Anti-glare vs anti-reflective – What is the difference?

Anti-glare vs anti-reflective – What is the difference?

So, you’re looking to improve clarity and reduce glare on your glass surfaces, but terms like “anti-glare” and “anti-reflective” leave you confused. Don’t worry, you’re not alone!

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct technologies with varying applications. At Diamond Coatings, we produce and supply high-performance anti-reflective coatings, and we’re here to set the record straight.

Both anti-glare and anti-reflective coatings address the issue of unwanted reflections on glass. These reflections can cause several problems:

• Visual Discomfort: Glare can strain your eyes, leading to headaches and fatigue.
• Reduced Clarity: Reflections can obscure underlying objects and details, hindering visibility.
• Energy Inefficiency: In windows, reflections can increase heat gain, requiring more energy for cooling.

Now, let’s explore the approaches these coatings take to combat glare:

Anti-glare:

• Works by scattering reflected light. Imagine tiny bumps on the glass surface, diffusing the reflected light in various directions.
• Pros: Affordable, effective against specific glare sources like headlights.
• Cons: Can slightly reduce image sharpness, visible as a faint haze on the surface.

Anti-reflective (AR):

• Utilises multi-layered thin films on the glass surface to cancel out incoming and outgoing light waves, drastically reducing reflection.
• Pros: Superior clarity, minimal to no haze, reduces reflections from all angles.

Diamond Coatings Anti-reflective Technology

At Diamond Coatings, we champion the power of anti-reflective technology. We offer a range of high-performance AR coatings, including:

• Single-sided AR: 94% light transmission, ideal for one-way viewing applications like display cases.
• Double-sided AR: 96% light transmission, ultimate clarity for demanding applications like high-end electronics and museums.
• Customisable Solutions: Tailored coatings to meet your specific needs, including varying thicknesses and functionalities as well as working to tailored reflection specifications.

Diamond Coatings offer premium quality, high-performance anti-reflective solutions. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and discover how our innovative coatings can enhance your vision and unlock the true potential of your glass surfaces.

We’re committed to helping you see the world with exceptional clarity, free from distracting glare.