Tint Guides

A detailed review of various tint film grades by percentage. VLT explanations, before and after photos, night time viewing, where to buy and more

Tinting the Front Windshield

June 15, 2021 by Ryan Pietrzak

If you’ve ever driven straight into the sunset, which most of us have, you know how difficult it is to see the road through the glare. The same problem exists when headlights from an oncoming vehicle make it difficult to see at night.

Getting window tint applied to your windshield can help solve this problem.

In this article, we talk about window tinting on your windshield for cars and motorcycles and the benefits of installing window film on your vehicle.

Can I put window tint on my front windshield?

Yes, it is possible to tint your front windshield, however, there are strict window tinting laws that you need to follow. These vary by State (we provide more detail below) but due to tight regulations, we highly recommend having your windshield tinted by a recognized professional who understands the nuances of the State laws.

There are also laws regarding window tint on your rear window and side windows, however, these are not as strict as those pertaining to your front windshield. To learn more about tinting the rear and side windows, check out our most popular resources:

What is the purpose of a window tint on your front windshield?

Adding window tint to your front windshield is not for the purpose of darkening the window, but rather to give you some protection from harsh UV rays, and prevent glare from the sun during the day or headlights during the night.

It provides safety from shattered glass and possible break-ins. We explain the benefits in more detail below.

The benefits of window tint on your windshield

We’ve spoken about the fact that window tinting will help block out any glare caused by the sun, or headlights during the night.

But another key benefit that a lot of people don’t realize is that window tinting your windshield will also protect you from harmful UV rays and significantly lower the heat levels inside your vehicle.

Much like tinted side windows, the upholstery of your vehicle will be protected from sun damage as well.

Window tinting also protects you from glass breakage. It makes your windshield shatterproof which reduces the chances of being cut by flying glass if you are in an accident and acts as a deterrent from thieves trying to get into your vehicle.

Lastly, many people have their windows tinted to improve the appearance of their vehicles.

Is window tinting on my windshield legal?

Window tint laws vary according to what state you are in. We recommend checking your specific state’s laws on tinting your vehicle windows by clicking here before moving forward with windshield window tinting.

Laws also differ according to which windows you are wanting to tint. Typically, front side windows have to be lighter than the rear window to allow the driver to see the road clearly from the side.

The law also differs according to your vehicle type. SUVs will differ from passenger cars when it comes to the amount of visible light transmission allowed. Learn the difference between Passenger and Multipurpose vehicles, here.

How much visible light transmission (VLT) is allowed?

Again, this is something that will vary according to your State, however, it is common to have up to 80% visible light transmission (VLT) on windshield tints. This means that 80% of visible light can penetrate the glass. The lower the percentage, the darker your window tint will be.

There are certain films used for tinting windows that are virtually clear, such as ceramic film. You can still see clearly inside or outside of your vehicle so it is safe to drive, and you can see clearly day or night.

What is a tinted windshield strip?

Tinted windshield strips, also called shade bands, are quite common in newer car models.

The tinted strip film covers the entire length of the windshield and extends from four to six inches down from the roof. Sometimes the strips are a dark shade of blue or are made out of a pixel pattern that blocks out the visible light.

Because the strip only covers the top couple of inches of your windshield, it does not obstruct the driver’s view of the road. This means it’s safer at night than tinting the entire windshield where most of the light is blocked.

Shade bands are made to fall in line with local regulations on window tint since they only cover the top few inches of your windshield.

Looking to apply windshield window tint at home? We recommend these popular window tint strips:

LEXEN Universal Size PreCut Curved Sun Strip Window Tint with 5% Darkest Shade

Nano Ceramic Car Front Window Film 99% Anti UV Heat Insulation Sun Blocking Solar Window Tint for Car Windshield Rear Side Window, 20Inch X 10Feet Roll 80% VLT

What is a partial windshield tint?

Some drivers choose a window tint that only covers part of the windshield. This might be because their local authority only allows the top of the windshield to be tinted, or they simply prefer it over fully tinted windows.

There are numerous benefits to partial or top-of-windshield tints.

For one, it’s considerably cheaper than a fully tinted window. The window tinting material covers only the top portion of the glass, so there’s less to pay for.

Tinting the top of the windshield reduces visible light transmission when the sun is hanging just above your windscreen, without impairing the driver’s vision. For this reason, many drivers choose partial over full tinted windows.

Some car manufacturers include top glass tints in their cars, so you can purchase a new car with its window tinting the way you want.

Tinted windows on a motorcycle

Lots of motorcyclists choose to window tint their windshields.

Motorcycle windshields can make it difficult to see since they reflect a lot of glare from the road. This can be hazardous to riders. Because of this, some motorcyclists choose to tint their front windshield, others remove the windshield entirely.

Although motorcycle windshields are made from a type of perspex and not glass like car windows, installing tints of front windshields on motorcycles is done in the same way as a normal car window tint installation.

A thin layer of adhesive vinyl is placed over the windshield which blocks out some of the light. There are also custom design pieces of vinyl available on the market to give your bike a more personalized effect. Installation is quick and easy.

Some motorcycle riders also choose to spray-paint their front windshield to block out the glare. This can be harmful as the paint is not transparent and will entirely block your view.

Should I get my front windshield tinted?

If you live in a very sunny area and drive a lot then getting a partial or full front windshield tint is a very good idea. The benefits for glare and heat reduction, UV rays protection, and safety are significant and worth the installation expense.

However, we cannot stress enough that you need to check the laws in your state before going ahead and tinting the windshield of your vehicle. You can be fined heavily if caught with a percentage that is illegal in your state. Make sure to first read up on your state’s current laws.

Electric window tint for cars

May 12, 2021 by Ryan Pietrzak

Electric Window Tinting

Electric window tinting for cars is a relatively new and disruptive technological advancement sometimes referred to as “smart tint” or “smart glass“.

People have been tinting their car windows since the 60s, but the technology then was crude. It turned the interior of your car into a sweltering greenhouse and the thin dye bubbled and peeled in only a few months of the film being applied to a car window.

But we’ve come a long way since those days, and the technology behind tinting is a lot more advanced.

In this article, we’ll cover what electric window tinting is, how it’s done, what the costs are, and the benefits of having automotive smart tint for your car.

Auto smart glass window tint — Electric window tint for cars 6

What is Electric Window Tinting?

Electric window tints were initially designed for home usage to block out sunlight according to the user’s desires using tint electricity.

It has since gained popularity for car owners who want to install a form of smart glass for their vehicles.

One of the key features that attract people to electric window smart tint is being able to adjust the level of light that penetrates the glass. The film is completely adjustable and can typically be changed from between 5% and 70% VLT opacity.

This is advantageous over older versions of window tinting because it gives the driver the ability to drive at night while still being able to see the road.

How Does Electric Window Tinting Work

Electric smart glass window tint for car 1 — Electric window tint for cars 7

Previously, window tints were made of dyed glass or ceramic films.

Nowadays, electric tints are made by laminating the glass between multiple layers of polymer. The polymer is lined with heavy particles that change their properties when exposed to an electric current.

When a current is run, the particles in the polymer line up together, which darkens the glass by blocking out the light. The particles are in a stable state, so they will remain in place until another current makes them shift again.

When the glass is given a negative charge, the particles repel one another and the film becomes clear again, letting more visible light through.

Can you see out of smart tint windows?

Smart window tint is completely adjustable. Users can change the opacity of a window from anywhere between 5% and 70% opacity.

Another advantage of the tint is that even at high opacity, these windows are designed to let you see out and still stop light from getting in.

At night, if you dial the darkness up to the maximum, you would just be able to see but it would be pitch black for anyone looking in. During the day, you would block out most of the external light but still be able to see outside clearly, as if you were wearing sunglasses.

How is an electric window tint system installed?

Previously, window tints were made of dyed glass or ceramic self-adhesive window film.Nowadays, electric tint is made by laminating the glass between multiple layers of polymer film.

The self-adhesive polymer installation is lined with heavy particles that change their properties when exposed to an electric current.

When the glass is given a negative charge, the particles repel one another and the film becomes clear again, letting more visible light through.

Costs of Electric Auto Window Tinting

The cost of getting an electric window tint can change depending on the car dealership you go to. If you’re lucky enough to find a technician who can do the job, you can expect a full set of car windows to cost you anywhere from $350 to $900.

Some installation companies charge per square foot, but it is more common to be charged per window. There are also additional costs for installing custom trim.

The challenge that you’re going to face is finding a technician who specializes in electric auto window tinting. Window tinting your car is very common, but electric tints are very new and require specialized equipment to apply.

Relative to standard window tint, which costs $100 to $400 for a full window set, smart or digital tint is indeed more expensive.

Examples of Cars with Electric Window Tinting

Is their adjustable window tint or “smart tint”?

Yes. Electronic window tinting or so-called adjustable or digital tint is made of a lattice of heavy magnetic particles that react to electrical currents. While the technology for smart tint has existed for many years, only recently has it been growing in popularity and applications. Electric auto tints were initially designed for home usage to block out sunlight according to the homeowner’s desires. It has since gained popularity with car owners.

There are a few different window films categories, with adjustable car window film being the most ‘advanced’ in terms of adjustable light and the ability to customize the privacy level of your cars tint percentage.

This technology does exist and is available for purchase at specialist style auto shops. The automotive smart glass is able to range in the allowable VLT based on the drivers choice. You can adjust the tint darkness from no tint, to mild tint, to darker using the electric controller. Smart tint can be adjusted at the click of a button to change the amount of light that penetrates the glass.

The smart tint can typically be changed from anywhere between 5% and 70% of Visible Light Transmitted (VLT).

As you decrease the VLT the window get increasingly darker. Basically, yes it is switchable and the material used to create the film is the power behind the technology.

For vehicle owners, adjustable smart tint is advantageous over older versions of window tinting because it gives the driver the ability to see better whilst driving at night.

Can the car windows roll up and down with electric window tint

If you watch the video above, you’ll see examples of the electric window tint being adjusted, then the window is lowered down. The controller then adjusts the settings to darker the tint, while the window is about half way down.

Finally the tint is darkened all the way, and then the window is lowered to it’s fully bottom position. So yes, you can roll the car windows up or down with electric window tint, they are not fixed in place.

Benefits of Auto Electric Window Tinting

Electric car window tint — Electric window tint for cars 8

There is a list of benefits to giving your car windows an electric tint. Many of these benefits apply to any window tint, but an electric tint will be significantly better.

Light Control of Film

Being able to control the amount of light that comes in through your windows is surprisingly useful. Where older window tints have a permanent, set opacity and visible light transmission, electric automobile tints are completely adjustable.

This means that you can block out 50% of the bright light during the day, and lower it to allow more light in, when driving at night.

This makes it easier to drive in sunlight without becoming dangerous at night.

Protection

Adjustable window tint — Electric window tint for cars 9

One of the biggest reasons people tint the windows on their car is for personal protection. The darker windows keep you, and any belongings you may have exposed, shielded from prying eyes.

Security experts have noted that cars with tinted windows are less likely to be broken into and less likely to be stolen.

Another good reason to get tinted windows is to protect your car’s interior from sun damage. You can increase the tint when parked in a non-shaded area to prevent fading or damage to your upholstery.

Saving Money

Tinting car windows dramatically lowers the temperature inside the car. By blocking out harsh light and UV rays, the climate inside the car remains cool and comfortable.

This means that you’ll be running your AC less often, using less fuel, and saving your battery life.

Health

It may seem far-fetched, but tinted windows are much better for the driver and passengers in the car than regular glass windows.

Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays increases the chance of skin disease. There are also serious detrimental effects on your eyes from staring at UV light unprotected.

Tinting windows cut out a lot of the normal and UV light. This means that your skin is protected without having to apply sunblock

Safety

Most people don’t know this, but tinted glass is much safer in an accident than regular glass.

Because it is laminated between two layers of dense polymer film, tinted glass is close to shatterproof. In the event of an accident, the glass will crumble but be held in place between the two layers of film.

In the event of a serious accident or collision, broken glass can become a major hazard. That’s not a worry with electric tinted windows.

Smart tint — Electric window tint for cars 10

Conclusion

Sample of smaller electric window tint / smart film

Sample of larger electric window tint /smart film

If you can afford it then an electric window tinting system is the way to go. It costs more than a regular window tint, but the bonuses are too good to pass up on.

Being able to adjust the amount of light in the car as well as the various other benefits makes electric window tinting a great option.

It’s safer for the passengers in the event of an accident and better for everyone’s health in the long run.

If you’re still not sold on the practice, give it a couple of years to become more widespread. The price will most likely come down as more people become equipped to install it.

If you’re thinking of getting your windows tinted but don’t want to spend money on electric smart glass, look at getting ceramic or carbon film since these are the most durable and affordable alternatives.

How To Remove Window Tint From A Car – 5 METHODS (That Work)

January 28, 2021 by Ryan Pietrzak

Step-by-step most effective ways to remove window tint from your car

There’s an art form to the window tint removal process. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to do it without damaging your vehicle and using the right techniques to peel the tint.

Top 5 Methods For Removing Window Tint From A Car

Whether you’re buying or selling a vehicle, need a different shade/percentage, or are experiencing some form of deterioration due to age or improper application, removing the existing tint is the best course of action.

But before you start pulling, peeling, and cutting, you need to come up with a plan.

Removing window tint is something that you can do, but you’ll need to be strategic about how you do it. There’s a right and a wrong way to peel the tint.

Let’s walk through some of the proper steps for effectively removing tint.

#1 Heat Removal Method

If you have a heat gun or hairdryer on hand, this is an easy, mess-free method worth trying. Here’s how it works:

With the heat gun set on the highest setting, hold it approximately two inches away from the glass, on the outside of the window. Begin in one corner of the window and apply heat for roughly 30 seconds. At this point, you should notice the corner start to peel up.

Once a corner starts peeling, use a finger or razor blade to pry the film off the glass. Next, use the heat gun to apply heat at the point where the peeling tint meets the glass and begin slowly peeling it back until the entire sheet is completely removed.

This method tends to work well for tint that’s still in good shape. Old tint may rip or tear, leaving behind small specks.

Pro Tip: Nail Polish Remover – Believe it or not, nail polish remover can be a great method for removing those stubborn lingering tint specks or for helping to release the leftover tint glue adhesive that is still on the window. The chemicals act as a very effective adheisve remover.

#2 Soap & Scrape Method (Soap Solution)

The soap and scrape method is one of the most commonly used techniques.

And while it requires more supplies and manual effort than the heat method, it often leaves a cleaner and more polished result.

This method requires dish soap, glass cleaner, microfiber cloths, a razor blade, spray bottle, paper towels, garbage bags and water. You start by making a cut in the corner of the film. This creates a small tab that you can use to lift the film off the window. Using this tab, start peeling the tint back. (Note: The tint film won’t always peel off in a single piece. You may need to make multiple cuts and tear off in sections.)

Once the window tint glue is removed, prepare a soapy water mixture inside of a spray bottle and apply it to the windows. Grab your razor blade and carefully scrape the remaining adhesive. (Make sure you use light passes. Don’t dig into the glass or you could create permanent scratches.) Finally, clean the window with glass cleaner and microfiber cloths.

#3 Soapy Newspaper Method

If other methods don’t work, you may give the soapy newspaper method a try. It’s similar to the soap and scrape technique, but doesn’t require nearly as much manual effort. You’ll need all of the same supplies plus newspapers.

With this method, you create a mixture of warm water and dish soap in a bucket and then apply it to the inside of the window. Immediately after applying the soapy water, you’ll want to lay the newspaper on top of your wet windows. Allow the soap and newspaper to sit for roughly an hour.

If the newspapers appear to dry up, you can apply some additional soapy water on the outside. (You may need to do this every 15 or minutes.)

After 60 minutes have passed, the newspaper has had a chance to act as an adhesive remover and you can now use your razor blade to peel the newspaper up.

If the method has worked, the top layer of the tint will pull up as well. You can then rub off the remaining layers of film with your blade and clean the glass.

#4 Steam Clean Method

If you have a fabric steamer cleaner like this PureSteam on hand, this is arguably the easiest and most effective method of removing window tint.

You simply use the fabric steamer to steam the inside and outside of the windows for a few minutes and the tint glue residue shoudl melt away.

As it melts, you can use a razor blade to get it going and then the tint peels right off. This leaves you with nothing more than a little bit of leftover adhesive to wipe off. The steamer method is highly recommended.

#5 Solar Peel Method

The solar peel method is the fifth option people commonly use to remove window tint. This can be an intricate and time-consuming method, but it’s also the most interesting. Here’s how it works:

Spray the outside of the window with soapy water and then cover with a black plastic trash bag. Take your time and smooth the bag out until it’s completely flat and free of bubbles and wrinkles.
After all windows are covered, use a tarp or other cover to protect interior surfaces near the windows.
Spray an ammonia solution on the inside of the windows and cover it with another trash bag. (Wear a mask and don’t breathe in the fumes.) Let the windows bake in the hot sunlight for at least 20 to 25 minutes and then remove the black trash bags.
Grab a corner of the film and slowly peel the tint away from the glass. A scraper or using a razor blade remove window tint glue, any of the leftover film and any remaining adhesive.

If the other techniques don’t work, the solar peel method should do the trick. It’s best to use this method on a warm, sunny day. Start slow and work in small areas at a time.

8 Common Reasons for Removing Window Tint

As nice as window tinting can look – and as intricate as the application process is – why would anyone ever want to remove old window tint?

Well, there are plenty of reasons. And if you’re reading this article, one of the following likely resonates with you:

1 You Are Buying a Vehicle

Some people simply don’t like the look of tinted windows – or the specific kind of tint might not fit their style. If you’re purchasing a pre-owned vehicle from an individual or dealer and don’t like the tint on the car, removing it is always an option.

2 You Are Selling a Vehicle

If you’re selling a vehicle, you want it to look as nice as possible. Old tint can look raggedy and may detract from the other features of the car. By removing the tint, you eliminate an eyesore and let the vehicle speak for itself.

3 Your Current Film Is Too Dark (Illegal)

Every state has its own window tint percentage laws that dictate how dark tinting can be on windows and windshields. There may also be other restrictions related to reflectivity and coloring. If you discover that your vehicle breaks laws, you’ll need to remove the old window tint.

4 Prefer a Different Tint Shade

Most people like tinted windows, but the percentage is a matter of personal preference. There’s a huge difference, for example, between 70 percent tint and 27 percent tint. In order to change to a new shade, you have to first remove the old window tint.

5 Poorly Applied Window Tint

As mentioned, window tinting is both a technical process and an art form. If your window tint was applied by an amateur – or done poorly by a professional tint shop – it’ll need to be removed so that you can start over.

6 Your Window Film Is Peeling

When tint doesn’t properly adhere to the glass, any number of issues can occur. Peeling occurs at the corners of the window and worsens over time. The only way to truly restore a clean and professional look is to remove the tint and start fresh.

7 Your Window Film Is Bubbling

Everyone has seen an old vehicle with bubbling tint. It looks horrible and, unfortunately, there’s no way to fix it. Bubbling can be a sign of poor installation, but is also a symptom of failing adhesive. Eventually, most window tint will show signs of bubbling.

8 Your Window Film Is Experiencing Discoloration

This is another sign of aging. Over time, tint has a tendency to turn a purplish hue. Not only does this alter the look of your windows, but it actually diminishes the tint’s ability to block out harmful UV rays. Once discoloration occurs, it’s impossible to revert back to the original color without replacing it.

Cleaning And Restoration Tips After Window Tint Removal

Regardless of which method you choose to remove your window tint, you’ll likely be left with less-than-perfect windows. You may have a combination of adhesive, residue, specs of tint, and even tiny, surface-level scratches. To achieve a new glass look, you’ll need to apply some additional elbow grease…don’t forget your spray bottle and soap and water, too!

The best method is to purchase some new #0000 steel wool. (It’s really important that you go with #0000, as anything higher could lead to permanent scratches in your glass.) Then, in a bowl, mix together some dish detergent with warm water. Dip the steel wool into the soapy solution and lightly rub the windows. Small circular movements are ideal. Avoid using too much pressure and/or large sweeping movements.

Once all adhesive, residue, dirt, and debris has been removed, use glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to achieve a dry, pristine finish.

Make Sure Your Tint Follows The Window Tint Laws In Your State

If you found this article informative, helpful, and engaging, you may be interested in occasionally receiving updates when we post other articles, guides, and posts related to window tinting and window tint laws by state. To get the latest updates, please sign up for our email list!

Is ceramic window tint actually darker?

August 13, 2020 by Ryan Pietrzak

For many drivers, finding the darkest window tint shades is important. A lot of experts recommend ceramic film if you’re looking for dark window tint, but it can be hard to choose the right type of tint for your needs. So, is ceramic tint actually darker and is it worth investing in? Here’s what you need to know.

Is Ceramic Window Tint Darker?

While ceramic window tint isn’t actually darker than its counterparts, there are a lot of different factors that create this perception. Ceramic window tint tends to stand up to the elements a lot better than the other types of tint, which means it does often stay darker for longer. However, the darkness of your window tint ultimately depends on the VLT level.

It’s important to note that some types of window tint fade a lot faster, so ceramic and other quality window films can make a big difference. However, your tint is going to fade over time no matter how much money you spend on it, so don’t expect anything to be perfect in terms of weather resistance.

Types of Window Tint

Window tint comes in all sorts of different varieties, including different materials, different styles and different window tint shades. Making sure you get the right window tint darkness level and type of tint helps you make the most of your tint.

Ceramic window tint is one of the most popular options if you’re looking for the best window tint. You might have to spend a little more money, but ceramic tint is built to last like no other tint. The ceramic particles that give these tints their color and UV protection are nonconductive and nonmetallic, which means ceramic film doesn’t wear down as quickly. You can find ceramic tint in a wide variety of colors, styles and tint darkness levels, so it’s a great choice in terms of versatility.

Metallic window tint is another good option if you’re looking for something durable that stays dark. Metallic film has an extra layer that provides UV protection and gives the tint its signature look, which makes it great for blocking out some sunlight. The biggest downsides to metallic window tint are the fact that it’s often very reflective and it costs more than most other types of tint.

Carbon window tint is a good choice if your main priority is blocking out heat. Carbon film can block out about 40% of the infrared light that causes heat to transfer through your window into your car, which makes it great for driving on sunny days. However, there are better options than carbon if you want to protect your skin and eyes from UV rays.

Dyed window tint is the window tint you go for if you want to save money. If you’re getting cheap tint from a department store, chances are it’s dyed. While this tint provides some privacy and UV protection, it’s nowhere near as good as the other options.

Finding the Darkest Tint

For many people, finding the darkest window tint is a priority. Not only is it nice to have the privacy and UV protection dark window tint provides, it also adds a lot of style to your car.

Finding the darkest window tint is a matter of balancing two things: finding the right VLT level and finding tint that won’t fade and become ineffective too quickly. Ceramic and metallic film are both great choices if you’re looking for dark tint that won’t fade, although metallic film may not be the best option if reflective tint is illegal in your area or you don’t like the look of it. Both of these types of tint will retain their darkness for longer than others.

Legal Window Tint

When you’re having your windows tinted, it’s important to make sure you’re doing things by the books. A professional window tinter can help you figure out what kind of tint is legal for your vehicle. You can also take a look at our window tint percentages guide to find out more about window tint darkness levels.

For the most part, your front and rear windshields are the most strict in terms of tinting laws. These windows are followed by the front side windows, which have to be dark enough for the driver to see out and others to see in. The rear side windows are the most flexible, with some states allowing you to tint them as dark as you want to. A professional window tinter can help you find the right combination of VLT levels to get the most out of your tint.

Is Ceramic Tint Right for You?

If you’re looking for window tint that stays dark, ceramic may be the best option. Ceramic window tint also comes in tons of different styles, colors and VLT levels, so you can find something that fits your car and budget perfectly. As long as you’re buying ceramic window film from a brand you can trust, you can count on it to retain its UV protection and heat-blocking properties for years.

Window Tint Percentages: A Comprehensive Explainer Of VLT %

July 14, 2020 by Ryan Pietrzak

From privacy to blocking out heat, there are a lot of good reasons to tint the windows of your car. However, it’s important to make sure you’re abiding by the law and not putting yourself in danger with your tint, which means getting the right shade. Fortunately, our window tint percentages guide makes it easy to get the perfect tint for your car.

What Is VLT?

Visible light transmission (VLT) is the most important metric to focus on when it comes to tint darkness. When people refer to “5% tint” or “20% tint,” they’re talking about the VLT level. So, what exactly does the VLT of window tint tell you?

The VLT of a tint describes how much light a window film allows to pass through, although it is a bit confusing. While you might think a higher VLT would indicate darker, more effective tint, the opposite is actually the case. Whatever the VLT level of a tint is, that’s the percentage of light that’s allowed through the tint. For example, 5% tint only allows 5% of light to pass through while 35% tint allows 35% of light to pass through.

While VLT isn’t the only thing you need to consider if you want the best tint, it’s a good start.

Lower VLT window tint will generally provide you with better UV protection, which helps keep your interior in good shape and keep your car cooler. Blocking out these UV rays is also an important part of eye and skin health.

VLT is also a big factor in whether or not your tint is legal. Every state has its own tint laws, with some counties and cities also regulating tint darkness. Before you purchase and install window tint, make sure you know what VLT is legal in your state, city, or county.

Window Tint Preview Tool

Want to see a real-life example of a specific tint percentage?

We have done our best to put together a realistic Window tint percentage previewer for you and hope you find it valuable!

Reflectivity

While VLT is the most commonly used metric for determining whether or not window tint is legal, it’s not the only factor. In most states, there are also laws regarding the reflectivity of your window tint. While some darker window tints don’t reflect a lot of light, some tints are made from a reflective material that can add even more privacy.

If you’re looking for a privacy window tint, reflective tint is a good option. However, many states have strict limits when it comes to reflectivity. When you buy tint, you should look at the reflectivity to make sure it meets the legal limit in your state or county. As is the case with VLT, this reflectivity will be displayed in a percentage, with many states setting the limit at 20%.

In some states, you aren’t allowed to use reflective tint at all. This includes both metallic and mirrored tinting in most cases, both of which tend to have a mirror-like effect. Instead, you’ll have to use plain old black tint that’s within the legal window tint levels for your state.

It’s important to mention that reflectivity is more about privacy than UV protection. While a reflective window film may add a little more protection from the sun and heat, you can still get excellent UV protection from some of the plain black window films on the market. And with the darkest window tint you can legally use in your state, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about privacy anyway.

Tint Laws

Every state in the United States has laws when it comes to tinting your windows. These laws tell you what type of tint you’re legally allowed to use, but it’s not as simple as buying a window film kit with the right VLT.

For starters, most states allow different window tint levels for different windows. While you may be able to tint window with 35% tint, another window may require 40% tint. Conversely, it could be the case that some windows have no restrictions in terms of VLT level. Sometimes it’s best to buy a few different window tint percentages so you can mix and match.

Reflectivity also comes into play when it comes to tinting your windows legally. There are many different types of window tint, some of which are very reflective. In some states, you aren’t allowed to use reflective tints or tints with a certain amount of reflectivity.

While this isn’t the case everywhere, there are some additional restrictions in some states. For example, there may be certain requirements if you tint your back window or you may not be allowed to use certain colors of tint at all. Make sure you understand these laws in addition to the legal window tint levels for VLT and reflectivity.

Tinting Your Windshield

When it comes to tinting the windows on your car, the windshield is probably the trickiest part. Not only do windshields have different tinting laws in different states, but most states only allow you to tint a small portion of your windshield. However, there are some states that don’t allow you to tint your windshield at all.

If you are allowed to tint your windshield in your state, you’ll be restricted to tinting the top portion of the windshield. The amount of windshield you can tint varies from state to state, although it’s usually about 4 to 6 inches. In lieu of a number of inches you can tint, your state may allow you to tint to the AS-1 line. Every automotive windshield has the letters “AS-1” on it; some states allow you to tint to the line where the letters “AS-1” are found.

There are some exceptions when it comes to state windshield tinting laws. While there are only a couple states that don’t tell you how much of your windshield you can tint, they do exist. In the states where you can tint your entire windshield, however, you’re only allowed to use tint with a VLT of 70% or higher.

Tinting Your Front Side Windows

As far as window tint restrictions go, your front side windows are on the stricter side of things.

While you can tint your front side windows in almost every state, this is usually the second lightest shade of tint you’re going to use on your car. The reasoning behind this is that lighter tint in the front window allows the driver to see better while driving.

For the most part, you’ll have to keep your front side window tint pretty light. Many states have a limit of 35%, with some states going as low as 20% and others going as high as 70%.

The states that get more sunlight are generally the ones that allow darker tint while states that get less sun tend to have stricter tint laws.

There are some states where you simply aren’t allowed to tint your front side windows. Even though these states are strict about front side window tint, some of them allow you to use the darkest window tint on the market when it comes to your rear side windows.

Front side window tint percentage state maps — Window tint percentages: a comprehensive explainer of vlt % 20

Tinting Your Rear Side Windows

As far as tinting windows goes, it doesn’t get much better than your rear side windows.

Of all the windows on your car, these are the ones that are least important in terms of vision. This is why most states allow you to tint your rear side windows with much darker tint than you’d use for a windshield, rear window or front side window. In some states, there really are no restrictions.

A good portion of states allow you to tint your rear side windows as dark as you want.

Literally, many states have absolutely no regulations as far as VLT levels go for rear-side windows. If you want that 5% limo tint look on your car, the rear side windows are the best place to do it.

It’s important to keep in mind that not all states allow you to tint your rear side windows as dark as you want. As a matter of fact, there are plenty of states that only allow you to tint your rear windows to around 30%.

You also need to make sure you’re abiding by any color and reflectiveness laws that may be in effect.

If you’re planning on tinting your rear windows to the darkest legal tint level, make sure you buy two separate window tint kits.

After all, you’re not going to be able to use that same 5% tint on your front side windows.

Tinting Your Rear Window

As is the case with the windshield, tinting your rear window isn’t the simplest process. Your rear window allows you to see what’s going on behind you when you’re on the road. If you tint your rear window too dark, you’ll end up having to rely on your side mirrors. This is why most states don’t allow you to tint your rear window very dark.

While most states are pretty conservative when it comes to rear window tint darkness, there are actually some states that allow you to tint your rear window as dark as you want.

The only thing you have to keep in mind is that many of the states that allow you to use any tint darkness level on your window will require you to have dual side mirrors as a substitute for your window.

Many of the states that have tint darkness laws for rear windshields have a limit of around 30 or 35%. There are some states that have a limit as low as 10% as well as others with a limit as high as 50%.

Still, some of these states require you to have dual side mirrors even if you’re only using 35% tint on your rear window.

Interestingly enough, there are no states that don’t allow you to tint your rear window. No matter where you live, you can put some level of tint on your rear windshield and still drive legally.

Dark Tint vs. Light Tint

While dark tint might seem like the best choice, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of both dark and light tint.

Dark tint is the most common type of window tint, with shades ranging from black and blue to red and green. As dark tint starts to fade, it often takes on a sort of purple color.

The big benefit to dark tint is that it’s effective in terms of blocking out sunlight and keeping your car cool. However, the color of this tint can also make it difficult to see in and out of your windshield. While this is a big benefit when you’ve got your car parked on the side of a busy street, it can cause problems when you’re driving. Still, dark tint is a great option if you’re looking to block out some sunlight and protect your interior.

Light tint isn’t nearly as common as dark tint, but there are still tons of options available.

Light tint generally comes in colors that are closer to transparent, such as a light blue or even a yellow. Most people use light tint because it allows them to see out of their windows better.

The best part is, there are lighter tints that have a fairly high VLT level, which means they still block out a lot of sunlight and help protect your interior. The biggest downside to light window tint is that it simply doesn’t provide the same type of privacy as dark tint.

Window tint percentages: a comprehensive explainer of vlt % 21

What is 0% Tint?

The darkest of all the window tints is 0%, also known as blackout tint. Blackout tint allows 0% of sunlight into your car, giving you some of the best UV protection, heat reduction and privacy. Unfortunately, most states don’t allow blackout tint because it can reduce visibility so much. While there are states where you can legally use blackout tint, it’s simply too dark for many people.

What Is 5% Tint?

One of the most common VLT levels for dark tint is 5%. 5% tint is also known as limo tint because of the excellent privacy it provides. Since 5% tint blocks out 95% of light, it’s also great for UV protection and keeping your car cool. The only problem with 5% tint is that it’s not legal to use in a lot of states, especially when it comes to the rear windshield and front side windows.

What Is 10% Tint

If you’re not allowed to use 5% tint in your state, 10% is the next darkest tint level you can buy. While 10% tint is still very dark, it’s a big step down from limo tint in terms of visibility in and out of the car. Just like limo tint, 5% tint generally comes in a dark black color which does a great job of giving you privacy and protecting your interior from sun damage.

What Is 20% Tint

20% tint is the first VLT level you’ll see that’s legal on various types of windows in a lot of different states. While 20% tint may not be as common as 35% in terms of legally tinting your windows, it’s an excellent choice for rear-side windows if you want to darken things up a bit. In some states, you can even use 20% tint on your front side windows.

What Is 35% Tint

If you want to guarantee you’re doing things by the book, 35% tint is the best way to go. While it may not be the darkest tint available, 35% strikes a great balance of blocking out the sunlight without making it too hard to see through your windows. Plus, you can find 35% tint in various different shades to match your car.

What Is 40% Tint

As you go beyond 35% tint, you get into the range of very light tints, many of which are used for things like windshields and rear windows. However, there are actually a few states that limit the VLT level at 40%. Whether it’s required in your state or you’re just looking for a more subtle way to tint your windows, 40% is a good choice. Just remember to look for a quality film that’s designed to block out heat.

What Is 50% Tint

50% tint is one of the least used VLT levels on the market. Not only is 50% tint not very dark, there aren’t a lot of states that set their VLT limit at 50. Unless your state doesn’t allow you to go below 50% or you don’t want to sacrifice visibility for privacy and UV protection, there’s no real reason to go for 50% tint.

What Is 70% Tint

Tinting your side windows is fairly simple, but windshields and rear windows are a different case. If you want to safely and legally tint non-side windows, 70% tint is your best bet. It’s important to note that there are plenty of states that don’t allow you to tint your entire windshield. On top of that, some states require dual side mirrors in lieu of a non-tinted window. In general, however, you don’t have anything to worry about when installing 70% tint.