Dyed, Carbon or Ceramic: What the Film Is Made Of Matters
Most automotive tint films fall into three families. Dyed film darkens the glass with dye. Carbon film uses carbon particles for a matte look and better heat control. Ceramic film uses ceramic particles to reject heat without needing to be very dark. Ask which family a quote is for. Our window tinting page covers how we fit it.
Within each family, products vary a lot. The maker's published figures for heat, UV and visible light matter more than the label.
How Each Type Works
Dyed film
A layer of dye absorbs light, which darkens the window and cuts glare. It is the simplest type and gives a dark, uniform look.
Because it works mostly by absorbing light, it does less for heat than the other types at the same darkness. Older dyed films could fade toward purple over time, so ask about colour stability.
Carbon film
Carbon particles in the film block a good share of infrared heat. Carbon has a matte, deep black look that many people prefer to the slightly shiny look of some other films.
It is generally more colour-stable than dyed film and does not contain metal, so it does not get in the way of phone or radio signals.
Ceramic film
Ceramic particles target infrared heat, the part of sunlight you feel on your arm through the glass. That means a lighter ceramic film can keep a car cooler than a darker dyed one.
It is usually the most expensive family. It suits people who want heat control without going very dark, which matters for the front side windows in Ontario.
Questions Worth Asking
What are the published figures?
Ask for the maker's numbers for visible light transmission, UV rejection and heat rejection. Compare like with like. One film's heat figure may be measured differently from another's.
How dark can the front windows go?
The windshield and front side windows have rules under the Highway Traffic Act. Settle the front shade first, then choose for the back.
What will it look like from outside?
Some films look slightly reflective, others flat black. If you can, look at the shade on a real car in daylight before deciding.
Common Questions
Which film type do you install?
Call us and ask. We will tell you which film lines and shades we can install for your car, within Ontario rules.
Is a darker film always better at blocking heat?
No. Darkness and heat rejection are not the same thing. Some lighter films reject more heat than darker ones, depending on what the film is made of. Ask for the maker's heat and UV figures.
Will film interfere with my phone or GPS?
Films with metal in them can affect signals. Dyed, carbon and ceramic films are generally made without metal. Check the maker's information for the specific film.
Does tint type change the law?
No. Ontario's rules for the windshield and front side windows apply whatever the film is made of. See Ontario window tint laws.
Related Pages
Ask Which Film Suits Your Car
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