14 Best Window Tint Alternatives in the Market: Which One’s Better?

The best alternatives to window tint

for your car include retractable or mesh shades, solar sheets, ceramic shields, and window deflectors.

You can also replace your windows with electrochromic windows to block the heat. Moreover, window awnings, curtains, or sheets can be helpful if legal in your region.

1. Use Clear Films Instead of Tint

Clear window film is an alternative to window tint films. It is a transparent film made from various polyester, vinyl, and polyurethane products. It is effective for people who do not want a dark interior appearance. It is also beneficial for those concerned about facing legal issues in their region.

Before buying the window film, do not forget to check its material, transparency, and warranty. Ensure cleaning the window film daily. Also, it’s best to get the film installed by a professional to avoid wrinkles.

2. Factory Tint Can Be an Alternative

Factory tint is also known as privacy tint. It is a dim tint, having a visible light transmission of 15%-20%. It is a permanent tint placed at the time of car manufacturing. The glass has to be replaced to remove the tint.

Factory tints can match the rest of the car to give a professional look. However, before applying them to your car’s windows, you must check laws and ensure that factory tint is legal in your state.

3. Use Retractable Drop Shade Instead of Tint

Retractable drop shades, also known as retractable sun shade car or detachable sun shades, are made of light fabric, including mesh and polyester. They are hung using suction cups and magnets.

Those living in regions with strict laws regarding window tinting can use these shades as they are easy to remove. While buying the shades, choosing the size and color is essential. Do not forget to remove the sunshades while driving.

4. Use Mesh Sun Shades Instead of Tint

Mesh sunshades, made up of mesh, can be used as an alternative to tinted windows. These window shades can be hung outside the window using suction cups or magnets. They are available in various sizes and colors.

The difference between mesh sunshades and retractable drop shades is that mesh sunshades are lighter in weight and allow more air to circulate.

5. Use Electrochromic Windows Instead of Tint

Electrochromic windows are another window tint alternative for cars. The device is put between two thin layers of glass of a car window. The window changes its tint from clear to dark whenever the electric current is provided.

These windows ensure energy efficiency as they keep your car cooler in summer and warm in winter. They need to get charged before driving; otherwise, they will stop working while traveling.

There are three types of electrochromic windows: switchable electrochromic windows, dimmable electrochromic windows, and automatic electrochromic windows. So you can choose any of these based on the durability, price, and tint level you need.

6. Use Ceramic Sun Shields Instead of Tint

Ceramic sun shades are made up of ceramic products. There are two types of ceramic window tints, i.e., dyed ceramic and non-dyed ceramic tint.

The ceramic particles are added to the dyed film in a ceramic tint. It is comparatively cheap and less durable than non-dyed ceramic tint.

The non-dyed ceramic tint is made with ceramic material and a film. It is highly durable and practical, but it is relatively expensive. It is essential to clean the shades often and avoid using chemicals.

7. Use Window Deflectors Instead of Tint

Window deflectors are made up of acrylic material. They are applied outside the window. Window deflectors are also known as vent visors and rain guards.

They help prevent rain and snow from damaging the interior. When choosing the deflectors, choosing the right size and color is essential. Moreover, washing the deflectors daily with mild soap and water is a good idea.

8. Use Window Curtains Instead of Tint

If you live in regions with strict laws against tints, curtains are another great option. However, buying lightweight fabric and ensuring curtains do not disturb the driver’s vision is essential.

They must be short in length and properly hung. Otherwise, they can make it difficult for the drivers to focus on the road. Before getting curtains for your car, ensure they are legal in your region.

9. Use Window Awnings Instead of Tint

Window awnings are another alternative for car window tint. They are available in various materials, including fabric (acrylic or vinyl), metals (aluminum or galvanized steel), and wood. The awnings are placed outside the window of the car.

They might cost more than other ideas mentioned here, but they can significantly reduce heat exposure. You can hire a professional to help you install them. Search “Window tinting near me,” and you’ll find auto mechanics dealing with tinting or alternative methods.

10. Liquid Nano Tint Can Be an Alternative

Liquid nanoparticle tints can be used as an alternative to window tinting. It is transparent, and double is applied on the windows. To maintain the tint longer, wash it daily with soap and avoid parking your car in sunlight.

Window spray is a good option if you want to know how to make car windows darker without tint. However, window spray is a temporary solution as it is easily removed after washing the window.

11. Use Window Screens Instead of Tint

Window screens are made up of a fabric with small holes. If you want to prevent insects like mosquitos, you can use window screens. Window screens are available in three types of fabric: metal mesh, fiberglass mesh, and vinyl mesh.

Metal mesh is the most durable and expensive but requires frames for window attachment. The frame can be made up of wood, metal, or plastic. Anodized and painted frames are mostly preferred.

12. Use Window Clings Instead of Tint

Window clings made of thin vinyl material can be an alternative to window tinting. They have stickiness on one side, which makes them easy to apply on the window. The clings can be used on the inner side of the window as well as the outer side.

They are available in different designs, sizes, and quality. However, when applied, they do not give a professional look to the car. Before installing the clings, wash the window and ensure no wrinkles are made while sticking them to it.

13. Use Frosted Window Film Instead of Tint

Frosted window film is made of vinyl, but it gets coated with polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, and polycarbonate. This thin film is only applied on the internal side of the window.

It is vital to wash the frosted film with soap and water daily and avoid using chemicals.

14. Use Solar Screens Instead of Tint

Solar screens made of mesh fabric are another alternative to tints. They are coated with a unique material that prevents harmful ultraviolet rays from entering the car.

This makes the car remarkable and more comfortable during summer. These screens are always applied outside the window.

Conclusion

Having mentioned the best fourteen window tinting alternatives, here is a summary of essential points listed in the article:

• If you want something affordable, consider retractable drop shades, mesh sunshades, window deflectors, or curtains instead of tints.
• You can use electrochromic windows if you are looking for something advanced.
• The choice of alternatives depends entirely on your needs and requirements.
• Check the laws in your state against tints, curtains, or other alternatives before installing them in your car.

Since now you know the effectiveness, price ranges, and durability, deciding the best alternative to the window tint should be more accessible. Protect yourself from the dangerous ultraviolet rays using lawful methods in your state.

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