ceramic car tint is available in a variety of shades to suit your preferences while enhancing the appearance of your vehicle.
While ceramic tint is generally more expensive than other options, its superior performance, durability, and long-term benefits often make it a worthwhile investment.
One of the biggest benefits of ceramic car tint
Is the fact that it rejects a high percentage of infrared heat. As much as 95%!
Heat transmits through glass primarily through radiation. Here’s a breakdown:
Heat can also travel through glass in the form of electromagnetic radiation, primarily in the infrared range. Warmer objects emit more infrared radiation. This radiation can pass through the glass and be absorbed by objects or surfaces on the other side, causing them to warm up. This is why you can feel the warmth of the sun through a glass window, even though the air inside your car might be cooler.
In summary, ceramic car window tint stands out due to its superior heat rejection, UV protection, signal clarity, durability, and overall performance, making it the top choice for those seeking the best window tinting solution for their vehicles.
DON’T BE FOOLED!
Did you know that not all window film companies manufacture their own window film? You might be shocked to know that some companies simply re-box window film under their own brand name. In other words, with some companies you might be paying a premium for a generic window film that is manufactured for a variety of companies. These films may not be
subject to the same strict testing and quality control as a company which manufactures its own window film. It’s important that you purchase window film from a reputable manufacturer that will stand behind their product. Always make sure that you get a written warranty from the manufacturer that clearly states the film installed and the warranty period.
EXPERT CERAMIC WINDOW FILM
INSTALLATION IN SAN ANTONIO
Purchasing the right film is important, but an expert installation is just as important. 3M Ceramic window film is a fantastic product, and requires a highly trained technician to expertly install it. Picking the right 3M ceramic film window film dealer in San Antonio is critical. Ensuring a seamless installation is essential for customer satisfaction and a smooth experience during the installation process.
Some things to look for when choosing a 3M window film dealer in San Antonio
Customer Reviews – Review sites like Google Reviews, BBB, Facebook can be a great way to see what other customers are saying about the window film dealer. Many customers express that they had such a great experience with the dealer, praising their exceptional customer service and attention to detail. Sites like YELP actually filter out reviews and tend to feature businesses that pay to advertise with them, so it’s important that the reviews are real and not just featured advertisers.
Years Established – Be sure that the 3M dealer that you choose has been in business for a long time. Experience and knowledge of the window business is an important indicator of a company that can most likely provide you with an expert installation.
Manufacturer Certifications – It is a great sign when the 3M shop you choose has certified installers performing your installation. 3M certified installers have passed rigorous training and have attained a high level of expertise to be certified by 3M. These installers are experts at installing 3M ceramic window film and the shops that employ these certified installers have invested in their training and expertise.
Consider Getting 3M Ceramic Film Installed
It is obvious that there are some great benefits that 3M ceramic film offers. Ceramic film doesn’t fade over time, so it is incredibly durable. Ceramic film is also glare resistant. Additionally, it provides excellent paint protection, safeguarding your vehicle’s exterior from scratches and chips. This is because it actually absorbs light rays and therefore cancels out a fair amount of reflection and glare.
To get the most benefit out of ceramic film, make sure that you get it installed by a professional who is 3M certified. At Fletch Window Tint, our installers are 3M certified and highly skilled to provide you with a great installation.
