Ceramic Window Tinting in Delaware

In Kepler's case they are the same thing. Both automotive ranges are named for infrared: Kepler IR and Kepler IR+ use nano-ceramic particles rather than dye or metal, and the IR in the name refers to the infrared heat that ceramic layer takes up. The two terms are used loosely across the trade, so ask which range and which shade a quote covers rather than relying on the label.

Kepler publishes up to 81% infrared rejection for IR and up to 98% for IR+, with UV transmittance under 1% on every shade. Infrared is only part of the sun's energy, so the fuller measure is total solar energy rejection, which Kepler lists between 51% and 72% depending on the range and the shade. A darker shade always rejects more than a lighter one in the same range.

Kepler published figures

• Infrared rejection: up to 81% on Kepler IR, up to 98% on Kepler IR+
• UV transmittance: under 1% on every published shade
• Total solar energy rejection: 51% to 72% by range and shade

Dyed film mostly darkens the glass. A ceramic film adds an infrared-absorbing layer, so it works on heat as well as on light, and because there is no metal in it there is nothing to interfere with phone, GPS or radio reception. Kepler also builds its ceramic films for colour stability, which is what keeps a dark shade looking the way it did when it was fitted. What no film changes is the law: how dark you can go is still set by the Delaware limits.

Cost depends on the range, the shade and how much glass the car has, and the independent business fitting the film sets its own price. For a figure to work from before you enquire, use the quick quote tool on this page or our window tinting prices page. The dealer who receives your enquiry confirms the final price with you and answers anything about the fitting itself.

Ceramic film goes on the inside of the glass, so looking after it is mostly about how the glass is cleaned. Give newly fitted film time to settle before using the windows normally, keep to a soft cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner, and avoid scraping anything along the edges. If the film itself develops a fault such as bubbling or peeling, that is what Kepler's Warranty Information covers, claimed through the business that fitted it.

The full routine, including what to use and what to avoid, is on our window film care page.

Roughly, yes. Put a thermometer in the car and compare it with an untinted one in the same sun, or hold a heat lamp at a tinted and an untinted pane and feel the difference. What it will not give you is a measurement: published figures come from laboratory tests on a set glass and light source, while a driveway comparison cannot control for glass type, angle or air movement. For darkness, only a meter reading on the finished window tells you where you stand legally.

Delaware sets the limits in Title 21, Section 4313 of the state code. Material applied to the windows immediately beside the driver and to the forward side wings must have a visible light transmission of 50% or more, while the side windows behind the driver and the rear window may take any darkness. On the windshield, tint must be transparent and must not encroach on the AS-1 portion. A signed statement from a licensed physician, osteopath or optometrist covers a medically necessary exemption. The full summary is on our Delaware window tint laws page. Bear in mind that the limit applies to the glass and the film together, not to the film's own rating on its own.

Ceramic films like Kepler's are built for colour stability and work on infrared heat rather than only on visible light. Against metalised film, they avoid the mirrored exterior look and leave phone, GPS and radio signals alone. Against another maker's ceramic, the only fair comparison is figure for figure on the same shade: infrared rejection, total solar energy rejection, UV transmittance and visible light transmission, all measured the same way.

Mostly because of what goes into it. Ceramic particles, a colour-stable tint layer and a scratch-resistant top coat sit above a simple dyed film, and what you get for that is heat control at a shade you would actually want to drive, clear reception, and cover for the life of the vehicle against manufacturing defects. Whether it is worth it depends on how much sun your car sits in and how long you plan to keep it.

Kepler does not fit film; it supplies independent tinting businesses, so the way in is the tinter search on this site. Use the Delaware locations page to see what is listed, or send the quick quote form and an independent local tinter will contact you about shade, price and arrangements. Confirm availability with them before making plans.