5 Window Tinting Facts You May Not Know!

Window Tinting has an interesting history. Most think its a new technology but Tinting has been around for over 90 Years!

Whether you have taken a course, want to keep updated, or just a Window Film enthusiast like myself, here are 5 interesting facts to read on this Boxing Day that you may find interesting. 

1. Spray On Window Tinting Was a “Thing”

From around the time of World War II, all the way through until the 1960’s the only method of “at home” window tinting was a spray on window tint. Designed to emulate the window tint offered by automobile manufacturers, these aerosol solutions were a more affordable means for car owners to get that “factory tint”. The problem was, however, that these sprays were messy and didn’t begin to measure up to a professionally tinted glass. The even bigger problem was the extremely dark tint that spray tinting gave windows and the fact that spray tinting always resulted in uneven and blotchy tint!

2. 1966 Saw the Introduction of Window Tinting Film

It wasn’t until 1966 that window tinting film made its first debut and even then, the tint that was introduced had absolutely no resemblance to the window tint films we use today! It actually absorbed heat into the vehicle it was used on rather than helped to keep the vehicle cooler!

3. The First Car Window Tint Film Was a Disaster!

The first window tinting that were introduced in 1966 were dye based films. This caused more than a few problems when it began changing colour once exposed to the sun. In no time at all, window tint would turn from black to purple and it would even begin to bubble and peel off the windows! Needless to say, this type of film didn’t have a very long lifespan at all and many owners found themselves taking off what was left of the film not long after they’d put it on!

4. Car Window Tint Film Version 2.0 Was Also Dye-Based

Despite being a disaster the first time it was released, the second version of car window tinting film also dye-based. Unlike its predecessor, however, the second incarnation of car window tint film also contained metallic particles. Released in the 1990’s, car window tinting film version 2.0 was more of a success than its predecessor based solely on the fact that the metallic particles stopped so much heat from being absorbed into the vehicle. This new film actually absorbed 50% of the sun’s heat and kept cars significantly cooler!

5. Car Window Tinting Film Version 2.0 Wasn’t Perfect, Though

Although the metallic particles in the new version of car window tinting film did reduce the amount of heat that was entering the vehicle, they also sometimes caused interference with electronic signals. This meant that people were experiencing trouble with their GPS units and cell phones.