In short: window films differ in how they stop heat. Dyed film only adds colour. Metallised and sputtered films use metal to reflect heat. Ceramic and carbon films stop heat without metal, so they do not corrode, do not look like a mirror and do not block signals.
Window film types compared
| Type | How it stops heat | Heat rejection | Clarity at night | Phone & GPS signal | Colour & durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyed | Dye absorbs light | Low (TSER up to ± 20%) | Fair | Not affected | Fades, turns purple |
| Metallised | Metal particles reflect heat | Medium (TSER up to ± 40%) | Poorer, reflective | Can be affected | Metal can corrode |
| Sputtered | Thin metal layer applied by sputtering | High (TSER up to ± 75%) | Rainbow effect | Can be affected | Metal can corrode |
| Ceramic | Ceramic particles absorb infrared | High | Good | Not affected | Stable, no corrosion |
| Nano carbon (Iceberg) | 100% carbon processed with nano technology | Very high (TSER 60–83%, UV 99%, infrared 96–99%) | Clear, no mirror or rainbow effect | Not affected | Does not fade or corrode |
The TSER figures for dyed, metallised and sputtered film are typical maximums for each technology generation, as described in window film generations. Every brand and shade is different, so always ask for the specification sheet.
Dyed window film
The first generation of window film. A dye makes the cabin look darker and reduces glare. The dye only absorbs visible light, so much of the infrared heat still comes in. Over time sunlight breaks the dye down: the colour fades to purple and heat rejection drops. It is cheap, but usually needs replacing sooner.
Metallised window film
The second generation adds metal particles that reflect heat. It rejects more heat than dyed film, but the metal makes the view less clear, gives a mirror-like look, can corrode and can interfere with phone, GPS and radio signals.
Sputtered window film
The third generation uses a sputtering process to lay down a very thin, even metal layer. Heat and infrared rejection are much higher. The downside is that the metal still shows as a rainbow effect, especially under lights at night, and can still affect signals.
Ceramic window film
Ceramic film uses ceramic particles that absorb infrared without a reflective metal layer. With no metal, it does not block signals or corrode, and heat rejection is high. Quality varies a lot by brand and series, so compare the TSER and infrared rejection figures.
Carbon and nano carbon window film
Carbon film uses carbon particles, which give a stable matte black that does not fade. Like ceramic, it contains no metal.
Iceberg Window Films With Night Vision Technology is a fourth-generation film made of 100% carbon processed with nano technology. The result:
- Rejects 99% of UV and 96–99% of infrared, with a TSER of 60% (ICEBERG 20) to 83% (ICEBERG 90).
- A clear view from inside, day and night, with no mirror or rainbow effect.
- No interference with phone, GPS or other electronics.
- Does not corrode or fade, with an official 5-year warranty.
| Specification | ICEBERG 20 | ICEBERG 40 | ICEBERG 60 | ICEBERG 80 | ICEBERG 90 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VLTVisible light through (lower = darker) | 70% | 32% | 23% | 7% | 5% |
| UVRUV rejected | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| IRRInfrared rejected | 96% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| TSERTotal solar energy rejected | 60% | 74% | 77% | 81% | 83% |
Read more about the technology on the With Night Vision Technology page.
How to choose a type of window film
- Decide what matters most: heat rejection, privacy, night-time clarity or price.
- Compare figures, not darkness: look at TSER, infrared rejection (IRR) and UV rejection. See the window film glossary.
- Avoid metal if you rely on signals: cars with many electronics, toll tags and GPS are better with a metal-free film.
- Make sure it is genuine: counterfeit film is common, so insist on an official warranty card.
- Use an official installer: installation matters as much as the film. Find an official dealer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of window tint?
It depends on what matters most to you. For high heat rejection without signal interference or a mirror look, choose a metal-free film such as ceramic or nano carbon. Dyed film is the cheapest, but it rejects little heat and fades.
Ceramic vs carbon window tint: what is the difference?
Neither uses a metal layer, so neither blocks signals or corrodes. Ceramic film uses ceramic particles to absorb and reject heat. Carbon film uses carbon particles, which give a stable matte black that does not fade. Newer nano carbon films such as Iceberg process 100% carbon with nano technology to reject up to 99% of UV and infrared.
Does metallic window tint block phone signal?
It can. A metal layer can interfere with phone, GPS and radio signals and other electronics. Metal-free films such as ceramic and nano carbon do not have this problem.
Why does old window tint turn purple?
That is typical of dyed film. Sunlight breaks down the dye, so the colour fades to purple and the film rejects less and less heat.