3M Ceramic IR is the middle film in 3M’s automotive lineup. It keeps out a lot more heat than carbon film, it comes in dark shades for privacy, and it costs less than Crystalline. If your main complaint is a hot cabin in summer, this is the film to look at first.
How Ceramic IR works
Ceramic IR uses tiny ceramic particles instead of dye, carbon or metal. The particles absorb the infrared part of sunlight, which is the part that carries heat, before it gets into the cabin. Because there’s no dye, the film doesn’t fade to purple. Because there’s no metal, it doesn’t interfere with your phone, GPS, Bluetooth, satellite radio or toll transponder.
3M describes the film as having low interior reflectivity, which helps you see out clearly at night. It holds a neutral charcoal colour in every shade.
Ceramic IR specs
These figures are from 3M’s product bulletin for Ceramic IR.
| Shade | Visible light through | Infrared rejected | UV rejected | Total solar energy rejected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IRN 70 | 73% | 95% | 99.9% | 59% |
| IRN 60 | 62% | 95% | 99.9% | 62% |
| IRN 50 | 46% | 95% | 99.9% | 59% |
| IRN 40 | 38% | 95% | 99.9% | 62% |
| IRN 20 | 15% | 95% | 99.9% | 66% |
3M measures infrared rejection in the 900 to 1000 nm range. Total solar energy rejected (TSER) counts visible light, UV and infrared together. Brands measure heat in different ways, so our brand comparison lines them up using the same method.
Look at the infrared column. A light Ceramic IR shade blocks the same share of infrared as the darkest one. That means you can choose the darkness you like for looks and privacy and still get the heat rejection.
Who Ceramic IR suits
- Drivers who park in the sun or have a long commute with the sun on the glass.
- Anyone who wants dark rear windows and a cooler cabin from the same film.
- Trucks and SUVs with large rear glass areas.
- Drivers who want ceramic performance without paying for Crystalline.
Ceramic IR and Alberta law
On an Alberta-registered vehicle driven on public roads, film is allowed only on the rear side windows and the back glass. Those windows can be any darkness, as long as you have an outside mirror on each side. The windshield and the side windows beside and in front of the driver can’t have any film, including clear film.
We install front-window and windshield film for show and off-road vehicles, vehicles registered outside Alberta, and medical exemption permit holders. The full rules are in our Alberta tint law guide.
Ceramic IR prices
These prices are the same at both shops.
| Package | 3M Ceramic IR |
|---|---|
| Two front windows | $349 |
| Back windows | $649 |
| Windshield | $599 |
| All windows | $799 |
| All windows and windshield | $1,199 |
“Back windows” means the rear side windows and the back glass.
How it compares with the other 3M films
3M Colour Stable
A carbon film that holds its colour. It gives privacy and glare control for the lowest price, but it keeps out less heat than Ceramic IR. From $299.
3M Ceramic IR
The film on this page. It keeps out much more heat than carbon and comes in dark shades. From $349.
3M Crystalline
3M’s top film. It keeps out the most heat while staying light, and it only comes in lighter shades. From $449.
Want Ceramic IR on your vehicle? Ask for a quote.