Date:         Thu, 1 May 1997 10:38:47 -0700 (PDT)
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Erik C Peterson <n9541548@scooter.cc.wwu.edu>
Subject:      Re: Window Tinting

I'll explain how window film is rated by darkness:

50%	This is the lightest tint available.  It blocks out all UV rays 
	and provides a slightly darker look to the glass.  50% of the light
	which hits the window actually makes it through the film

35%	Most states which limit window tinting, use this as their limit.  35%
	light transmittance.

20%	This film is very dark, only allowing 20% of the light to pass 
	through it.

Limo tint can be anywhere from 5-10% light transmittance.
Black out tint is 0-5%

Window film is also rated on reflectance.  Full mirror film is 100% and 
is not legal in any states anymore, that i know of.

The percentages are estimates.  We checked some 20% 3M film with a 50% 
reflectance rating with a light meter.  Only 17% light transmittance was 
found.


Erik Peterson
R.R. Designs
Bellingham, WA
'80 Vanagon
'68 Squareback
'79 Scirocco
'84 Interceptor


On Thu, 1 May 1997, Seastoner wrote:

> Ummmm....made a mistake in the original posting it's 20% tinting for 
> the sides and back...
> 
>