Window tint can take your vehicle to another level. From better vision on the road to an improved appearance, a window film can bring several benefits to your car. With so many options available today, how do you know what film is best for your specific needs?
As you shop around, you’ll probably hear about 3M Crystalline and 3M Ceramic IR window tint. These are some of the best options on the market today. However, deciding one over the other can be a serious challenge. Luckily, The Tint Guy is here to help! Operating since 1986, we know a thing or two about window tint.
In this post, we’ll talk more about a variety of window tinting options, and hit on the key differences to consider when deciding between 3M Crystalline and 3M Ceramic IR window tints.
Car Window Tinting Options
Before we dive into some popular brand-name products and how they differ, let’s first talk about the wide variety of car tinting options on the market.
Metalized Window Tint
This advanced window tint option provides a high level of UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays, including a boost in heat protection. Metalized window tint is built with small metal particles that help block sunshine. In addition to these qualities, this window tint also strengthens your windows and makes them less prone to breaking.
Dyed Window Tint
Dyed window tint is known as an affordable, flexible option. This tint is constructed with multiple dyed film layers designed to absorb sunlight, which helps to drop the temperature in your vehicle. 3M’s Obsidian Series is one of the best dyed window film options, providing more UV protection with 3M’s Patented Infuse Technology. This is a high-quality, affordable option if you’re looking for a window tint on a budget.
Carbon Window Tint
Carbon tint is a high-quality option that’s made with carbon particles. One of its top benefits is the ability to block heat, even on the hottest days of the year. Carbon window tint also lasts longer than other options, making it a sound investment.
Hybrid Window Tint
This window tint combines dyed and metalized tinting options. This solution typically involves a film that’s dyed and infused with metallic flakes. Many car owners love their hybrid tint because it’s not too dark or too reflective, which can occur with these tints individually.
Crystalline Tinting
If you’re looking for a less obvious tinting solution, consider crystalline window tint. Unlike other options, crystalline tinting offers a high level of protection without the obvious look of tinted windows. You’ll get both UV and infrared protection with a transparent finish.
Ceramic Tint
The last common window tinting option is ceramic, which is one of the top window tints in the business. In fact, this option includes all the benefits listed above without many downsides. Made with a film infused with ceramic particles, ceramic tint provides 99% UV rejection and up to 95% IR Rejection.
3M Window Tint
When it comes to window tint, many car owners go for the brand 3M. This provider is considered the leader in the industry, with high-quality window tints available. 3M offers three main series at various price points. Each series provides high protection from harmful UV rays, strengthens your windows, and regulates your car’s temperature in those hot summer months. 3M has been designing window tints for several decades, providing the expertise you can trust! Let’s discuss 3M’s window tinting options and which might be best for your car.
3M Crystalline Film
If you’re searching for one of the best automotive films on the market today, check out the 3M Crystalline Series. This tint provides the advantages that matter most.
What is 3M Crystalline Tint?
3M Crystalline automotive window film is an advanced tinting solution that features 200 layers of nano-technology film. This multilayer optical film technology provides greater heat reduction than many other darker films today. Also, it accomplishes this without changing the car’s appearance. The 3M Crystalline Series also provides the ability to reduce glare, giving you a more comfortable and clear vision while on the road. This tint also doesn’t include any metal, so it won’t interfere with your devices or satellite radio reception.
How Dark is the 3M Crystalline Tint?
The 3M Crystalline Window Film features seven different options, allowing you to choose the right darkness for your needs and relative state laws. It’s safe to say the extra cost of 3M’s Crystalline Series is worth it. But, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider the Ceramic IR and Obsidian Series with some great benefits and easier price points.
3M’s Ceramic Film
3M also provides ceramic tinting options, considered a top choice in the industry.
What is 3M Ceramic IR Tint?
3M also sells high-quality ceramic tints, including their 3M Ceramic IR Series. This tint is infused with ceramic material, giving it a great apperance. Furthermore, the Ceramic Series blocks up to 95% of the sun’s infrared light, including a 59% reduction of heat coming through your car windows. You can also expect this film to reject 66% of total solar energy. This protects not only your skin but also the seats and furnishings in your vehicle. Ceramic options are great protective films for those looking for privacy. Blocking up to 92% of visible light, privacy is an amazing benefit for you and your valuables.
Another perk is the amazing clarity. As this film doesn’t contain metal, for a natural tone that offers clear views. It’s also scratch-resistant, allowing the tint to stay clear and last for years!
How Dark is the 3M Ceramic Tint?
Much like Crystalline, Ceramic tinting comes in a variety of shades to choose from, allowing you to meet any personal preferences or state laws.
3M Obsidian
Another popular tinting option is offered with the 3M Obsidian Series. This film is durable, fade-resistant, and provides strong heat protection, all at an affordable price.
What is 3M Obsidian Tint?
This tint variety is much more durable than dyed films and other options. The 3M Obsidian Series is made with 3M’s Patented Infuse Technology, making it a top choice for vehicle owners. It blocks up to 44% of the solar energy entering your windows, including 99% protection from UV light. You can also expect a 91% glare reduction, helping you see and stay safe on the road.
Main Differences in 3M Crystalline & 3M Ceramic IR Tints
3M Crystalline and 3M Ceramic have many similarities but differ in the specific technology used to develop these high-quality films.
Another difference to consider is that 3M Crystalline is typically more expensive than ceramic. The best option really depends on your needs. All three options are great, but if we were to pick the best of the best, 3M Crystalline would be the winner. It provides the highest heat protection and tons of other qualities.
Top Considerations When Choosing Your Auto Tint
In the market for new window tint? If so, you should do some homework before making a purchase decision. First things first, think about how much money you want to spend. While many window tint varieties offer similar benefits, they don’t have the same price points.
Additionally, think about the darkness of your window tint. While you may want to go as dark as possible, that may be illegal in your state. That said, make sure to check your local laws as it pertains to car window tint. If you’re located in Georgia, check everything you need to know in our Georgia Auto Window Tinting Laws blog or reach out to The Tint Guy with any questions or concerns.
You should also think about what qualities matter most to you. Do you care most about UV protection, glare reduction, darkness, or heat rejection? Deciding on the qualities you need can help narrow down your search.
Lastly, you should always invest in a trusted window tinting company. Finding the right company will save you from the hassle of replacing or repairing your window tint. Trust the experts at The Tint Guy for their high-quality customer service and window tinting installation services in Atlanta, Georgia.
Atlanta’s Best Auto Tinting Service
Whether you’re searching for 3M Crystalline, 3M Ceramic, or another tinting option, The Tint Guy is here for your needs! We’re happy to be a 3M authorized automotive window film dealer. We carry 3M Crystalline, 3M Ceramic, and 3M Obsidian tints backed by a limited lifetime warranty. A window film can drastically improve the look and feel of your ride. Our tints provide a variety of benefits including vital heat rejection, protection from harmful UV rays, glare reduction, and added privacy.
To boost your vehicle with high-quality tinting services, look no further than The Tint Guy. We’re proud to serve the entire Metro Atlanta area with unbeatable tinting solutions. In fact, we serve several towns across the great state of Georgia. We currently have two offices; one in Woodstock and one in Kennesaw.
To learn more about window tinting, or to make an appointment, contact The Tint Guy today to speak with one of our specialists!