We offer three main window tint tiers: Carbon Film for value, Ceramic Film for premium performance, and Nano Ceramic+IR for maximum heat rejection. Your choice depends on your budget, how long you're keeping the car, and how much heat rejection you want.
If you are planning to get your car's windows tinted, you have probably come across different film types and aren't sure which one to pick. We offer three tiers: Carbon Film, Ceramic Film, and Nano Ceramic+IR. All three are non-metallic, non-signal-interfering options that look great and perform well — but they differ meaningfully in heat rejection, warranty, and price.
This guide compares all three window tint options in detail — covering heat rejection, UV protection, price, durability, appearance, and more — to help you make the best choice for your vehicle. For Washington state legal requirements on tint darkness, see our WA tint laws guide.
Quick Answer: Nano Ceramic+IR is the best product — up to 90% IR heat rejection, scratch resistant, lifetime warranty. Ceramic Film is excellent for most drivers — lifetime warranty, 99% UV, GPS & cell safe. Carbon Film is the best value — solid performance, 10-year warranty, $350 for most sedans. All three are non-metallic and won't interfere with GPS or cell signals.
Carbon Film uses tiny carbon particles suspended in a polyester film base. When applied to your car windows, these carbon particles block infrared radiation (heat) while allowing visible light through.
Carbon Film has been a popular choice for years because it provides solid performance at a reasonable price. The carbon particles are non-metallic, so they do not interfere with GPS, cell phone signals, or radio reception — a major advantage over older metallic tints that could cause signal issues.
The film has a matte, slightly dark appearance that gives your car a sophisticated, understated look. Carbon Film does not have a reflective or shiny finish. It looks natural and blends well with most vehicles. It is durable and does not fade over time, backed by a 10-year warranty.
Ceramic Film uses nano-ceramic particles instead of carbon. These ceramic particles are designed to be more effective at blocking infrared radiation while maintaining optical clarity. Like Carbon Film, Ceramic Film is completely non-metallic and does not interfere with electronics — GPS, cell phones, and radios work flawlessly.
Ceramic Film blocks 99% of UV rays, provides strong heat reduction beyond Carbon Film, is GPS & Cell safe, and comes with a lifetime warranty. The appearance is also cleaner — Ceramic Film maintains more optical clarity, making it both a performance and aesthetic upgrade over Carbon Film.
Nano Ceramic+IR is the top tier in our lineup. It takes the ceramic technology further with an advanced IR (infrared) rejection layer that delivers up to 90% IR heat rejection — the highest available for automotive window tint. This is a meaningful real-world difference: on a hot day, Nano Ceramic+IR can keep your cabin dramatically cooler than any other film option.
In addition to maximum heat rejection, Nano Ceramic+IR is scratch resistant, blocks 99% of UV rays, is fully GPS & Cell safe, and comes with a lifetime warranty. If you want the absolute best window tint available, this is it.
| Feature | Carbon Film | Ceramic Film | Nano Ceramic + IR |
|---|---|---|---|
| IR Heat Rejection | Good | Very Good | Up to 90% |
| UV Protection | Excellent | 99% | 99% |
| GPS & Cell Safe | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Scratch Resistant | Standard | Standard | Yes |
| Appearance | Matte, dark finish | Clear, natural look | Premium clarity |
| Fading | No fading | No fading | No fading |
| Price — Sedan (sides & back)* | $350 | $550 | $599 |
| Price — Avg. SUV (sides & back)* | $399 | $599 | $650 |
| Warranty | 10 years | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Clarity | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
*Prices are for sides & back windows. Windshield not included. Exceptions may apply.
Heat rejection is the primary reason people tint their windows. On a hot summer day in the Seattle area, window tint can make a huge difference in cabin temperature and comfort.
Carbon Film blocks a solid amount of infrared heat. On a 90-degree day, Carbon Film will keep your car noticeably cooler, reduce strain on your air conditioning system, and make a real difference in interior comfort — all for $350 on most sedans.
Ceramic Film steps up the performance significantly. Its nano-ceramic construction provides better heat rejection than Carbon Film, along with 99% UV protection. The difference is noticeable, and it comes with a lifetime warranty for just $200 more than Carbon Film on most sedans.
Nano Ceramic+IR delivers up to 90% IR heat rejection — the best available for automotive tint. This superior performance means a dramatically cooler cabin and far less reliance on air conditioning. In real-world terms, Nano Ceramic+IR can be 10–15 degrees Fahrenheit cooler inside the cabin compared to Carbon Film on the hottest days. For just $49 more than Ceramic Film on most sedans, it is often the best value at the top of the range.
All three of our film tiers provide excellent UV protection. Carbon Film provides excellent UV blocking; Ceramic Film and Nano Ceramic+IR both block 99% of UV rays. UV protection matters for:
Carbon Film has a more pronounced dark, matte appearance. The carbon particles absorb light, giving the windows a modern, sophisticated look. The finish is completely non-reflective. If you like the classic "tinted window" aesthetic, Carbon Film delivers this effectively.
Ceramic Film maintains significantly more optical clarity than Carbon Film. The windows look tinted and provide privacy, but they appear more neutral and natural. From inside the car, visibility is superior.
Nano Ceramic+IR offers the same premium clarity as Ceramic Film with the added benefit of scratch resistance — making it the best option if you also care about long-term surface durability.
All three options are legal in Washington state as long as they meet the 24% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) minimum on front side windows. Available shades: 5%, 15%, 20%, 35%, 50%, 70%.
Carbon Film starts at $350 for most sedans, $399 for average SUVs (sides & back, windshield not included, exceptions may apply) and comes with a 10-year warranty. You get solid performance at a reasonable cost.
Ceramic Film starts at $550 for most sedans, $599 for average SUVs (sides & back, windshield not included, exceptions may apply) and comes with a lifetime warranty. Adds 99% UV, improved heat rejection, and GPS & cell safe performance over Carbon Film.
Nano Ceramic+IR starts at $599 for most sedans, $650 for average SUVs (sides & back, windshield not included, exceptions may apply) and comes with a lifetime warranty. Adds up to 90% IR heat rejection and scratch resistance over Ceramic Film — for just $49 more on most sedans.
For a full pricing breakdown including windshield options, see our window tinting cost guide.
Carbon Film comes with a 10-year warranty. This is a solid commitment. The carbon particles are non-metallic and hold up well under normal driving and sun exposure conditions.
Ceramic Film and Nano Ceramic+IR both come with a lifetime warranty. The nano-ceramic particles are highly resistant to degradation from UV exposure and thermal cycling. Neither will fade, discolor, or degrade — and the lifetime warranty means you're covered for as long as you own the vehicle.
In the long term, the ceramic options' lifetime warranty gives them a clear edge over Carbon Film for drivers who plan to keep their vehicle for many years.
An important advantage shared by all three of our film types is that none of them interfere with electronics. All three are non-metallic and will not affect:
This is a major difference from older metallic window tints, which could cause signal issues. All three of our options are fully compatible with modern vehicle electronics.
Choose Nano Ceramic+IR if:
Choose Ceramic Film if:
Choose Carbon Film if:
Our Recommendation for Seattle-Area Drivers: If you can stretch to Nano Ceramic+IR, the up-to-90% IR heat rejection and lifetime warranty make it the best long-term investment at just $49 more than Ceramic Film on most sedans. Ceramic Film is the sweet spot for most drivers who want lifetime coverage and premium performance. Carbon Film remains an excellent choice for budget-conscious drivers — it performs well, looks great, and carries a solid 10-year warranty.
Carbon Film provides solid heat rejection with a 10-year warranty, starting at $350 for most sedans (sides & back, windshield not included). Ceramic Film adds 99% UV protection, GPS & cell safety, and a lifetime warranty, starting at $550 for most sedans. Nano Ceramic+IR is the top tier — up to 90% IR heat rejection, scratch resistant, 99% UV, GPS & cell safe, and lifetime warranty — starting at $599 for most sedans.
It depends on your priorities. Ceramic Film offers 99% UV protection, lifetime warranty, and GPS & cell safe performance — for $200 more than Carbon Film on most sedans. Nano Ceramic+IR adds up to 90% IR heat rejection and scratch resistance for just $49 more than Ceramic Film. If you plan to keep your car long-term, the ceramic options deliver far better value per year. Carbon Film's 10-year warranty is still an excellent choice for budget-conscious drivers.
Yes. Both Ceramic Film and Nano Ceramic+IR come with a lifetime warranty, while Carbon Film carries a 10-year warranty. In practice, ceramic options will maintain their appearance and performance longer under normal driving and sun exposure conditions — and you're covered for the life of the vehicle.
None of them will interfere. Carbon Film, Ceramic Film, and Nano Ceramic+IR are all non-metallic and do not affect cell phone signals, GPS, radio reception, or any vehicle electronics. This is a major advantage over older metallic tints.
Yes. All three film types can be applied to all windows that are legal to tint in Washington state. This includes front and rear side windows (24% VLT minimum on front sides) and rear windows. Windshields cannot be tinted with dark tint, but clear UV and IR-blocking windshield films are available and legal.
Carbon Film starts at $350 for most sedans (up to $399 for average SUVs). Ceramic Film starts at $550 for most sedans (up to $599 for average SUVs). Nano Ceramic+IR starts at $599 for most sedans (up to $650 for average SUVs). All prices are for sides & back windows — windshield not included, exceptions may apply. See our window tinting cost guide for full pricing details including windshield options.
At Compass Window Tinting, we install Carbon Film, Ceramic Film, and Nano Ceramic+IR window tint on vehicles throughout Everett and the greater Seattle area. We can discuss the pros and cons of each option based on your vehicle, budget, and preferences. We only use premium film from trusted manufacturers and guarantee your tint meets Washington's legal requirements. Available shades: 5%, 15%, 20%, 35%, 50%, and 70%.
All prices are for sides & back windows. Windshield options priced separately. Exceptions may apply.
All installations come with a warranty and are completed to perfection. We measure your factory glass VLT to ensure your tint is legal.
Serving: Everett, Seattle, Shoreline, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and the greater North Seattle area.