House with Glass TintingTinting of glass not only beautifies it beyond compare but also protects that which lies on the other side.  Tinting refers to the treatment given to glass to reduce the infiltration of light or harmful radiation.  In fact, glass tinting can be extremely effective, often blocking more than 50% of solar heat by increasing the reflectivity of the glass surface.  Hence, glass tinting may be used to reduce the glare of light, lower the amount of heat that enters, allow privacy or add aesthetic appeal.

The process either involves adding a chemical to the glass during the manufacturing process, or applying a window film either on or between glass sheets of the finished product.  Common colours for tinting include yellow, blue, green, and black.

Other common reasons for glass tinting are thermal insulation, safety and security, and graffiti protection.

 

Usage Areas

Window with Tinted GlassIn the home or office, tinting reduces the amount of ultra violet radiation which enters the building.  This emission can cause fading of paint, upholstery, and carpeting over a prolonged period of time.

Tinted glass is also used in commercial buildings to keep the insides cool while it offers the building façade a more uniform appearance.

 

 

Tinting Methods

There are two ways in which to achieve a top quality tinted look.  The required colour can either be mixed in as metal oxides during the actual manufacturing procedure of the glass or then added as a tint film post production.

In the first method, the colourless glass is altered by an intrinsic colour, which makes it look like an integral part of the material.  This method is also known as body tinting and its advantages lie in its smooth, homogenous and scratch resistant finish.  This type of tint is a natural looking, high quality effect that has superior chemical – acid and alkali resistance.  This treatment ensures long lasting colour as it is unaffected by external elements.  Body tinting is commonly available in bronze, green, blue and grey.

The other method involves the application of tint films.  There are many grades, shades, colours and thicknesses of window films available today.

Films used for Glass TintingThe various kinds of films offered include:

  • Heat Rejection Film – Applied to the interior of flat glass windows, usually dyed or metalized
  • Ceramic Window Film – Non-metallic, no dyes, can reduce energy transmission by 80%
  • Low Emissivity Coating – Applied to the inside or outside pane of glazed windows depending on whether the heat is to be kept in or out
  • Security Film – Applied to prevent glass from shattering, made of heavy-gauge plastic
  • Solar Control Window Film – Prevents glare, holds glass together in event of breakage
  • Switchable Film – Can change from opaque to clear by a safe voltage under 36V AC
  • Graphic Design Film –  Made for commercial applications, in vinyl or frosted
  • Privacy Film – For reduced visibility in flat-glass commercial and residential applications
  • Mirror Film – For reduced visibility, glare and increased cooling

 

 

Processes

The body tinting process involves melting colorants into the material during its making. Various metallic additions can be used to produce a variety of shades.

These are examples of some commonly used metals and their resultant colours:

  • Iron for green, brown, blue
  • Manganese for purple
  • Chromium for green, yellow, pink
  • Copper for blue, green, red
  • Cobalt for blue, green, pink
  • Titanium for purple, brown
  • Gold for red
  • Sulphide for yellow
  • Sulphur for amber, brown

For glass tint films, the expertise lies in the technique of its application.  Glass tinting personnel are qualified experts who use a variety of heat guns, tinting squeegees, spray bottles, hard cards and masking tools.

We at HouseOfGlass specialise in intrinsic tinting or body tinting of glass for commercial and residential purposes.  This technique boasts of a superior and long lasting quality.