4 Common Types of Solar Window Film—Which is Ideal for You?

Solar window film is an addition to already existing windows that is installed on the interior of a building or vehicle that is designed to keep out sunlight and UV rays. They are also used for privacy, decoration, and insulation. There are many different types of solar window film available, but there are four types that are by far the most common. Knowing the differences between the four main types of solar window film can ease the decision making process for you, and allow you to match your needs to the appropriate variant.

Dyed Films

Dyed window films are the cheapest window film available, and are extremely common for that reason. Dyed window films are most commonly used on car windows. A dye is applied to a polyester film which is applied to the inside of the window, offering heat and UV protection.

Dyed films will absorb solar energy, instead of reflecting it, which means that once the dye hits its heat threshold, it will release heat inside the window. This means that it is not as effective at insulating a car or building from heat as other types of film.

Keep in mind that dyes also wear away fairly quickly, and may need to be replaced within a few years.

Metallized Films

Metallized films are made out of thin layers of various types of metal, including aluminum and nickel, applied onto the polyester film. The metal offers UV and heat insulation by reflecting solar energy away from the window, preventing heat and UV rays from entering the window.

Metallized films are more common in buildings than in cars, and tend to be slightly more expensive than dyed films. However, they are far more durable, and will last much longer than dyed films. However, metallized films may not match the aesthetic of the building as well as dyed films will

Hybrid Films

Hybrid films are made out of a mixture of dyed and metallized films, and offer the best of both worlds. UV rays and heat is reflected by the metal, and the dyed layer allows for a non-reflective appearance. They last much longer than dyed films, though not as long as purely metallized films, and tend to only cost slightly more than regular metallized films.

Ceramic Films

Ceramic films are created by applying ceramic onto a polyester film, and are the most expensive type of window film available. Ceramic films tend to be the thinnest and most effective type of film available, and do not use dyes or pigments to block out sunlight.

Ceramic films are extremely durable, and reflect light in a greater proportion than any other types of window films, offering the greatest amount of heat insulation and UV protection possible. The only drawback of ceramic films is the price, and thus they fairly uncommon compared to the other three types of window films.

You can find the right window film based on your budget and your needs. To help you narrow down your options further, try talking to expert providers such as Solchek Pty Ltd.