Whether you’re looking to keep your car cooler, protect your interior, or simply add a bit more privacy, window tint has a lot to offer. As folks who install window tint every day, we know that deciding to tint your windows can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. There are so many different types of films, let alone which shade will work best for you, that it can be a bit daunting.
In this guide, we're going to break down everything you need to know so you can make a properly informed decision about your window tint. The different types of window films, all the benefits you can expect, and some solid tips on how to care for your tint. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what’s best for you and your vehicle—and you’ll understand why window tint is more than just a cosmetic upgrade.
Window Tint Options: What’s the Right Film for Your Car?
When it comes to choosing the right window tint for your car, you’ve got a few options. Over the years, we’ve worked with all of them, and each has its pros and cons depending on your needs and budget. Let’s take a look.
Dyed Window Film: Cheapest Option, Performs that Way
Dyed film is a popular choice for those looking for an affordable solution. It’s got a layer of dye that absorbs some heat and gives your car that cool, darkened window look. However, in my experience, dyed film isn’t the best at keeping heat out—it’s more about looks than function.
At this point, we don't even carry any traditional dye films. While that means we might not have the cheapest options available, we refuse to carry any product that is guaranteed to fail. Dyed films are notorious for fading and color change. Any older vehicle with purple or reddish looking windows had dyed film installed (like the one pictured), and we just can't stand behind a product like that.
Pros: It's cheap and gives a nice dark look. It also helps reduce glare when driving.
Cons: Over time, it will fade or change color, the heat rejection is minimal compared to modern window films, and there's no real way to offer a good warranty on a film that is expected to fail.
Metallized Window Film: Dated but Durable
Metallized films are hardly available here in the US anymore, as they can interfere with your car’s electronics. GPS, radio, and cell phone signals can get a bit spotty. For their time, they did a great job of rejecting heat, but new technologies have proved more efficient.
Pros: Great for heat rejection, durable, and reduces glare.
Cons: Outdated technology that can interfere with wireless communications.
Carbon Window Film: Sleek, Matte Finish
Carbon films are the new standard for cost effective window tint. The carbon layers in the film provide the tint and won't fade over time, and also reject significantly more heat than dyed films ever could. Our Carbon line is a great entry level window tint film for those looking for all the benefits of window tint without breaking the bank. You won't be maximizing heat rejection, but that's the only category that is outshined by ceramic films.
Our Carbon line of film fits in this category as a fantastic budget friendly option. It offers good heat rejection, blocks 99% UV, and looks great!
Pros: Blocks a good amount of heat, has a true-black finish, and doesn’t interfere with electronics. Great option for those on a budget.
Cons: Ceramic films still far out-compete carbon films in the heat rejection department.
Ceramic Window Film: The Best of the Best
Let me tell you, ceramic film is a game-changer. It’s constructed with nano-ceramic particles that block heat, UV rays, and infrared light, all while giving you crystal-clear visibility. And the best part? No signal interference.
We offer two lines of ceramic films, Shield and Autobahn i3. Our Shield line offers a great entry point into the world of ceramic films without breaking the bank, and our Autobahn i3 line stands at the top of the line for folks who want the best of the best!
Pros: Top-notch heat rejection, UV protection, no interference, and exceptional durability.
Cons: It’s the most expensive option, but if you ask me, the performance is worth every penny—especially for luxury vehicles.
If you'd like to check out all of the different films we offer and get a free quote, you can check them out here!
Window Tint Shades: How to Decide What's Right for You
Window tint comes in many shades, and it can often be tough to make the final call. Let's go over what shades are available, how to understand VLT, and which shade might be the best given different scenarios.
If you're still not sure which shade to choose, come by the shop to check out some examples! We've got several displays so you can see each shade side-by-side, and we have many tinted vehicles so you can see real life examples.
VLT: What is it, and What Does it Mean?
VLT stands for visible light transmission, and is simply the measure of how much light gets through the film measured in percent. A 5% film will be one of the darkest offered, as it only lets in 5% of light, while an 88% film will be borderline clear, letting in 88% of light.
Window Tint Legality: How Dark is Too Dark?
Every state has different laws regarding window tint shades, so it's important to know what's legal, and what's not. Penalties can range from a simple fix-it ticket that requires removal of the illegal tint, all the way up to fines of $5,000!
In Colorado, there are two main ways to stay legal:
If you tint all the side and rear windows, they must not be darker than 27%.
If you leave the front rollup windows at 70% or lighter, you can go as dark as you want on all the windows behind them.
Unfortunately, there aren't any medical exemptions in Colorado that allow for specialty or darker shades if you're looking to stay compliant.
What Shade is Right for Me?
When it comes to making the final decision on shade, we always recommend coming in to get a good look. Whether that be beforehand or the day of your installation, we'll always make sure you feel good about the shade you choose!
To help give you a better idea ahead of time, here's a few reasons we see people choose one shade over another:
5% - Just about as dark as it gets, better known as limo tint! Can definitely make it hard to see at night, but if you're going for that totally blacked out look or the absolute maximum heat rejection, 5% is what you're looking for.
15% - This is one of our most popular options as it provides the most heat rejection without ruining night time visibility. It's still pretty dark so you get that blacked out look, but can be a tad on the dark side for some folks. We typically find that it's more enthusiasts that go with 15% compared to those who just see cars as transportation.
20% - A great middle ground between the all around legal limit and getting the blacked out look. 20% is hardly discernible from 30%, but offers a bit more heat rejection.
30% - Hands down our most popular option as it sits just above the legal limit here in Colorado. Provides a nice, obviously tinted look while still offering great visibility, and pretty good heat rejection.
40-55% - Had to leave this as a range since most films in this region are pretty hard to tell apart. They provide tons of visibility, but if you're looking for high heat rejection in these shades, you'll definitely want to step up to Autobahn i3. A great option for reducing glare and maximizing heat rejection while retaining visibility for your windshield.
60-75% - Another range of films, these are pushing into the almost clear territory. We typically only recommend films this light for windshields or for particular vehicles (think classic cars or super high end cars) that might look odd with dark windows. You won't get a ton of heat rejection, but it might provide you the right look.
80%+ - Anything above 80% might as well be considered clear, as they're almost impossible to see. Again, perfect for windshields or maintaining a period correct look, but not much heat rejection.
Choosing your shade is often the toughest part, but it does have the most impact. Your shade determines how much heat rejection, glare reduction, and visibility you have, as well as the final exterior look. Your best bet is to come take a look at all the options in person, and we can help you make that final decision!
No matter the shade, you'll always get the same level of UV protection for your skin and interior, as well as shatter resistance.
The Benefits of Window Tinting: More Than Just Looks
Most people think tinting their windows is all about aesthetics or blocking heat, but there’s so much more to it than that. Whether you’re driving a sports car or a family sedan, the benefits of window tint go far beyond how it looks.
Heat Rejection: Keep Your Car Cooler
One of the biggest reasons people get window tint is to stay cool—literally. Have you ever gotten into your car on a hot summer day and felt like you were stepping into an oven? Window tint can help with that.
TSER (Total Solar Energy Rejection): TSER is a combination of IR, UV, and visible light blocked, and gives you the best indication of heat rejection of a film. The higher the TSER, the cooler your car stays for longer. Ceramic films, like the ones I mentioned earlier, have the highest TSER ratings.
Infrared Rejection (IRR): IR light is the main culprit behind that heat buildup, and good quality films block a significant portion of it. This makes a huge difference, especially in climates where summer temperatures can be brutal. Our Autobahn i3 blocks a whopping 93% of IR light, and while it's our highest end film, its performance backs it up.
UV Rejection: Most quality tints will block over 99% of harmful UV rays. Trust me, this is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have for both you and your car’s interior.
Skin and Interior Protection: It’s More Than Just Comfort
We’ve seen way too many cars come in with cracked, faded dashboards and sun-bleached seats. People don’t realize how much damage UV rays can do—not just to their car, but to their skin as well.
Protecting Your Skin: Did you know that UV rays can cause skin cancer? The Skin Cancer Foundation actually recommends window tint for this reason. It’s like putting sunscreen on your car windows.
Preserving Your Interior: Whether it’s leather, fabric, plastic, or vinyl, your car’s interior is at risk of damage from the sun. Window tint keeps your seats, dashboard, and everything else from cracking and fading over time.
Privacy and Security: Keep Prying Eyes Out
One thing a lot of people don’t consider is the added privacy and security window tint provides. Not only does it keep your belongings out of sight from potential thieves, but it also makes you feel more secure in your vehicle. We’ve had customers tell us they feel less “exposed” on the road, and I can totally see why.
While it's much harder to see into a car with window tint installed, it's still easy to see out of! If you go super dark (below 15%), it's common to have some visibility issues at night time, but otherwise it's no different than wearing sunglasses. You can see out of your sunglasses easily, but it's hard to see your eyes from the other side.
Shatter Resistance: An Extra Layer of Safety
I remember working on a car that had been in a minor accident. The window shattered, but because the owner had high-quality tint, the glass stayed together instead of exploding everywhere. Most people don’t realize this, but window film can actually help keep shattered glass intact, providing an added layer of safety in case of an accident or break-in.
While the side windows are designed to shatter in a way that allows easy escape, you don't need to worry about the tint causing an issue. While it does keep the glass pieces all stuck together, it doesn't hold the glass physically in the door. This means it can still be easily removed in an emergency situation to easily escape the vehicle.
Resale Value: Keep Your Interior Looking Like New
While window tint doesn’t directly raise your car’s resale value, but it does help preserve the condition of the interior. When it’s time to sell, a well-maintained interior can be a big selling point. I’ve had customers tell me that buyers noticed how well-kept their car looked—thanks to the tint protecting the interior from sun damage.
Just think about it, in 10 years when it's time to sell your car, would you get more trying to sell it with a cracked and faded interior compared to one in great condition?
Caring for Your Tint: How to Keep It Looking Great
Once your tint is installed, taking proper care of it is important to making sure it lasts. The good news is that window tint doesn’t require much maintenance at all, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Right After Installation: What to Expect
After I install tint for a customer, I always remind them of a few post-installation care tips:
Don’t Roll Down Your Windows: Give the film about 3-5 days to properly adhere to the glass. Rolling down your windows too soon can cause the edges to peel. If you plan on parking your vehicle in the sun and it's warm outside, 3 days is usually fine. Otherwise, if temperatures are consistently below 70 or you park inside, we recommend 5 days just to be safe!
Watch for Haze or Bubbles: It’s normal to see a slight haze or some small bubbles right after installation. That’s just the moisture used during installation evaporating, and it should clear up within a 10 days. If it doesn’t, please let us know as soon as possible, and we'll see what's going on. If it needs replacing, we've got you covered.
Ongoing Maintenance: Keep It Clean, Keep It Fresh
Once your tint is fully cured, here’s how you can keep it looking great:
Use Ammonia-Free or Tint-Safe Cleaners: Ammonia can degrade the tint over time, so stick to mild, ammonia-free cleaners. I personally use a soft microfiber cloth and any glass cleaner that is clearly marked as ammonia-free or window tint safe—works like a charm.
Be Gentle: Avoid using anything abrasive, like rough sponges or paper towels, to clean your windows. A soft microfiber towel is your best bet, and can usually be found in small packs for just a few dollars.
Be Careful: Window tint is pretty durable, but any hard impacts or sharp objects can still scratch or tear the film. Make sure not to fling your seat belt when getting out of your car, and try to place a blanket over anything you might be hauling inside your car.
How Long Will It Last?
We often get asked how long tint lasts, and as long as we've installed it, it should last a lifetime. Every line of film and every installation we perform is backed by a lifetime warranty against film failure or installation error.
If you're ever shopping around for window tint and it isn't clearly advertised or communicated that the window tint comes with a lifetime warranty, we highly suggest taking a look elsewhere. Any reputable shop using quality, modern window film will offer a lifetime warranty. There's just no reason not to have one.
Window Tint Benefits and Care: Conclusion
Window tinting is one of the best investments you can make for your car, and the benefits go far beyond just the sleek look. From heat rejection and UV protection to privacy and safety, tint does a lot more than most people realize. With proper care, your tint will last for years, keeping your car cooler, your interior protected, and your driving experience more comfortable.
If you’re thinking about getting your windows tinted, make sure to choose the right film for your needs and budget. If you're not entirely sure what will be the best fit for you, reach out to us here, give us a call, or stop by the shop, we're always happy to help!