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  • Team SRWT

How is Flat Glass Tint Different from Automotive Tint?

As the name suggests, flat glass tint is applied to flat glass. Automotive/window tint can be applied to the interior or exterior of glass surfaces. Automotive tints are specifically designed to help reduce heat buildup and glare to prevent cars from overheating.


Car Window Tint vs. Flat Glass Tint


Automotive tint is regulated in most U.S. states. To maintain safety on the roads, most state governments restrict the percentage of light automotive tints can block.


If a window tint blocks out too much light, the driver might struggle to see people and vehicles on the road and may ram into the vehicle ahead of them. Flat glass tint, or architectural tints as they’re sometimes called, can be much darker or reflective than automotive tints.


Auto tints are designed to absorb heat (cooling occurs when a cool breeze brushes against the car), while flat glass tints reflect heat. This is achieved through the use of metallic compounds.


When performed by an expert, flat glass window tinting in Marin County can help manage glare in your home, but using flat glass tint on car windows is a bad idea. The reason? The composition of flat glass tint and automotive tint is quite different.


Metallic compounds used in flat glass tints can interfere with automotive electronics such as satellite radio and GPS. Automotive tint is specifically designed to minimize interference with a car’s electronic system.


Automotive tints shrink when applied to curved glasses. They contain a special glue that adheres to the glass providing a wrinkle-free smooth finish, regardless of the curvature of the surface. Flat glass tint, on the other hand, does not shrink. Reasons to Have Your Car Window Tinted


  • Window tints block harmful UV rays: Too much radiation from the sun can damage our DNA, causing cancer. Overexposure to UV rays has been associated with premature aging. Quality window tints block more than 99% of sun’s harmful UV rays

  • Help with solar heat rejection: Depending on their type and grade, automotive tints can block anywhere between 35 and 65% of the solar heat that builds up in car, eliminating the need for cranking up air conditioning

  • Keeps car upholstery from fading: Constant exposure to harsh UV rays can cause your upholstery and leather and vinyl to fade over time. While a windshield sun protector offers temporary protection against sun damage, a quality automotive tint blocks out UV rays 24/7. An automotive tint protects interior from cracking and warping to keep the car looking new for years

  • Enhanced privacy and security: A quality window tint makes it difficult for passersby to see who’s sitting inside the vehicle and its contents


Santa Rosa Window Tint offers top of the line window tinting services. We use tried and tested methods to ensure window tint adheres properly. Santa Rosa Window Tint serve Marin, and the surrounding counties ensuring our clients experience all the benefits of tinting. To make an appointment, call (707)879-8468.

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