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You’ve heard of window film or window tint, but what exactly is ceramic window film? And why does it matter? We’ll tackle these questions and get you an understanding of the benefits and superior attributes of ceramic window film!
Let’s start with a baseline: what is window film in general? Window film – sometimes called window tint – is a high-technology product made to enhance glass performance. Film is constructed from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) a common type of polyester used widely in clothing, packaging materials, and other films including video, photographic, and x-ray. The polyester is treated with a component (dye, metal, pigment, or ceramic) and applied to the inside of a building’s window to selectively filter the UV, infrared, and visible wavelengths that enter a building (or automobile).
There are different types of window film on the market today. One main difference between the different films is the type of component that is used for solar control:
The first generation of window tints on the market were films that were simply dyed a dark color to absorb the light coming from the sun and prevent it from entering through the window. This basic technology was a step above no film, but the dyes were not great at reducing heat. And another issue they had was that the dyes would fade and discolor over time. Have you seen purple window tint on a building or car? That is old dyed film.
The second generation of films added metals to the film to improve solar control. Tiny pieces of metal added a reflective component to the technology while dyes were still used for color and absorption. The combination dramatically improved window film performance, but there were some drawbacks.
First, metalized films are shiny and reflective and look like a mirror on the outside of the building. So, some folks didn’t like the look of the film.
Second, metalized films can interfere with radio, GPS, and cell phone reception.
Third, the dyes used could still fade and discolor over time.
The next generation of window films saw the use of advanced nano-materials to reflect and absorb light without the use of metal or dyes. Ceramics and carbon are two of the main materials used.
Carbon film is made with tiny carbon particles and ceramic film is made with nanometer-scale ceramic particles.
As mentioned, ceramic window film uses nanoceramic particles to give the film its color and to add reflective and absorbing properties. ComforTech™ Ceramic Series film is made from nanometer-scale titanium nitride which is an extremely hard ceramic material. Titanium Nitride (or TiN) is so hard that it is used in other industries to coat tools to add to their durability.
For window film, the titanium nitride is ground to nanometer-scale and applied to the polyester film in a clean room environment using a process called micro gravure coating. This high-tech process ensures that the TiN is applied uniformly for consistent color and film performance.The ceramic particles absorb and reflect the light while maintaining a neutral non-reflective look.
Ceramic window film is one of the best on the market for controlling solar energy entering a home. It is also great at reducing glare. Plus, it has the added benefit of blocking > 99% of harmful UV rays that cause skin cancer and premature aging.
There are many methods manufacturers use to color films, but dye-free ceramic films provide some of the highest performance. Ceramic particles have excellent reflectivity and they do not fade or discolor over time as other dyes and metals can. Ceramic films are applied with a special process to ensure consistent color that will last for the life of the film.
The ceramic particles used in ceramic film are very hard and highly durable. The film is also coated with a scratch-resistant outer layer for added protection and longevity.
Another feature of ceramic film is its clarity. This is where it distinguishes itself from carbon film. Carbon film can sometimes throw off a glare or “haze”. Ceramic film doesn’t do this and has great optical clarity. Some people even feel it improves the crispness of the view because it cuts down on glare similar to putting on a pair of sunglasses on a bright day.
Because ceramic window film doesn’t contain any metals, it will not interfere with cell phone, radio or GPS reception.
With all of these benefits, it is easy to see why ceramic film is the choice of professional window film installers and specifiers for commercial buildings. And now you can bring this technology to your home with Concord’s ComforTech™ Ceramic Series film.
ComforTech™ has five performance shades designed to meet any of your comfort needs. Each shade is beautiful and neutral to enhance the look of your home in a subtle way.
Learn more about the benefits of ceramic window film or shop now.
