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Ceramic vs Carbon Window Tint. Ceramic vs Carbon.

How the two film types differ in heat rejection, clarity and price.

Up to 35%Carbon heat rejection
Up to 96%Ceramic heat rejection
Metal-freeNo signal loss
Ceramic vs Carbon Window Tint

Two Films, Two Strengths.

How the two film types differ in heat rejection, clarity and price.

XPEL XR Plus nano-ceramic tint on a car side window

Carbon: Prime CS

Carbon particles absorb heat and give a rich, matte-black look that does not fade. A great-looking, durable tint at a lower price.

Nano-Ceramic: XR Black

Ceramic particles reject much more infrared heat, keep optical clarity higher and perform well even in lighter shades.

Nano-Ceramic: XR Plus

Our top film for maximum heat rejection, up to 96%, and clarity.

Prime CS vs XR Black vs XR Plus.

Prime CS (carbon)XR Black (ceramic)XR Plus (ceramic)
TechnologyCarbonNano-ceramicNano-ceramic
Heat rejectionGoodHighUp to 96%
ClarityRich matte blackHighHighest
Best forValue and looksPerformanceMaximum comfort
WarrantyLifetime, transferableLifetime, transferableLifetime, transferable
The details

How to Choose.

Straight answers from an XPEL Authorized Dealer in North Hollywood.

Both Are Non-Metallic

Neither interferes with cell, GPS, radio, tolling or key-fob signals. Older metallic films caused that.

Pick Carbon for Value

Choose XPEL Prime CS for a great-looking, durable tint at a lower price.

Pick Ceramic for Performance

Choose XR Black or XR Plus when maximum heat rejection and clarity matter most.

Shade Does Not Decide Heat

Nano-ceramic rejects infrared whatever the shade. A light, legal ceramic film can block more heat than a dark budget film.

Same Warranty

XPEL window film carries a transferable lifetime warranty against bubbling, peeling, cracking, fading and discoloring.

See It on Your Car

We show you the options on your own vehicle before we start. Read the California Tint Laws first.

Questions

Before You Book.

What is nano-ceramic window tint?

A high-performance film with microscopic ceramic particles that block infrared light and UV without dye or metal. The result is a cooler cabin and a clear view through the glass.

Is ceramic tint worth it over carbon?

If you want the most heat rejection and clarity, yes. If you want a great-looking, durable tint at a lower price, carbon is excellent.

Does either film block signals?

No. Both are non-metallic, so phone, GPS, radio and key-fob signals pass through.

Which should I pick for a Tesla?

XR Plus is our usual recommendation for Teslas because heat rejection eases the load on the A/C and battery. See Tesla Window Tint.

The studio

Visit us, or just call ahead.

Every install happens in our North Hollywood studio. Wait in the lounge during a tint, or drop the car off and we’ll call you when it’s ready.

No mobile installs — all work is done in-shop for a clean, dust-free finish.

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What are we protecting?

Tell us the car and the service. We’ll reply with an honest quote.

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