Most people asking about tint already know they want it. The harder question is which type. We install three, and each one is built around a different priority: keeping the cost down, rejecting heat without side effects, or squeezing out the most heat and glare control possible.
The short version
| Dyed | Nano-ceramic | Metallic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest of the three | Middle | Quoted per vehicle |
| Heat rejection | Basic | Strong | Strongest, close to or above ceramic |
| Fading | Can fade after years of sun | Does not fade the way dyed can | |
| Phone, GPS, radio | No interference | No interference | Can interfere, depending on the film |
| Best for | Looks and UV protection on a budget | Most drivers | Maximum heat and glare control |
Dyed tint
Dyed tint uses a layer of dye to darken the glass, block UV and cut glare. It gives a clean, even look and it’s the cheapest way to get it. What it doesn’t do well is heat: if your main complaint is a hot cabin in July, dyed tint will help a little, not a lot. Over years of sun it can also fade.
Pick dyed if you mostly want the look and basic UV protection.
Nano-ceramic tint
Ceramic tint uses ceramic particles instead of dye or metal. It rejects much more heat than dyed tint, it doesn’t fade the way dyed tint can, and it won’t mess with your phone, GPS or radio. That combination is why it’s the one we recommend to most drivers.
Pick ceramic if you want real heat rejection and don’t want trade-offs.
Metallic tint
Metallic tint uses tiny metal particles to bounce heat and glare away, and in raw heat rejection it often matches or beats ceramic. The catch is signal: depending on the film, it can interfere with phone reception, GPS or radio. Pricing depends on the film and how much glass your vehicle has, so we quote it individually.
Pick metallic if heat and glare control matter more to you than anything else.
Whichever you choose, Michigan law sets the limits
Michigan doesn’t allow aftermarket tint on the front side windows, apart from a strip along the top 4 inches. The same 4-inch strip is allowed at the top of the windshield. Rear side windows and the back window can be any darkness, and no window can use film that is 35% reflective or more. Drivers with a medical need can apply for an exemption with a letter from a physician or optometrist. We’ll keep your tint legal either way.
Not sure yet?
Tell us how you use the car and what bothers you most, heat, glare, privacy or fading, and we’ll point you to the right film. See our window tinting page for details, read our carbon vs ceramic tint guide, or call (586) 651-4007.