The auto window tinting industry is currently worth approximately $3.14 billion. It’s expected to grow by 5.1 percent by the year 2025, too.
Obviously, people are willing to spend quite a bit when it comes to auto glass tinting. Are you thinking of investing in this service for your car? If so, read on to learn more about how to do it the right way and see the best results.
What Is Auto Glass Tinting?
Auto glass tinting involves the application of a laminate film to the glass of your vehicle’s windows. This laminate film helps to darken the glass.
Benefits of Auto Glass Tinting
There are lots of reasons why someone might choose to tint their vehicle’s windows. The following are some of the potential benefits you can enjoy when you take a walk on the tinted side:
- Reduced UV radiation: This protects your car’s interior (the seats, carpeting, dashboard, etc.) from sun damage
- Increased privacy: If you don’t want people to be able to look in your car’s windows and easily see what’s inside, tinting can be a good option that may protect you from theft
- Increased safety: The laminate film used for window tinting can help to hold shattered glass in place if your window is broken
- Improved insulation: Tinting can help to keep your car cool during the hot summer months
- Increased value: Some people are willing to pay more for a car that’s had its windows tinted
There are also aesthetic benefits to glass tinting. Some people simply prefer the look of darker windows on their car (the white car window tint look is especially popular). There are also different tinting styles, such as the option to mirror tint cars, that can create a unique look and help your car to stand out.
How Much Does Vehicle Window Tinting Cost?
Most people spend a few hundred dollars to tint their car’s windows. Prices vary based on a lot of factors, though, including the following:
- Vehicle type
- The number of windows being tinted
- The size of the windows being tinted
- The type of window tint that’s used
The level of experience and skill that the window tinter has will affect the price, too. If you’re working with a seasoned pro who has tinted thousands of windows, they’re going to charge a lot more for their services in most cases than someone who’s just getting their business off the ground.
It might be tempting to choose the person who offers the cheapest prices. Remember, though, that you often get what you pay for when it comes to window tinting.
If you want to see the best results, you might be better off choosing someone who has a lot of experience and has lots of examples of good work. After all, nobody wants to spend their hard-earned money on a subpar tinting job and then have to pay more to get it fixed.
Is It Legal to Tint Your Car’s Windows?
It’s important to keep in mind that there are laws regarding window tinting. Each state has its own laws when it comes to the volume of light allowed to pass through one’s window. This is known as variable light transmission (VLT for short) and is expressed as a percentage.
You’ll need to do some research to see what VLT percentage is required in your area before you invest in window tinting. If you’re working with a reputable window tinter, they can likely provide insight into what’s appropriate, too.
Remember that most states also don’t allow full windshield tinting. They might allow a tinted bar that runs across the top of the windshield, though.
Tips for DIY Car Tinting
You can tint your car’s windows yourself if you’re hoping to save some money while still enjoying the benefits that tinting has to offer. Keep in mind that this is a tricky process, though, and it requires a lot of patience. Make sure you understand what you’re getting into before you commit to a DIY tinting job.
If you’re committed to handling the tinting process yourself, follow these steps:
Gather Your Supplies
First, you’ll need to collect your supplies. To tint your windows, you need enough window tint film to cover the number of windows you want to have tinted. You can buy this online or at an auto supply store.
In addition to the film, you should purchase the following:
- Window-tint-film application solution
- A razor knife
- A lint-free cleaning cloth
- An application squeegee
- A scraper blade
- A heat gun
You should find a dust-free place where you can work, too. A clean garage is a good option for most people.
Prepare the Surface
Once you have everything ready, prepare your car’s windows by applying the application solution to the inside. Avoid over-spraying the door rims when you do this.
Next, run the scraper blade across each window from side to side. Start from the top and work your way down to get rid of dust, debris, and grime. After this, run the squeegee (wrapped in the cloth) across the window in the same pattern to get rid of leftover debris and solution.
Apply the Tint
Once you’ve followed these car tinting tips to prep your windows, you’ll be ready to apply the tint.
Start by running the application solution on the outside of the window. Then, roll the tint film over the window with the protective-film layer facing up and run the squeegee over the tint so it won’t move. Cut the film so it fits the windows.
Once you’ve cut the film, fix it to the corner of the window with a piece of tape. Remove the protective liner and spray the adhesive surface with the application solution.
Place the film on the inside of the window and fold the bottom edge back so it doesn’t touch the door rim. Run the squeegee along the window to get rid of any water or air. Repeat this process with each window.
Invest in Auto Window Tinting Today
There you have it! All the essentials you need to know about auto glass tinting. Are you ready to tint your windows now?
If you want to learn more about how you can spruce up your car on your own, we have plenty of other resources available on our site. Visit the car repair section of our blog today for more advice.
