Automotive tint is a popular add-on that can enhance aesthetics and functionality. Many modern-day vehicles include “privacy glass“ on the rear windows that appear to have a tint. Unfortunately, privacy glass doesn’t offer the same protection as high-quality window tint.
Yes, it’s possible to add window tint to privacy glass. The best tints for privacy glass are carbon and ceramic. Carbon falls shortly behind ceramic in terms of quality. Ceramics offers the most UV protection, heat reduction, and durability, but it’s the most expensive option.
There’s a lot to learn and consider when adding window tint to your vehicle. Luckily, we cover everything you need to know in the article below. Read on for more information.
Can You Add Tint to Privacy Glass?
The rear windows of many new vehicles have “factory tinted“ or “privacy“ glass. Factory-tinted glass provides a lovely, dark hue that offers several benefits, like UV protection and privacy.
It’s possible to add tint to privacy glass through high-quality window film, a thin layer of material used to laminate and insulate a piece of glass.
Ceramic-based window films can be applied to factory-tinted windows to give them the same level of protection as traditional tinted glass.
In addition, the thin film material offers UV radiation reduction and heat protection. Although privacy glass on its own will provide more protection than conventional glass, it needs an extra layer of film for the most benefits.
What are the Benefits of Adding Tinted Film to Privacy Glass?
Privacy glass is commonly found on the rear and sides of a car. It’s similar to tempered glass but infused with dyes or pigments that darken the window. It offers a “tint“ that can help block light and prying eyes.
Many believe privacy glass is just as powerful as film-tinted glass, but this is entirely false. Adding tinted film to privacy glass offers several benefits, like enhanced UV protection, heat reduction, increased safety, and more.
Up to 65% Heat Rejection or More
Another benefit of window films is that they can help reduce heat from infrared rays (IR). IR is emitted by the sun and penetrates the glass. Although all automotive glass has a bit of infrared protection, privacy glass does not offer more heat blocking than traditional glass.
High-quality window films can reduce infrared heat by over 90%, depending on the construction. Other options can reduce IR emissions by around 65% or more, which helps you stay cool and protected in the warmer months.
Reduced Shattering
Privacy glass is made with a simple dye or pigment. Privacy glass doesn’t include vinyl or polymer infusions in the construction. High-quality window films include these materials, which reduces the chance of shattering.
High-quality window films can help keep you and your passengers safe in the case of an accident or emergency.
Up to 99% UV Rejection
Many high-quality ceramic window films can filter 99% or more of harmful UVA and UVB rays. UV rays can cause your car’s interior to age prematurely, like the dashboard, leather trim, and various fabrics.
But the most dangerous part is that excessive exposure to UVA and UVB rays may increase the risk of skin cancers.
What’s the Best Type of Window Film for Privacy?
There are various options for automotive window tint, including dyed, metalized, hybrid, carbon, and ceramic. There is even an option for spray-on window tint.
Each option has advantages, disadvantages, and best-use cases. However, ceramic and carbon window films are the best automotive tint and offer the most protection.
Carbon
Carbon is arguably the second-best window tint for vehicles. The tint is constructed out of carbon fiber particles that do not face over time. As a result, the material is more effective at blocking UV rays than dyed or metallic options.
A very dark option like this one (on Amazon) can help with privacy and heat reduction, but obviously it’s going to make it a bit dimmer in the room it’s installed on.
Carbon tints also offer excellent insulation and can reduce the interior vehicle temperature by around 40%. Unfortunately, carbon window tints can be more expensive than other options. The durability and long life span can offset the price point, but it might not fit every owner’s budget.
Ceramic
Carbon fiber window tints lose out to ceramic options. Ceramic window tints block more than 99% of harmful UV rays. In addition, the material doesn’t contain dyes or particles, meaning it will not fade over time.
Ceramic tints don’t conduct heat, either. Instead, they provide the same level of sunlight reflection but with additional insulations. As a result, ceramic materials can reduce an internal vehicle’s temperature by around 50%.
Lastly, the ceramic layer provides an additional element of durability. These films have increased shatter reduction and provide reduced glare. But, as you might expect, ceramic tint is the most expensive option, and vehicle owners pay a premium for the highest quality.