Privacy glass, window tints, are they the same thing? Or is there a significant difference between the two terms? In this blog, we will explore the question ‘What is privacy glass?’
With a thriving aftermarket industry, it’s no secret that vehicle owners want the best for their vehicles, whether it’s making it look the way they want it and/or making upgrades. Either way, having peace of mind is the most important factor, this can only be provided by established and trusted service providers like GoTints!
At GoTints, we pride ourselves on providing a variety of expert services for vehicle owners. This includes repair, customisation and personalisation! Our services include PPF, Privacy glass, vehicle wrapping, and car detailing,
Privacy glass and window tints are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably (with exceptions). Depending on whom you ask, it could refer to a window tint, which is a layer of film that is applied onto windows to improve privacy, reduce glare, UV rays, and the car’s temperature in the sun.
On the other hand, privacy glass can also refer to a specialised form of glass that is simply darkened or tinted during manufacturing. This is a permanent tint that is integrated into the glass, as opposed to a separate film that can be applied, the glass can be made with metal oxides in the glass.
Yes. There are some options of privacy glass that can provide privacy on-demand. Examples include:
These are considered the upper-echelon of privacy glass, and is more often than note used in buildings as opposed to vehicles. That being said, there is a version of privacy glass that can be added to vehicles, but would come at a significant premium over options such as a window tint, due to the specialised installation method.
Moreover, an on-demand privacy glass will more likely than not be in violation of window tinting laws in the UK depending on where it is installed.
As a result, a window tint, and privacy glass for a vehicle should be installed by a professional service. This is the best way to maintain privacy in your vehicle without paying a large cost, and staying within the boundaries of the law.
The most common type of privacy glass is “switchable”. However, there is a version that can be applied to vehicles, which we will explain below:
The key component is a film containing liquid crystals. This film is typically sandwiched between two layers of glass, this component is known as polymer dispersed liquid crystal.
These liquid crystals are tiny molecules that can change their orientation, which allows them to alter transparency. When there’s no electrical current applied, these crystals are randomly arranged, causing light to scatter as it passes through, making the glass appear frosted or opaque.
When an electrical current is applied, the liquid crystals align themselves. This allows light to pass straight through, making the glass transparent. With a simple switch, the glass can transition from clear to opaque and back again.
Neither window tints nor privacy glass reinforce the durability of a window to a noticeable degree. Privacy glass may be thicker, but is still susceptible to cracking and shattering like any other window.
The same applies for window tints, a window can still crack and shatter if a window tint is already applied. However, the adhesion of the tint can help to prevent shattered glass from falling and spreading.
Yes, privacy glass has the potential to malfunction, this is the result of being electrically operated. Here’s how:
Starting with window tints, there are legal considerations to be conscious of before applying the tint, this changes with where the tint is placed on the vehicle. Front windows have restriction, rear windows have none. Here’s an explanation:
In this blog, we hope to have provided insight towards the question ‘What is privacy glass?’ Are you looking for window tint providers that have a variety of options, years of experience, and competitive pricing? Contact Go Tints for expert advice and professional tinting services to provide your windows with a flawless finish!
At GoTints, our expert services have been leading the way in customising, personalising and enhancing vehicles. Our team has 20 years of experiences, providing top-quality services in a wide areas. This includes window tints, vehicle wrapping, paint protection film, alloy wheel refurbishment and repair.
That’s not all, our services come with a lifetime warranty, we also collect and deliver your vehicle, and can provide a courtesy car if you need it! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to see how we can help you!
01484 627390
enquiries@go-tints.co.uk
Go Tints,
Unit C1, Trident Business Park,
Neptune Way, Leeds Road,
Huddersfield,
HD2 1UA
Diamond Cut Alloys,
Unit C2, Trident Business Park,
Neptune Way, Leeds Road,
Huddersfield,
HD2 1UA
Accident Car Clinic, Unit C3,
Trident Business Park, Neptune Way,
Leeds Road, Huddersfield,
HD2 1UA
MOT Service Centre Huddersfield, Unit C4,
Trident Business Park, Neptune Way,
Leeds Road, Huddersfield,
HD2 1UA
Monday — Friday 08:30 to 18:00
Saturday — 08:30 – 13:30
Sunday — Closed
