Modern window tinting is exceptionally functional and aesthetically pleasing, but did you know that the history of window tinting can be traced back to ancient times?
Ancient Egyptians actually made colored glass in small amounts and the ancient Romans were the first civilization to set up the mass production of glass for use in windows. As early as the second millennium, these Romans were installing glass windows in their homes, some experimenting with colored glass. Of course, these ancient glass windows, even when tinted, didn’t offer the UV protection and other benefits of window tinting installed by West Michigan Glass Coatings today for homes in Kalamazoo or offices in Muskegon!
By the Middle Ages, stained glass windows were installed in cathedrals and the homes of the rich and titled throughout Europe. These intricate stained glass windows are beautiful precursors to the affordable and functional window tinting that increase the value of Michigan homes or the trendy decorative window tinting that enhance office and commercial spaces.
Tinted windows were found on some American cars during the Second World War and shortly after there was that new-fangled solar control film developed during the sixties. Some tinting from the sixties and seventies was uneven and very obvious to the eye with trapped air bubbles or lines.
For homes, around the same time, some manufacturers offered a spray-on tinting. The results weren’t widely appreciated because they were frequently too dark and did little to reduce heat absorption into homes or commercial spaces.
By the early nineties, newer versions made with metallic particles did a slightly better job at deflecting UV rays and heat absorption, but the downside was that it could interfere with electronics and things like radio reception.
Fast forward to today and West Michigan Glass Coatings is proud to use the very latest in adhesive and film technologies offered by 3M Window Films. When professionally installed, these modern window tinting films not only look beautiful, but they help to reduce most of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. There are many decorative options available as well as window tinting designed to improve safety and security.
West Michigan Glass Coatings offers residential window tinting and commercial window films to Grand Rapids Holland, Muskegon, Kalamazoo, and surrounding area. Contact our window film installation specialists to find out more.