Decorative vs. Solar vs. Security Films: Home and Commercial Window Tinting Guide
Top-quality home and commercial window tinting offers a variety of benefits. Different types of film help property owners solve a variety of problems—from energy efficiency, to security, and more.
Which type of window film is best for your home or commercial space? Here’s a description of the three basic types of office and home window tinting materials, as well as a quick guide on how to choose.
Decorative Window Tint
Decorative window tint provides an elegant, timeless visual barrier on any glass window. Instantly give any clear glass pane a black out, white out, frosted, or dusted crystal finish to add a layer of privacy and sophistication.
- Black out window tint provides maximum privacy with the lowest level of visible light transmission (VLT). The sleek look of darkened glass is the perfect combination of security and style.
- White out decorative window tint allows the lowest level of VLT possible without darkening the room via black windows—total privacy with a clean, bright aesthetic.
- Frosted window tint gives homes and offices the benefits of privacy with the elevated appearance of frosted glass.
- Dusted crystal is a lighter version of the classic frosted window tint. It provides a measure of privacy, but isn’t as opaque as the classic frost.
Any decorative window tint options can be used together to create unique looks and meet specific privacy needs in any space.
Solar Window Tint
Solar window tint is a transparent film that can be applied to home or office windows to reduce the effects of solar energy on interiors. Solar window tinting keeps out up to 85% of infrared radiation (IR), 55% of solar energy, and 99% of UV light.
That blocking power translates to many benefits for property owners, including:
- Cooler interiors: Reducing IR and solar energy keeps interiors cooler and reduces hot spots in homes and offices.
- Comfortable settings: In addition to temperature control, solar window tint reduces glare, increasing comfort for residents and visitors.
- Protected interiors: Solar tint protects interiors from UVA rays that fade and damage furnishings and finishes inside.
- Energy savings: Keeping interiors cooler, naturally, reduces energy consumption as well.
Many solar window tints can even improve the appearance of home or office windows. While protecting interior spaces, tint films can also add an extra shine or metallic appearance to window exteriors.
Security Window Tint
Security window tint is a thick window film applied using industrial adhesive that adds strength to any window, deterring break-ins, protecting against environmental damage, and guarding against graffiti.
- Security window film is available in seven millimeter or eight millimeter density, with silver or clear finishes. It dramatically improves the strength of any glass, resisting direct force.
- Anti-graffiti window film is thinner and applied to the outside of a window to protect the glass from scratches and other damage caused by graffiti.
Security window tint films are valuable installations on any home, office, storefront, or school.
Home Window Tinting: Which Film Do I Need?
The best solution for your home and family depends on a variety of factors. The technicians at Garage Slick are premier, certified installers, and can help you determine exactly what you need.
Some considerations include:
- Purpose: What problem do you need to solve? Most homeowners are primarily concerned with lowering energy costs and reducing interior effects of large windows, so solar window tinting is a good solution.
- Location: Interior windows usually have different needs from exterior windows, and ground-level windows are better candidates for security film than higher windows.
- Aesthetic: Interior and exterior design options are also a big consideration. Some films are completely neutral, while others add a visual component.
To discuss your needs and learn about options, talk to a certified XPEL dealer near you. If you’re in the Boise area, the champion XPEL technicians at Garage Slick are your local experts for home window tinting.
Some homeowners may even qualify for a tax credit, since certain films improve the energy efficiency of your home!
Commercial Window Tinting: How to Choose
Commercial window tinting installations are often more complex, because there are a greater number of needs to answer. Your local certified XPEL dealer can help you put together a specific plan, but here are some general guidelines.
- Decorative window tint is for interior glass and often used in commercial settings to add privacy between office spaces, in public restrooms, and more.
- Solar window tint is a common addition to exterior windows over atriums, libraries, and other interior spaces that benefit from abundant natural light—but that also become natural hot spots.
- Security window tint is usually used in commercial settings near heavily trafficked areas—like storefronts and downtown office buildings—and where extra security is needed—like schools, banks, or hospitals.
If your business is in the Boise area, look no further than the XPEL Idaho dealer of the year: Garage Slick. Our commercial window tinting team has performed countless installations, and can help get your business exactly what it needs.
Garage Slick and XPEL Films
The team at Garage Slick is committed to excellence in all of our work. Your home and business mean everything to you, so they mean everything to us as well.
Our passion is evident in both the high-quality service that our team provides and our dedication to only using the finest materials on the market. That’s why the Garage Slick team exclusively uses XPEL window tint films.
XPEL has long been recognized as a leader in the industry. Their line of VISION Home and Office Window Film represents the most innovative window tint options available.
It’s also why Garage Slick was proud to be named XPEL’s Idaho Dealer of the Year, 2023.
How to Get Started
The easiest way to get started with home or commercial window tinting in the Boise area is to give us a call at 208-204-9110 or fill out our online inquiry form to start the custom quote process.
One of our expert technicians will talk about your property, needs, goals, and design preferences. The team will come out to do a pre-installation inspection and take detailed measurements. Then, on a convenient date, we’ll bring pre-cut films for a quick, professional installation.
Get in touch today and enjoy improved comfort and security in your home or commercial space.
Commercial and Home Window Tinting FAQs
Our certified technicians are always happy to answer your questions. Here are a few FAQs.
Is it worth it to get home window tinting?
Home window tinting is more valuable in some homes and geographic locations than others. The Boise area, for example, is a high desert climate that gets about 200 days of sun every year.
That kind of UV exposure on a house with even moderate window coverage can quickly increase cooling costs, wear down furniture, and more. Home window tinting in places like Boise is definitely worth the investment, because it reduces energy usage, improves comfort, protects interiors, and increases the value of your home.
How do I tint office or home windows?
There are DIY window tint films available on the market, but they’re not usually great solutions. First, the quality of consumer-facing window tint films is paltry compared to the industry experts at innovative companies like XPEL.
Second, proper installation requires precision and experience. Poorly installed window tint often bubbles, tears, and peels up at the edges creating a poor appearance and even more work to remove and repair.
How much does it cost to tint commercial windows?
The cost for commercial window tinting varies widely, because a lot of factors need to be considered. The cost of the installation will depend on the size and number of the windows, their location on the building, what kind of window film you need, and more. The quote is free, though!
