Which shade cloth provides the best shadow for the dog in the car – Aluminet 70%, Aluminet 80% or maybe 85%? We did some testing with Aluminet 70% and 85% and here is the comparison of the 2 products.
The Aluminet shade cloth is not a new product on the market. This material was originally developed to provide shadow for plants and to protect them from burn caused by direct sunlight. Today this product is very popular in particular in dog sports – we all try to find the perfect solution for the recovery of our dogs between the runs during hot summer days. However, there are already so many different shade cloths made of aluminet on the market, which one is the best option?
Title of each aluminet shade cloth includes a number and percentage information. This value defines, how much of the direct sunlight does the aluminet shade cloth reflect. Logically, the higher the percentage, the bigger amount of sunlight the aluminet reflects & provides for better shadow. Is this really the case? Not necessarily!
Structure is the key!
Aluminet 70% equals to a woven fabric. You can place it on your car or tent regardless which side is facing up – both sides reflect sunlight equally. This type of aluminet provides for better airflow – the structure is similar to a net.
Caution! Not all aluminet shades have knitted structure! Some may reflect higher percentage of sunlight; however, their structure enables only limited or no air circulation at all. This is often the case of aluminet available in random hardware stores. You need to consider this especially if you want to use the aluminet to create shadow in your vehicle, where airflow is crucial!
For this test we used Aluminet 85% which does NOT have knitted structure. Only one side of the shade cloth is coated with the material reflecting sunlight. It does not feel like a textile fabric, it is less flexible, more plastic-like, but makes a more durable impression. The structure does not remind of a net – the „empty“ rows to enable airflow are placed in a regular distance. In comparison to knitted aluminet it provides worse airflow. To find out if this plays a role for the comfort of the dog waiting in the car, read the results of our test.
Aluminet 85%: 1 row for airflow inserted after 1 row of reflective material
Aluminet 85%: 1 row for airflow inserted after 2 rows of reflective material
Aluminet 85%: 1 row for airflow inserted after 3 rows of reflective material
Aluminet 85%: 1 row for airflow inserted after 4 rows of reflective material
Aluminet 85%: non-reflective side of the shade cloth
Aluminet 70%: knitted structure enabling full airflow
Size matters!
During hot weather the car is heating up primary through the glass surfaces. Even if you open all the windows, it is not sufficient to cover only the back of your car with aluminet. The interior will heat up through the windshield. Therefore, choose a size that covers all glass surfaces incl. the windshield. If you keep your trunk open, consider getting a size that will cover even the open back door of your trunk. For common sedan and combi cars, usually the size 4 x 3 m is sufficient. Larger size of at least 4 x 6 m or a combination of 2 smaller sizes is suitable for SUVs & vans.
Does Aluminet scratch my car?
We have been selling aluminet shade cloths for over 4 years now. We have not experienced that aluminet itself would cause scratches to your vehicle. On dark colours, „micro scratches“ might be visible after a certain period of time, however these are removed after polishing. The only thing that might scratch your car are the metal eyelets located on the sides of the cloth rim.
How did we perform the test?
First of all, we used Aluminet to create shadow outside of the car.
The lowest temperature was measured under the aluminet 85%. The air and the general comfort level felt the best under aluminet 85%, confirmed as well by the number of four-legged testers, who all came to chill under the aluminet 85%.
Next, we used aluminet to create shadow in the car. We covered 2 identical cars with aluminet and opened back windows and trunk. Temperature has been measured at the back seats. Measured temperature was the same for both aluminet shades and comfort level was very good in both cars.
For the final test we covered both cars with aluminet, however closed all windows and opened ONLY the trunk. Temperature has been measured at the back seats. The main aim was to compare the air circulation level for the two different aluminet types. According to thermometer, aluminet 85% reduced the temperature by 2 degrees more, however the air in the car felt more „stuffy“. Temperature in the car covered with aluminet 70% was 2 degrees higher, BUT the air felt more „fresh“ and the comfort level was higher.
Air temp. in shadow outside of the car
Result
Air temp. in car: trunk & windows opened
Result
Air temp. in car: ONLY trunk opened
Result
Without aluminet
30°C
39°C
39°C
Aluminet 70%
28°C
More comfortable environment than in „standard“ shadow without aluminet
29°C
High comfort level with no difference between the 2 aluminet shades
34°C
Better air circulation, more comfortable environment in comparisson to aluminet 85%
Aluminet 85%
26°C
Shadow felt more „cooler“ than under the aluminet 70%
29°C
High comfort level with no difference between the 2 aluminet shades
32°C
Lower measured temperature, however the air circulation feels worse, the air feels „stuffy“
How to attach the shade cloth to your car?
Most aluminet shades include metal eyelets – use rubber bands to attach the shade cloth to the rear mirror or wheels of your car or any other subject. More quicker and convenient way to attach the shade to your car or camper is using magnets. Make sure to use magnets that are strong enough to hold the shade event during windy weather, but you can still easily reposition or remove them. From our experience, magnets with adhesive force around 30 kg work the best. We offer the magnetic hooks in our shop including rubber caps to protect your car from scratches. Use 4 – 6 pieces for a small car or 6 – 10 pieces for a van.
Again, it depends on the intended use. My personal conclusion after this test is the following:
Creating shadow in the vehicle:
Both types provide good comfort level, however it is crucial to use the aluminet with opened windows and trunk. Aluminet 85% is stiffer, which sometimes makes the handling more difficult. When placing the shade cloth on the car you need to make sure, that the correct side is facing up towards the sun – the side coated with the reflective material. Aluminet 70% is more flexible and thanks to its knitted structure also provides better air circulation. When using this to cover the front of your camper (windshield and side windows), when only the side windows are slightly opened for ventilation, this type is definitely a better option – more air flows inside into the vehicle. Generally, it is softer and adapts to the form of the car – big advantage especially when using the larger size of the shade.
Creating shadow in the exterior:
When creating shadow within an outside open area, aluminet 85% is definitely the better option. It reflects higher amount of sunlight, and its lower air permeability does not play a role in an open space. It creates an environment with high comfort level during hot summer day, however we have tested a version which enables at least a low level of air circulation!
Regardless of what type you decide to use, it is definitely worth the money, we do not recommend trying various „fake“ aluminet shades. Often, these “want-to-be-aluminet” shades do not provide any air circulation, which is crucial especially when using it for your car. In an open space you would end up using several layers of the material to achieve the same reflection effect.
Always make sure, that the used aluminet enables air flow and that the correct side coated with the reflective material is facing towards the sun – in case of a non-knitted structure!
Thanks for help during testing to our loyal product testers Lucia, Jakub, Roxy & the Dutch Shepherds Leia, Emma & Mardy.
Which Aluminet shade cloth provides the best shadow?
Which shade cloth provides the best shadow for the dog in the car – Aluminet 70%, Aluminet 80% or maybe 85%? We did some testing with Aluminet 70% and 85% and here is the comparison of the 2 products.
The Aluminet shade cloth is not a new product on the market. This material was originally developed to provide shadow for plants and to protect them from burn caused by direct sunlight. Today this product is very popular in particular in dog sports – we all try to find the perfect solution for the recovery of our dogs between the runs during hot summer days. However, there are already so many different shade cloths made of aluminet on the market, which one is the best option?
Aluminet 85%
Aluminet 70%
What does the % in the title stand for?
Title of each aluminet shade cloth includes a number and percentage information. This value defines, how much of the direct sunlight does the aluminet shade cloth reflect. Logically, the higher the percentage, the bigger amount of sunlight the aluminet reflects & provides for better shadow. Is this really the case? Not necessarily!
Structure is the key!
Aluminet 70% equals to a woven fabric. You can place it on your car or tent regardless which side is facing up – both sides reflect sunlight equally. This type of aluminet provides for better airflow – the structure is similar to a net.
Caution! Not all aluminet shades have knitted structure! Some may reflect higher percentage of sunlight; however, their structure enables only limited or no air circulation at all. This is often the case of aluminet available in random hardware stores. You need to consider this especially if you want to use the aluminet to create shadow in your vehicle, where airflow is crucial!
For this test we used Aluminet 85% which does NOT have knitted structure. Only one side of the shade cloth is coated with the material reflecting sunlight. It does not feel like a textile fabric, it is less flexible, more plastic-like, but makes a more durable impression. The structure does not remind of a net – the „empty“ rows to enable airflow are placed in a regular distance. In comparison to knitted aluminet it provides worse airflow. To find out if this plays a role for the comfort of the dog waiting in the car, read the results of our test.
Aluminet 85%: 1 row for airflow inserted after 1 row of reflective material
Aluminet 85%: 1 row for airflow inserted after 2 rows of reflective material
Aluminet 85%: 1 row for airflow inserted after 3 rows of reflective material
Aluminet 85%: 1 row for airflow inserted after 4 rows of reflective material
Aluminet 85%: non-reflective side of the shade cloth
Aluminet 70%: knitted structure enabling full airflow
Size matters!
During hot weather the car is heating up primary through the glass surfaces. Even if you open all the windows, it is not sufficient to cover only the back of your car with aluminet. The interior will heat up through the windshield. Therefore, choose a size that covers all glass surfaces incl. the windshield. If you keep your trunk open, consider getting a size that will cover even the open back door of your trunk. For common sedan and combi cars, usually the size 4 x 3 m is sufficient. Larger size of at least 4 x 6 m or a combination of 2 smaller sizes is suitable for SUVs & vans.
Does Aluminet scratch my car?
We have been selling aluminet shade cloths for over 4 years now. We have not experienced that aluminet itself would cause scratches to your vehicle. On dark colours, „micro scratches“ might be visible after a certain period of time, however these are removed after polishing. The only thing that might scratch your car are the metal eyelets located on the sides of the cloth rim.
How did we perform the test?
First of all, we used Aluminet to create shadow outside of the car.
The lowest temperature was measured under the aluminet 85%. The air and the general comfort level felt the best under aluminet 85%, confirmed as well by the number of four-legged testers, who all came to chill under the aluminet 85%.
Next, we used aluminet to create shadow in the car. We covered 2 identical cars with aluminet and opened back windows and trunk. Temperature has been measured at the back seats. Measured temperature was the same for both aluminet shades and comfort level was very good in both cars.
For the final test we covered both cars with aluminet, however closed all windows and opened ONLY the trunk. Temperature has been measured at the back seats. The main aim was to compare the air circulation level for the two different aluminet types. According to thermometer, aluminet 85% reduced the temperature by 2 degrees more, however the air in the car felt more „stuffy“. Temperature in the car covered with aluminet 70% was 2 degrees higher, BUT the air felt more „fresh“ and the comfort level was higher.
How to attach the shade cloth to your car?
Most aluminet shades include metal eyelets – use rubber bands to attach the shade cloth to the rear mirror or wheels of your car or any other subject. More quicker and convenient way to attach the shade to your car or camper is using magnets. Make sure to use magnets that are strong enough to hold the shade event during windy weather, but you can still easily reposition or remove them. From our experience, magnets with adhesive force around 30 kg work the best. We offer the magnetic hooks in our shop including rubber caps to protect your car from scratches. Use 4 – 6 pieces for a small car or 6 – 10 pieces for a van.
Magnet hook with rubber cap
€ 5,90
Which one to choose?
Again, it depends on the intended use. My personal conclusion after this test is the following:
Creating shadow in the vehicle:
Both types provide good comfort level, however it is crucial to use the aluminet with opened windows and trunk. Aluminet 85% is stiffer, which sometimes makes the handling more difficult. When placing the shade cloth on the car you need to make sure, that the correct side is facing up towards the sun – the side coated with the reflective material. Aluminet 70% is more flexible and thanks to its knitted structure also provides better air circulation. When using this to cover the front of your camper (windshield and side windows), when only the side windows are slightly opened for ventilation, this type is definitely a better option – more air flows inside into the vehicle. Generally, it is softer and adapts to the form of the car – big advantage especially when using the larger size of the shade.
Creating shadow in the exterior:
When creating shadow within an outside open area, aluminet 85% is definitely the better option. It reflects higher amount of sunlight, and its lower air permeability does not play a role in an open space. It creates an environment with high comfort level during hot summer day, however we have tested a version which enables at least a low level of air circulation!
Regardless of what type you decide to use, it is definitely worth the money, we do not recommend trying various „fake“ aluminet shades. Often, these “want-to-be-aluminet” shades do not provide any air circulation, which is crucial especially when using it for your car. In an open space you would end up using several layers of the material to achieve the same reflection effect.
Thanks for help during testing to our loyal product testers Lucia, Jakub, Roxy & the Dutch Shepherds Leia, Emma & Mardy.
Martina