Whats the Difference between automotive and architectural window tint?

Automotive Vs. Architectural Window Film

When it comes to window tinting, both architectural and automotive window films provide valuable benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore the unique features, advantages, and applications of architectural and automotive window films.

Film Material

Different materials are used when manufacturing these two types of films. Metallic materials are incorporated into architectural films to enhance color stability and improve heat rejection. However, a high concentration of these metal particles can lead to signal interference, especially in vehicles, where the limited space and extensive glass coverage make this issue more evident. Therefore, automotive films shy away from using metallic materials and instead use ceramic and carbon materials, and dyes when making the film.

Vehicle windows mostly tend to be curved, therefore automotive films are typically thinner and more flexible so they can be heated and formed to the glass that’s being tinted. However, since architectural films don't have to shrink to a curved glass, they’re able to increase heat rejection and durability by making a thicker, more rigid film. Architectural films are 3-4 mm thick whereas automotive film are typically 1.5-3 mm thick.

While automotive films tend to use more neutral shades, architectural window films offer a wider range of rich and diverse colors, with some types designed for decorative purposes on glass windows in homes and commercial buildings. At Sunshadetints, we offer Geoshield’s Solar Bronze, Blackout, and White Frost decorative film.  While in most states, automotive decorative film is illegal to have on your vehicle, architectural decorative film can be a great way to revitalize your home/office area.

Heat Rejection

While reducing heat from sunlight is the primary goal for any architectural and automotive film, the way each film handles and rejects heat is very different.

Automotive films are designed to absorb sunlight, reducing the heat that penetrates the vehicle's interior. Since cars are mobile, the heat absorbed by the film is dissipated as the vehicle moves, with the wind cooling the surface. This helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside the vehicle without overwhelming the cooling system.

Architectural films, on the other hand, are engineered to reflect sunlight away from the building since buildings are stationary and don't benefit from wind to dissipate heat. By reflecting rather than absorbing heat, they prevent excessive heat buildup in the structure, reducing the need for air conditioning and improving energy efficiency.

Adhesive

Window tint adhesives generally fall into two main types: dry adhesive and sticky adhesive.

Dry adhesive is commonly used in architectural window films. It is activated by a soap and water solution, allowing the film to be adjusted and repositioned before being firmly adhered to the window with a squeegee.

Sticky adhesive, on the other hand, is typically used for automotive window films. Automotive glass is slightly curved, and sticky adhesives are ideal because they are pressure-sensitive and maintain strong adhesion, even on curved surfaces, making them perfect for this application.

Tint Offered at Sunshadetints

Automotive Tint

At Sunshadetints we offer a ceramic, carbon, and dyed film. We use Geoshield’s ProNano Ceramic, C2 Carbon, and their ProClassic Dyed Tint. Learn more about our film on our automotive tint page on our website or refer to the chart below to get a brief comparison of each film.

Architectural Tint

At Sunshadetints, we offer a wide variety of architectural films. Whether you’re looking to save on energy costs, or spruce up your home or office, we offer high heat rejection and decorative window film to suit your needs. Learn more about our residential/commercial window film on our residential tint page on our website or refer to the chart below to get a brief comparison of each film.