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 usually stop heat without metal. But the type alone does not decide the quality: the figures on the spec sheet do.
Window film types compared
| Type | How it stops heat | Heat rejection (typical) | Look | Phone & GPS signal | Colour & durability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyed | Dye absorbs light | Low | Dark, not reflective | Not affected | Fades quickly, turns purple |
| Metallised | Metal particles reflect heat | Medium | Mirror-like | Can be affected | Metal can corrode |
| Sputtered | A thin, even metal layer applied by sputtering | High | Can show a rainbow effect | Can be affected | Depends on quality |
| Ceramic | Ceramic particles absorb infrared | High | Usually not reflective | Usually not affected | Stable |
| Carbon | Carbon particles absorb light and heat | Medium to high | Matte black | Usually not affected | Stable colour |
This is a general picture per technology. The figures of each brand and series differ a lot, so always ask for the spec 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
Metallised film adds metal particles that reflect heat. It rejects more heat than dyed film, but the metal can look like a mirror, can corrode and can interfere with phone, GPS and radio signals.
Sputtered window film
Sputtered film uses a sputtering process to lay down a very thin, even metal layer. Heat and infrared rejection can be much higher. On some products the metal shows as a rainbow effect under lights at night, and metal can still affect signals.
Ceramic window film
Ceramic film uses ceramic particles that absorb infrared without a reflective metal layer, so it usually does not affect signals. Quality depends heavily on the brand and series, so compare TSER and infrared rejection.
Carbon window film
Carbon film uses carbon particles, which give a stable matte black colour that does not fade easily. Like ceramic, carbon film usually has no metal layer. Its heat rejection also differs by product.
Reflective or not?
Apart from what they are made of, window films also differ in look: non-reflective (dark or clear from outside) and reflective (mirror-like from outside in daylight). A reflective look helps against glare and gives daytime privacy. At Indium, the Indium Silver series is the one with a reflective finish.
How to choose window film
- Set your priorities: heat rejection, privacy, look (clear, black or reflective) or price.
- Compare figures, not type names or darkness: look at TSER, infrared rejection (IRR), UV rejection and VLT. They are explained in the window film glossary.
- Ask about signal: if your car relies on electronics, e-toll and GPS, ask the seller whether the film has a metal layer.
- Make sure it is genuine and under warranty: be wary of prices far below the official price, and make sure you get an official warranty card.
- Use an official installer: the installation matters as much as the film. Find your nearest official dealer.
Indium specifications
Every Indium type has official VLT, UVR, IRR and TSER figures. Use this table to compare, and see each series on the products page.
| Indium Platinum Clear | Indium Silver Reflective | Indium Black IR Private | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Specification | Platinum 20 | Platinum 40 | Platinum 60 | Platinum 80 | Silver 40 | Silver 60 | Silver 80 | Black IR 40 | Black IR 60 | Black IR 80 |
| VLTVisible light through (lower = darker) | 69% | 32% | 18% | 10% | 32% | 14% | 5% | 28% | 19% | 9% |
| UVRUV rejected | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 99% |
| IRRInfrared rejected | 97% | 99% | 99% | 99% | 92% | 87% | 93% | 75% | 80% | 85% |
| TSERTotal solar energy rejected | 64% | 75% | 91% | 83% | 70% | 74% | 81% | 60% | 64% | 70% |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of car window film?
It depends on your priorities: heat rejection, privacy, look, signal or price. The type name alone is not enough, because quality within each type depends heavily on the brand and series. Compare the official TSER, infrared rejection (IRR), UV rejection and VLT on the spec sheet.
What is the difference between ceramic and carbon window film?
Both usually have no metal layer. Ceramic film uses ceramic particles to absorb and reject heat. Carbon film uses carbon particles, which give a stable matte black colour. Their heat rejection differs by brand and series.
Does metallised window film block phone signal?
It can. A metal layer can interfere with phone, GPS and radio signals and other electronics. If that matters to you, ask the seller whether the film they offer has a metal layer.
Why does old window film 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.