Is Ceramic Window Tint Worth the Investment? How Different Automotive Films Compare

If you're considering tinting your vehicle, you may have heard about ceramic window tint. But what actually is ceramic tint and should you be investing in it? What makes it different? Does it deliver on all the buzz or is it another gimmicky product?

Reputable ceramic window films are not gimmicks and do deliver significant benefits to consumers. However, there are some misconceptions which we will also get into.

Choosing your film will depend on why you want your vehicle tinted. To help you find the best fit, we’re breaking it down for you. 

How is Ceramic Tint Different?

Ceramic tint is a more technically designed window film, featuring the addition of microscopic ceramic particles.

When comparing the same shade, our SunTek Carbon, CIR, and Evolve films have similar hues and come in a variety of styles that won’t compromise safety or visibility.

There have been false claims that ceramic tint will appear dark one way and clear another, but this is not true. These films won’t interfere with electronic devices, either.

Ceramic tint is also not related to Ceramic Coatings, despite a similar name. Those coatings are meant to add ease of cleaning and protection to various surfaces, like paintwork or wheels.

All our SunTek films include lifetime warranty and provide similar benefits with UV protection and glare reduction.

So, what’s the difference with a ceramic tint? The main differences between a standard and ceramic film is the heat rejection and price.

A ceramic film will help with one of the main causes of interior discomfort - infrared rays.
This enhanced solar performance and infrared rejection technology reduces more heat than a standard film. This allows you options for more heat rejection without requiring a dark film.

Due to it’s advanced technology, ceramic tint is more costly to produce and therefore, more costly to purchase. However, if maximum heat reduction is your motive, then a ceramic option will absolutely be your best fit. 

Many ceramic films feature enhanced scratch resistance, thanks to a specialized coating on the top layer. Don't be swayed too much by this though, since the coating isn’t bulletproof nor impossible to scratch. In all honesty, this benefit likely appeals more to the film installer than the consumer.

The advanced heat rejection that a ceramic tint offers is the best choice if a cooler interior is your main focus. With heat blocking technology, you will feel more comfortable during time spent in your vehicle, especially on a hot summer day.

Comparing the Specs.

How much more heat does a ceramic tint block? Window tint specifications are measured in a variety of ways. You’ll usually see products listed with these specifications:

• Visible Light Transmission (VLT)
  The percentage of light let through.

• Selective Infrared Rejection (SIRR)
  A measurement of solar infrared radiation not transmitted through glass.

• Infrared Energy Rejection (IRER or IRR)
  A measurement of solar infrared radiation, including absorbed and re-radiated energy.

• Total Solar Energy Rejected (TSER)
  This combines multiple factors, indicating how much of a percentage in total solar energy (heat) the film will block.

• Ultraviolet (UV) Rejection
  Ultraviolet rejected refers to the percentage of blocked ultraviolet light. 

What specs should you focus on? It depends what you’re looking to compare.

Since we’re looking to focus on heat rejection, comparing TSER on 3 different types of tint is best. This shows us a complete range of factors, instead of a single measurement, like SIRR.

Let’s take our 3 main product lines of SunTek Tint: Carbon, CIR and EVOLVE. We’ll compare the specs on a shade of film closely matched to what a factory tint would look like. .

SunTek Carbon
• TSER: 40%

SunTek CIR
• TSER: 58%

SunTek EVOLVE
• TSER: 63%

With 63% of solar energy deflected, SunTek's EVOLVE is the most effective product when it comes to keeping you comfortable in the sun's heat.

Different Products Improve Glass in Their Own Way.

No matter the shade or series, the perks that come with any quality tint is an excellent upgrade to any ride.

In all of SunTek’s product lines, shades range from a deep black to almost completely clear. Choose a shade that suits you and receive these benefits with any option:

✔ Driving comfort from privacy, reduced glare and a cooler interior
✔ Safety by holding broken glass in place if a window was broken
✔ Theft deterrent from reduced interior visibility
✔ Enhanced style from a sleek finish
✔ Blocks 99% of UV, protecting you, your passengers and your interior

SunTek Window Films has been granted permission to use the nationally recognized Seal of Recommendation by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Known as effective broad-spectrum sun protection products, these SunTek Window Films are also recommended as part of a comprehensive skin care program. Thanks to UV blocking, they will help prevent sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.

For a more in-depth read about the benefits of any tint, click here. 

The Shades.

As mentioned above, the percentages used in tint shades represent the amount of light let through. This is why the smaller the percentage, the darker the tint.  

• 5%, also called “limo tint”, is our darkest shade of automotive tint. Most popular for rear windows and windshield eyebrows!

• 15% - 25% very closely matches existing factory tint, and is our second darkest option. You can also layer these shades on top of your factory tint for a final look close to a 5% (limo tint).

• 35% is one shade lighter than what you’d see on factory tint. 

• 50% provides a very light tint. Often used when UV rejection and glare reduction is priority, with very slight tint.

• 70% is almost clear and will give you UV rejection, glare reduction and heat reduction, without visibly changing appearance. The popularity of lighter ceramic is seen through many front windows and windshields. This is because of their ability to reduce heat/glare without having to use a dark film/impact visibility.

Just pick your perfect shade(s) and series, and receive benefits with any combination of SunTek window tint.

Aftermarket Tint vs Factory Tint.

It’s important to know that factory window tint, should your vehicle have it, does not provide the same benefits that an aftermarket tint will. 

Most (if not all) factory tint won’t block UV or reduce heat. These factory tints act as an aesthetic with slight privacy. 

A quality window tint can go over your factory smoked glass to gain the benefits of aftermarket tinting. If you don’t want to darken the glass or change the appearance, a light film is a solution to still give you those benefits.

Invest in Professional Style & Protection.

Are you ready for professional style and protection? Feel free to contact us if you'd like more information on our diverse line of SunTek window films. or if you're unsure which direction you should take.

Behind the knife and squeegee at Sindicate Auto Salon is Jagger, a Certified SunTek Installer. With 11 years of film installation experience, he holds a devotion to meticulously delivering it.

Jagger prides himself on providing reliable, professionally installed films with a flawless finish. His refined skills bring the necessary talents to mold and shape any of these films around your vehicle’s unique build.

As enthusiastic industry professionals, we promise to provide you and your vehicle the highest quality, every time. 

We’re ready to help you upgrade your glass!