Types of Window Tint Films for Cars Explained

Ellite Tint Longmont’s Complete Local Guide

If you’re thinking about tinting your car windows around Longmont, there are a few things you really want to understand before you choose a film or a shop.

At Ellite Tint Longmont, we spend our days installing, testing, and fixing window films on cars that drive up and down Highway 119, Ken Pratt Blvd, and I‑25. This guide walks you through the different types of tint films, how dark you can legally go in Colorado, and how to pick the right option for your budget and driving style.

Introduction

What is window tint film?
Window tint film is a thin, multi-layered polyester sheet that’s applied to the inside of your car’s glass. Depending on the technology inside the film, it can:

• Darken the glass for privacy
• Block heat and UV rays
• Cut glare
• Add strength to the glass

Why people in and around Longmont use tint

Drivers around Longmont, Boulder, Firestone, Frederick, and Erie tint their vehicles for a few main reasons:

• Heat reduction – Colorado sun at altitude is no joke. Tint can keep cabin temps noticeably lower.
• UV protection – Protects your skin and your interior from UV damage (we’re closer to the sun here, so UV is stronger).
• Privacy – Keeps prying eyes off whatever’s in your back seat or cargo area.
• Aesthetics – Clean, even tint makes almost any car or truck look sharper.
• Glare control – Helps with harsh sun and snow glare driving over to Estes Park, up Hwy 66, or down to Denver.
• Safety – Some films help hold glass together if it’s hit or shattered.

Quick note on legal tint limits (Colorado)

Laws change, but as of now in Colorado:

• The front side windows must let in at least a certain amount of light (commonly referenced as around 27% VLT – Visible Light Transmission).
• The windshield can usually only have a non-reflective strip along the top.
• Rear side and back windows have more flexibility, depending on vehicle type.

Always double-check current Colorado tint laws or ask us at Ellite Tint Longmont before you decide how dark to go.

Benefits of Car Window Tinting

Even a basic quality tint adds real, everyday benefits:

UV & Heat Rejection

• Blocks up to 99% of UV rays (with quality films).
• Reduces solar heat entering the cabin, especially important in Longmont’s strong high-altitude sun.

Interior Protection

• Slows fading and cracking of:
  • Dash
  • Seats (leather and cloth)
  • Door panels
  • Plastics and trim

Glare Reduction

• Cuts down on harsh sunlight and snow glare coming off the foothills and open fields.
• Makes it easier to see during sunrise/sunset commutes on Hwy 287 and Hwy 119.

Privacy

• Makes it harder for people to see valuables in your car when parked in downtown Longmont, at the rec center, or trailheads.

Safety & Shatter Resistance

• Certain films help hold shattered glass together, which:
  • Reduces flying glass in an accident
  • Makes smash‑and‑grab theft a bit harder

Improved Comfort

• Cooler cabin
• Less A/C strain
• More comfortable for kids, passengers, and pets—especially on summer days or winter ski trips when the sun is low but very intense.

Main Types of Car Window Tint Films

There isn’t just “one” type of tint. Each technology has different strengths, weaknesses, and price points. Here’s what’s out there and how it applies to drivers around Longmont.

1. Dyed Window Tint

How it’s made / how it works
Dyed film is the most basic and budget-friendly tint. A dye is added to the film layers, which absorbs some light and gives the glass a darker look.

Appearance & color

• Usually has a deep, charcoal or slightly bluish look.
• If it’s very cheap, it’s the type that eventually turns purple and fades.

Pros

• Lowest upfront cost.
• Good for privacy and appearance.
• Reduces some glare and a bit of heat.
• Available in many shades.

Cons

• Lower heat rejection compared to higher-end films.
• Can fade, turn purple, bubble, or peel if it’s a low-quality product or poorly installed.
• Typically shorter lifespan.

Ideal for

• Drivers who mainly want an affordable cosmetic upgrade and basic privacy.
• Cars you don’t plan to keep very long.
• Budget builds where cost matters more than performance.

At Ellite Tint Longmont, if we ever use dyed films, we stick to higher-quality, color-stable options that don’t purple quickly in Colorado sun.

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2. Metalized Window Tint

How it works
Metalized films have tiny metallic particles embedded in the film layers. These reflect a portion of solar energy away from the glass.

Looks + performance

• Slightly more reflective / shiny compared to dyed films.
• Offers better heat rejection and durability than basic dyed films.

Pros

• Better heat blocking than dyed films.
• Strong and scratch-resistant.
• Can add a bit of extra shatter resistance.

Cons

• That metal layer can interfere with signals:
  • Cell phone reception
  • GPS
  • Satellite radio
  • Keyless entry in extreme cases
• Shinier, more “mirrored” look isn’t for everyone.
• Becoming less popular as carbon and ceramic films have improved.

Best for

• People who want stronger heat rejection and durability and don’t rely heavily on in‑car electronics.
• Older vehicles where signal interference is less of a concern.

In a modern car loaded with tech (Subaru, Tesla, newer trucks, etc.), we usually steer Longmont drivers away from metalized films and toward carbon or ceramic.

3. Hybrid Window Tint (Dyed + Metalized)

How hybrid film combines both
Hybrid films mix dye and metal particles in one construction. The idea is to get the look of a dyed film with added performance from the metal.

Balanced benefits

• Less reflective than a full metalized tint.
• Better color stability and heat rejection than a basic dyed film.

Pros

• Good value-for-money.
• Typically better durability than pure dyed films.
• Better heat and UV rejection than entry-level tints.
• Less signal interference than full metalized (but still can be some).

Cons

• Still can have some reflectivity.
• May still slightly affect radio / GPS in certain vehicles.
• Not as good as carbon or ceramic for top-level performance.

Best for

• Drivers wanting a mid-range solution—better than basic dyed, but not jumping all the way to ceramic.
• Value-focused customers who want reasonable performance and lifespan.

4. Carbon Window Tint

Carbon fiber particles explained
Carbon films use carbon particles instead of metal to block heat and UV. This gives significant performance boosts without the signal interference issues of metalized films.

Matte appearance

• Rich, deep black or charcoal look.
• Low reflectivity—nice, factory-privacy-glass style finish.

Pros

• Very good heat rejection, especially of infrared (IR) heat.
• Excellent UV protection (often up to 99%).
• No signal interference with GPS, cell, or Bluetooth.
• More color-stable than dyed film—doesn’t turn purple.
• Great balance between cost and performance.

Cons

• More expensive than dyed and many hybrid films.
• Not quite as thermally efficient as high-end multi-layer ceramic.

Best for

• Longmont drivers who want strong heat rejection without losing clarity or signal quality.
• Daily drivers, family cars, and trucks you plan to keep for years.
• People who park outside all day at work (industrial parks, downtown, etc.).

For many of our customers at Ellite Tint Longmont, carbon tint is the “sweet spot” of price vs. performance.

5. Ceramic Window Tint

Nano-ceramic technology
Ceramic films use nano-sized ceramic particles embedded in multiple layers. These particles don’t conduct heat or electricity, so they’re excellent at blocking heat and UV without causing interference.

Highest performance

• Top-tier infrared heat rejection.
• Excellent clarity even in lighter shades.
• Superior UV blocking.

Pros

• Among the best for heat reduction—perfect for Colorado summers and high-altitude sun.
• Up to 99% UV protection.
• No interference with phone, GPS, or keyless systems.
• Stays color-stable and clear for many years.
• Often comes with long warranties when professionally installed.

Cons

• Higher cost than dyed, hybrid, or basic carbon films.
• DIY versions are hard to install properly, especially on complex rear windows.

Best for

• Drivers who want premium, long-term protection:
  • Families with kids or pets.
  • People who commute daily on open highways (I‑25, Hwy 52, etc.).
• Higher-end vehicles where you want the best performance and look.
• Anyone sensitive to heat or glare.

At Ellite Tint Longmont, ceramic tint is our go‑to recommendation when heat control and comfort are the top priority.

6. Crystalline / IR Tint (High Clarity Heat-Blocking Film)

Transparent or lightly tinted films
Crystalline or high IR (infrared) films are designed to be very light in color—sometimes almost clear—while still blocking a large amount of infrared heat.

High IR rejection

• Blocks a surprising amount of heat without making the glass very dark.
• Great for windshields (where legal) or front windows where you want to stay legal but cooler.

Pros

• Maximum clarity and visibility—great for night driving.
• Strong heat and UV rejection even in light shades (e.g., 70% or 80% VLT).
• Helps you stay within Colorado tint laws on forward glass while still gaining performance.

Cons

• Premium pricing.
• Doesn’t give you the dark privacy look some people want.
• Brand-specific; not every shop offers it.

Best for

• Drivers who want maximum heat rejection with minimal tint appearance.
• People who do a lot of night driving between Longmont, Loveland, and Denver.
• Those who’ve gotten tickets before and want to stay clearly on the legal side up front.

Other Tint Options (Good to Know)

These aren’t always talked about, but they matter for certain setups.

Color Tint Films

• Available in blues, reds, yellows, greens, etc.
• Usually used for styling, not performance.
• May have stricter legal limits, especially on the windshield and front windows.
• More common in show cars and specific custom builds.

Chameleon Tint

• Changes color depending on the angle and light (purple/blue/green shifts).
• Often installed on windshields (where legal) and front windows.
• Can give light to medium heat rejection depending on brand.
• Laws can be tricky—always check Colorado regulations before adding chameleon to your front glass.

Security / Anti-Shatter Film

• Clear or lightly tinted film focused on strength, not darkness.
• Helps hold glass together against:
  • Impact
  • Smash-and-grab theft
• Often combined with another tint layer or used standalone on storefronts and homes.

UV & Glare-Control Film

• Lightly tinted, focused on UV and glare reduction more than privacy.
• Good for drivers who want eye comfort and skin protection but don’t want dark glass.

Tint Percentages (VLT Levels Explained)

When you hear “20% tint” or “35% tint,” that refers to VLT – Visible Light Transmission.

• VLT = how much visible light the film lets through.
• Lower number = darker tint.

Common automotive VLT levels:

• 5% – “Limo Tint”
  • Very dark.
  • Great privacy but can be hard to see out of at night.
• 20%
  • Dark, good privacy, still somewhat manageable at night for many drivers.
  • Popular for rear windows.
• 35%
  • Medium shade.
  • Nice balance of visibility and privacy.
  • Common choice for front windows where legal.
• 50%
  • Light shade.
  • Mostly for glare/UV/heat control without heavy darkening.
• 70% / 80%
  • Very light / almost clear.
  • Used for windshields & front windows where laws are strict but you still want heat and UV rejection.

Which percentage fits your use case?

• Maximum privacy: 5–20% on rear windows (check local law).
• Balanced look + good visibility: 20–35%.
• Legal-friendly and clear appearance: 50–70% (or crystalline/IR films).

In Colorado, remember the front side windows must remain above a certain VLT. Most people in Longmont go darker on the rear windows than the fronts to stay compliant while still getting privacy.

How to Choose the Right Window Tint

Here’s how we guide our Ellite Tint Longmont customers:

1. Heat rejection needs
   • Park outside all day? Drive to Denver or Fort Collins daily?
     → Consider carbon or ceramic.
2. Budget
   • Tight budget → Quality dyed or hybrid.
   • Long-term value → Carbon or ceramic.
3. Aesthetic preferences
   • Dark privacy look → 5–20% (rear), 20–35% (front where legal).
   • Factory look → 20–35% carbon or ceramic.
   • Minimal tint look → 50–70% or clear IR film.
4. Climate conditions
   • Longmont’s high UV and sun exposure favor better films (carbon/ceramic).
5. Longevity
   • Don’t want to redo tint in 2–3 years?
     → Avoid very cheap dyed films. Go carbon or ceramic.
6. Signal interference
   • Heavy GPS, Bluetooth, phone user?
     → Avoid metalized as your primary film.
7. Brand & installer
   • The installer matters as much as the film.
   • At Ellite Tint Longmont, we use reputable brands and back them with professional installation and warranty.

Legal Regulations & Tint Laws

Why laws matter

• You can be ticketed for illegal tint.
• You might have problems with:
  • Vehicle inspections
  • Accident liability
  • Insurance issues in certain situations

Front vs rear windows

• Windshield: Usually limited to a narrow top strip and strict VLT rules.
• Front side windows: Typically must remain above a minimum VLT (currently referenced around 27% in Colorado).
• Rear side & back windows: Often more flexible, but rules differ for sedans vs SUVs.

Safety concerns

• Too-dark front windows can:
  • Impair night visibility
  • Make it harder for pedestrians and cyclists to see the driver
  • Complicate law enforcement visibility

RTO / DMV recommendations

• Always verify with:
  • Colorado DMV
  • Local law enforcement
  • An experienced local shop like Ellite Tint Longmont

We stay current on Colorado tint regulations and can help you choose a setup that looks great and stays legal.

Professional vs DIY Tinting

Pros of Professional Installation

• Clean, dust-free environment.
• Computer-cut patterns for precise fit (no cutting on your car).
• Proper heat-forming on curved glass (rear windows, hatchbacks).
• Reduced risk of:
  • Bubbles
  • Creases
  • Peeling edges
• Access to higher-grade films not sold in big-box stores.
• Warranty on film and workmanship.

Why DIY Often Fails

• Most DIY jobs struggle with:
  • Trapped dust
  • Fingers and bubbles
  • Crooked edges
  • Cuts in the rubber or glass
• Cheap online films:
  • Fade faster
  • Turn purple
  • Peel sooner

When DIY is (maybe) Okay

• Very basic, flat windows (old pickups, work trucks).
• If you’re just experimenting and don’t care about long-term durability or resale.

For most modern cars in Longmont, especially anything with complex rear glass, professional installation is worth it.

Installation & Maintenance Tips

Before Installation

• Remove personal items from the car.
• Lightly clean out the interior if you can (less dust).
• Plan to leave your car for a few hours.

After Installation (Curing Time)

• You’ll see small water bubbles or haze at first—this is normal.
• Don’t roll down windows for 2–5 days, depending on weather and film type.
• Full curing can take 1–4 weeks, especially in cooler weather.

Cleaning & Care

• Use ammonia-free glass cleaner.
• Soft microfiber cloth only.
• Avoid using razor blades, abrasive pads, or harsh chemicals on the inside glass.

What to Avoid

• Don’t use tint-safe cleaners only on one side and strong ammonia on the other side of the same glass (it can affect edges).
• Don’t stick suction cups (phone mounts, etc.) directly on fresh tint.
• Don’t try to peel or poke at small leftover moisture spots; they usually evaporate as the film cures.

Costs of Different Tint Films

Pricing can vary by vehicle type, number of windows, and film brand, but here’s a rough idea of typical ranges:

• Dyed film
  • Least expensive.
  • Ideal for tight budgets and basic privacy.
• Metalized film
  • Slightly more than dyed.
  • More durable but carries signal interference risk.
• Hybrid film
  • Mid-range pricing.
  • Good mix of performance and cost.
• Carbon film
  • Upper mid-range.
  • Great performance and longevity; strong value.
• Ceramic & Crystalline IR films
  • Premium price bracket.
  • Best in terms of comfort, heat control, and UV protection.

In the Longmont area, full-car tint (all side and rear windows) can range from an economy setup to a high-end ceramic package. For an accurate quote for your specific vehicle, it’s best to call or visit Ellite Tint Longmont.

Benefits Comparison Table

Below is a simplified comparison of main film types:

Film Type	Performance & Specs	Best For
Dyed	Cost: $ (Lowest)Heat Rejection: ★★☆☆☆UV Blocking: ★★★☆☆Signal Interference: NoneAppearance: Dark, can fadeDurability: ★★☆☆☆	Basic privacy & budget-friendly looks
Metalized	Cost: $$Heat Rejection: ★★★★☆UV Blocking: ★★★★☆Signal Interference: PossibleAppearance: Slightly reflectiveDurability: ★★★★☆	Heat reduction & strength (great for older vehicles)
Hybrid	Cost: $$–$$$Heat Rejection: ★★★★☆UV Blocking: ★★★★☆Signal Interference: Low–ModerateAppearance: Neutral / mild shineDurability: ★★★★☆	Value-focused drivers seeking balance
Carbon	Cost: $$$Heat Rejection: ★★★★☆+UV Blocking: ★★★★☆+Signal Interference: NoneAppearance: Deep, non-reflectiveDurability: ★★★★★	Long-term use & strong UV climates (Colorado, Arizona, etc.)
Ceramic	Cost: $$$$Heat Rejection: ★★★★★UV Blocking: ★★★★★Signal Interference: NoneAppearance: Very clear, premiumDurability: ★★★★★	Maximum comfort, performance, and heat rejection
Crystalline / IR	Cost: $$$$Heat Rejection: ★★★★★UV Blocking: ★★★★★Signal Interference: NoneAppearance: Very light / clearDurability: ★★★★★	Maximum clarity + maximum heat rejection