Types of Solar Control Film

Below are the different types of Solar Control films available for the DIY window tinting kits. The films are all constructed on a polyester base with deposited metal layer, it is this layer that is primarily responsible for heat rejection. Light levels are mostly obtained by the use of different dyes. All films offer Ultra Violet reduction of greater than 98% which virtually eliminates fade*. The films are arranged from darkest to lightest and include representative photograph and specifications. Kits are available for Australia only.

Dark Bronze & Grey are heavy aluminium based films with a strong dye added to one side of the film. These films offer high heat control and excellent privacy, but reduce the natural light levels greatly. They are a reflective film and exhibit a "mirror" finish to the inside at nightime when the inside lights are on. Ideal for high heat or very bright areas.

Medium Bronze & Grey are aluminium based films, but with a lighter metal base and less dye being added to the film, this reduces the "mirror" effect at night time. These films offer good heat control without reducing light levels as much as the dark version. Suitable for most applications where heat and light are a problem.

Hi Tech Charcoal is metal based but with dye added to both sides of the film. This again reduces the "mirror" effect and also adds a deeper colour to the film. This film also offers good heat control and privacy and is suitable for most applications.

The Hi Tech Light Charcoal film offers good heat control whilst still allowing natural light levels. Provides excellent visibility with low mirror effect, a good film for night views. Suitable for use on laminated glass patio doors.

NOTE: With reference to "patio" type sliding glass doors, with full length glass, they are required to meet AS2208 for human impact and this can be met with either Toughened or Laminated safety glass. If the glass is stamped 'toughened safety glass' (usually a bottom corner) then they can be tinted in any film - toughened glass is slowly raised to around 600 degrees Celsius then rapidly cooled with ambient temperature air (looked at through "polarising" type sunglasses, the window will have a patterned appearance) - result is glass is tougher, heat resistant, harder to break and when broken falls into millions of pieces (like the side windows on a car). Laminated glass is the result of 2 (or more) sheets of glass being bonded together (same as the front windscreen in vehicles) - once again the glass is stronger and harder to break, but it is not heat resistant. The inside layer of glass which is tinted will absorb more "heat" than the outside layer and will expand at a greater rate, if the film is too dark then the result can be "thermal fractures" - cracked glass. It is recommended to use the lighter hi tech films for laminated, but no guarantee can be given that the glass won't crack - most are ok, but some will crack given the "right" conditions

Note: When selecting a film, the letters of the code represent the actual film with the numbers representing the roll size. Photographs are for illustration purposes only and are representative of film light levels and colour, results may vary to those of images shown.

* Fading of fabrics, carpets, timber, paint and other materials is due in the most part to Ultra Violet light. Other factors such as oxygen, heat, and various cleaning substances also contribute to fade and as such reducing UV will not stop fade entirely.

Disclaimer: Photographs are for illustration purposes only and are representative of film light levels and colour, results may vary to those of images shown. Specifications are correct at time of publication, but may vary due to manufacturing discrepencies in materials and as such are to be used as a guide only. Only the High Tech (neutral) film is recommended as most suitable for use on laminated glass, darker films may cause heat stress and result in glass fracture. All glass is subject to heat stress and thermal fractures and as such no guarantee is given that use of any film in particular will not result in damage. User accepts all responsibility as to the suitablility of any film and it's subsequent installation. No responsibility shall be taken by Joraen - ABN 62 642 913 061 for any damage or injury, either direct or consequential arising from the use or in-ability to use any of the DIY solar control films or toolkits.