Is 3M Crystalline or 3M Ceramic IR Automotive Tint Better?

There’s a simple answer to the question, “Is 3M Crystalline or 3M Ceramic IR Automotive Tint Better?” And the answer is, Crystalline is better. But simple answers don’t always tell the whole story, do they? In this blog we’ll compare these two automotive tints objectively, and then we’ll let you answer the question, “Which one is best for me and my vehicle?”

Your Can’t Go Wrong with Either One

Because both automotive films are 3M products, you really can’t go wrong with either one. 3M has been designing window tints for several decades, and they make the highest quality film on the market today. They are the undisputed leader in the industry. That’s why Dickson Graphics is both a 3M certified installer and 3M certified distributor of 3M products. We want only the best for our clients. 

What Are the Similarities between 3M Crystalline and 3M Ceramic IR?

Both films have seven shades of tint for you to choose from. And both films reject over 99% of harmful UV rays in all seven shades. They both are non-metalized films that won’t interfere with electronics, satellite radio, GPS or mobile devices, including 5G.

What Are the Differences between 3M Crystalline and 3M Ceramic IR?

One advantage that Crystalline has over Ceramic is that it provides more average protection (across all categories) in the lighter shades of tint. This means you can get a high level of protection without changing the look of your vehicle, in other words, without the obvious look of tinted windows.

Glare Reduction

There is a fairly significant difference between Crystalline and Ceramic for glare reduction. Ceramic has Crystalline beat on this category. The darkest shade of Ceramic has 93% glare reduction, and the lightest shade has 12% glare reduction. Crystalline’s darkest shade has 77% glare reduction and 1% glare reduction for the lightest shade.

IRR

Another very significant difference between the two films is Infrared Reduction (IRR). Infrared rays are primarily responsible for the heat you feel when driving. Crystalline is the winner in this category. In every shade, it rejects more infrared rays than Ceramic. IRR for Crystalline ranges between 99% and 95%. Ceramic ranges between 95% to 78%. So, Crystalline is the best heat reducing film of all films, not just Ceramic.

Now Here is the Biggie – COST

Crystalline costs, on the average, about 3 times more than Ceramic. Crystalline is more expensive to manufacture because it is a multilayer optical film (MOF) that combines over 200 layers in a film that is thinner than a Post it® Note. Ceramic tint is a combination of ceramic particles and a high-quality polyester film.

Nashville’s Best Auto Tinting Service

Now you should have enough information to answer the question, “Which one is best for me and my vehicle?” No matter, which film you choose, Dickson Graphics is here for your needs! We carry all the 3M automotive window films.

To learn more about automotive window tinting, or to make an appointment, contact Dickson Graphics to speak with one of our specialists! Remember, investing in a trusted window tinting company like Dickson Graphics will save you from the hassle of replacing or repairing your window tint.