Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by Alex Koch
100% WINDOW TINT: PROS, CONS, AND, WHERE TO BUY
Everything you should know about 100 window tint, Before & After photos, how the tint looks at night, and top brands to buy from.
WHAT DOES 100% TINT LOOK LIKE?
100 percent tint is the most transparent window film you can apply. On the VLT spectrum in terms of UV Ray protection, it will not block any of the light, further, it will not aid with privacy when trying to view inside the vehicle, you will be able to see in with no issue at all.
The 100 tint will offer no protection and you will be able to see into the vehicle without any interference or challenge.
If you want to be sure you’re staying compliant with state tinting laws, 100% window tint is the best choice as it is basically like not having tinted windows at all. 100 tint is completely transparent.
Check your state’s tint laws here.
100% window tint will not block any UV rays and is legal in every U.S. state.
Remember, with window-tinting, the lower the tint percentage, the darker the film. So with 100% tint, it’s basically a clear, transparent film offering no privacy.
100 WINDOW TINT BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURE
Below is a before and after picture of a car that started with no window tint film and then added a 100% window tint so you can visualize the difference before and after the tint film was added.
You can purchase 100 percent tint in various colors to match your vehicle.
Below is an example photo of a car with 100% window tint applied to it.
Interested to learn more about other tint percentages?
HOW DARK IS 100% TINT COMPARED TO OTHER TINT PERCENTAGES?
100 percent tint is more often applied at the factory if the dealer wants a layer of transparent film on their cars, perhaps to offer scratch protection.
Most private owners do not select 100 tint because it does not make the tint darker and only helps with scratch protection.
It is legal to install 100% window film on the driver’s side and front passenger windows in all states since it does not deter anyone from seeing inside the vehicle.
100 Tint offers no UV Ray protection and will be easy to see into since it is a clear and see-through film.
100 tint is very popular for cars coming from a dealership, however, it could potentially not be enough privacy or tint-darkness for many drivers.
You can see in the picture below the VLT of several tinting options including 50% window tint as well as 5%, 35%, and 50%
CAN YOU SEE THROUGH 100 TINT AT NIGHT?
You can see through a 100 percent window tint at night when you are inside the vehicle. If you are outside of the vehicle you can also see into a car with 100 tints installed extremely easily, even if you are over 20ft away.
Tinting professionals will tell you that 100 percent window tint is a poor choice to pay for, considering the car will not look any different from its current state.
Twenty percent is approximately the darkest you can tint your windows and still see clearly on a gloomy night. 100 tint should not impact your visibility while driving at all.
If you have poor vision, driving at night with one hundred percent window tint will be ok, even if with poor vision.
A dark night combined with dark window film can result in a severe lack of visibility. Always operate a vehicle with caution.
HOW MUCH DOES ONE HUNDRED PERCENT WINDOW TINT COST?
Installing 100% window tint on your vehicle may range from $125 to $650 for standard, non-reflective tint film.
If you want ‘the good stuff‘ your range will be closer to $200 to $625 for a more premium tint film, such as what you get with ceramic, carbon, or other specialized films.
Expect to spend extra on a vehicle with a larger number of windows.
If you need to remove your tint for whatever reason, you will have to pay for this service as well. This can cost anywhere from $25 to $200 or more. As you can see, a variety of factors will determine the price you’ll pay for 100% tint.
You can check pricing for one hundred window tint rolls here.
100% WINDOW TINT VS 20
We are talking about very different films. There is an 80% difference in visible light transmittance.
You can see through 100 window film easily, even if you are not close to the car, however, 20 tint can be rather difficult to see through at times, even if it is light out.
It will be tricky to see inside the window with 20 tint, while 100 tint will appear as if there is no tint film applied at all. It is clear.
100 tint is easier to see into than 20 tint.
There are several differences here, including a legal one. All U.S. states allow 100% film, only a certain number allow 20 tint. However, 20 percent tinting is preferable to 100 percent tint for drivers looking for an added touch of privacy and just an overall darker-looking tint.
THE BEST 100 TINT TO BUY
OUR TOP CHOICE FOR 100% WINDOW TINT
FINAL THOUGHTS:
A 100 percent window film is not going to block out any UV light. It will have no impact on providing additional privacy into the car, everyone will be able to see inside.
The complete transparency that comes with 100 tint is common when purchasing a car from a dealership or after-market sales center. 100% window tint is legal in your state.
Remember, the optimal percentage for your windows is determined by your reasons for tinting them in the first place.