Does Window Film Prevent Fading?

You have surely noticed that sometimes curtains become less bright over time, or your favorite rug loses its rich color. Why does it happen? This frustrating phenomenon is called fading, and the sun is to be blamed for it. Sun brings precious light to our homes, but it also carries unseen enemies – ultraviolet (UV) rays. If your furniture, flooring, fabrics, and artwork are exposed to sunlight, they will lose their vibrant look over time. Is there any solution to prevent fading? Yes, and it is a window tinting film. Read on to find out how you can protect your home and belongings.

How does the sun ruin your interior and furnishing?

Sunlight is a spectrum of light with different components, and each of them is accountable for a certain degree of fading.

• UV rays (40%). These invisible rays are the worst enemy of color. They are so strong that can break down the chemical bonds within colored materials. Over time, this breakdown causes the colors to lose their vibrancy and fade.
• Heat (25%). Excessive heat is uncomfortable. But what’s worse – it supports UV rays in their devastating fading mission. High temperatures increase the damaging effects of light. So, sunny rooms are particularly susceptible to color loss.
• Visible light (25%). Even gentle light coming through the windows cause fading, but it is a longer provess compared to the harm that UV rays bring. Constant exposure to visible light can gradually break down pigments and lead to a slow but steady loss of color.
• Miscellaneous factors (10%). This category includes a variety of other fading reasons, such as humidity, air pollutants, and improper cleaning.

What materials are susceptible to fading?

Different materials fade differently. What do you need to know to protect your belongings more effectively? Here is how material composition impacts fading:

1. Natural materials like fabrics with natural dyes, untreated wood, and unprocessed leather are more likely to fade compared to synthetic materials. Natural dyes break down faster under the influence of sunlight, heat, and other environmental factors.
2. Synthetic materials like polyester fabrics, treated wood finishes, and synthetic leather usually have better fade resistance. This is because synthetic dyes and finishes are often manufactured to be more resistant to light and heat.

Even the material type can react differently to fading triggers For example, some wood species are naturally more resistant to light than others. Similarly, the quality of dyes used in fabrics can significantly impact their longevity and fade resistance.

How window film prevents fading

Window film is a great solution to minimize fading. It acts like an invisible filter against harmful sunlight. The main advantages of window tinting for fading protection are:

• UV absorption and reflection. Prime-quality window films contain UV blockers. These blockers act like tiny sponges that absorb a significant portion of the sun’s harmful UV rays. They do not allow ultraviolet radiation to penetrate deep into your interiors and damage your belongings. Additionally, some window films come with reflective properties and can bounce back UV rays, minimizing their devastating impact.
• Heat reduction. Solar control films have even a more powerful effect. They not only block UV rays but also reject a substantial amount of solar heat. This creates a cooler and more comfortable living environment alongside with a less fading risk. Excessive heat intensify the effects of UV rays and visible light, so a lower heat gain automatically slows down the fading process.

Types of anti-fading window tints

You can find a wide range of film that can be used to combat fading. It all depends on your specific needs and priorities. Here are the main options:

UV-blocking film. This type of film prioritizes blocking UV rays, the primary reason for fading. It is a good choice for situations where UV protection is the main issue, for example, when your artwork or furniture with natural dyes are in danger. UV-blocking films are typically clear and have minimal impact on the natural light entering your space.

Solar control film. These films offer a broader approach. They block a significant portion of UV rays and also reject a substantial amount of solar heat. This makes them ideal for rooms that receive intense sunlight and where both fading prevention and a cooler living environment are desired. Solar control films can come in various transparency levels, from slightly tinted to more opaque options.

Tinting Chicago offers prime-quality window tinting films from XPEL that have a perfect balance of UV protection and heat reduction. This is the most reasonable choice if you are concerned about both factors and want a reliable solution. XPEL films provide superior UV protection, heat rejection, and light transmittance for your needs.

How to choose the right window film to reduce fading?

Homeowners may find it confusing to select the right window film as the modern market offers a lot of modifications. So, here are some additional tips to help you decide:

• Sun exposure. Consider the amount of direct sunlight your windows receive. Rooms with intense sun exposure might benefit more from solar control films, and UV-blocking films may be enough for moderate sun exposure.
• Desired level of light transmission (VLT%). Tinting films may have various transparency levels. If you prefer to maintain a bright and natural feel in your space, choose a clear or slightly tinted film. For better heat reduction, opt for a more opaque film.

The Tinting Chicago team is ready to help!

The best approach to have the right tinting film and get it correctly installed is to hire professionals for this job. Tinting Chicago experts can assess your specific needs, recommend the most suitable film type, and answer any questions you might have. We have years of experience and can find the best solution for any situation. Besides, the skills and professional equipment allow us to guarantee a flawless installation. We work with XPEL tinting films – the best sun protection films available in the market. Furthermore, we offer extended warranties on both materials and services. Partner with us and protect your home and valuables from annoying fading for years. Call us today for a free estimate.