Glossary
Window Tint Glossary
VLT, ceramic, carbon, AS-1 line, cure time, frosted film and more: the words tint crews use, explained in plain English. Search or scroll.
- AS-1 line
- A line marked near the top of a windshield. Tint is generally limited to the area above it.
- Adhesive
- The clear glue layer that bonds the film to the glass.
- Bubble
- A pocket of air or water under film. Tiny water bubbles in new film fade as it dries.
- Carbon film
- A film that uses carbon particles for a flat, matte charcoal look and good heat control.
- Ceramic film
- A film with ceramic particles that rejects heat without needing a dark color.
- Cure time
- How long fresh film needs to dry and bond before windows move and the glass is cleaned.
- Dyed film
- The most basic film, a dyed layer that darkens the glass.
- Frosted film
- A white film that looks like etched glass and hides detail while letting light through.
- Glare
- Harsh bright light that makes screens and roads hard to see.
- Heat rejection
- How much of the sun's energy a film keeps from coming through the glass.
- Hybrid film
- A film with a dyed layer and a carbon or ceramic layer.
- Infrared (IR)
- The part of sunlight you feel as heat. IR films are made to block it.
- Light transmission
- The share of visible light that gets through the glass and film, also called VLT.
- Limo tint
- A very dark shade, often around 5 percent light transmission.
- Mirrored film
- A reflective film that looks like a mirror from outside. Rules limit it on vehicles.
- Mobile service
- Film installed at your home or business by a crew that comes to you.
- Safety film
- A clear film that holds broken glass together.
- Security film
- A thick clear film that slows a break-in by holding glass in the frame.
- Squeegee
- The tool used to push water out from under film and smooth it onto the glass.
- Sun strip
- A band of tint across the top of a windshield, above the marked line.
- UV
- Ultraviolet light, the part of sunlight that fades interiors and affects skin.
- VLT
- Visible light transmission: a higher number means a lighter tint.
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