With so many tint brands to choose from and so many installers offering various packages and deals, where do you begin? Are you selecting the right type of tint? How do you know you're getting the best value for your money?
This guide has been developed by our team of automotive customization experts to help answer your tint-related questions and help you make the most informed decision regarding installation.
Trident Motorsport's Tint & PPF Team is lead by two certified master installers, each with years of experience in a wide range of automotive films and applications. From sports, luxury & exotic cars to Texas-sized trucks, our team is well equipped to handle your tint needs.
Have questions? Need advice? Click Request-A-Quote to have one of our tint & PPF experts contact you to help guide you through this process.
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Below are 6 common types of window tint. This list is by no means exhaustive but encompasses the types of film you are most likely to encounter, along with the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Our Preferred Choice
Ceramic tint is a premium option featuring ceramic particles that are non-conductive and do not disrupt electronic devices. It offers excellent heat rejection, UV protection, and clarity, making it a top choice for superior performance and aesthetics.
Dyed tint is a popular option that uses a layer of dye to absorb heat and reduce glare. It is generally the most affordable type of tint but may not be as effective at blocking heat as other types.
Metalized tint contains small metallic particles that reflect heat and UV rays. This type of tint is known for its durability and can provide good heat rejection and privacy, but it may interfere with electronic signals like GPS or cell phone reception.
Hybrid tint combines multiple technologies, such as dyed and metalized layers, to offer a balance of heat rejection, UV protection, and signal-friendly properties. It provides a good compromise between performance and cost.
Hybrid tint combines multiple technologies, such as dyed and metalized layers, to offer a balance of heat rejection, UV protection, and signal-friendly properties. It provides a good compromise between performance and cost.
Carbon tint includes carbon particles for heat rejection and UV protection. It provides a sleek appearance, high clarity, and is less likely to interfere with electronic signals compared to metalized tint.
Crystalline tint, a product offered by 3M, is a high-end, clear film that provides superior heat rejection and UV protection without significantly darkening the windows. It is designed to maintain the original appearance of the glass while enhancing comfort and reducing glare.
Window tint shade is often measured by external visual light transmission (VLT), which is the percentage of light that can pass through the film from outside of the vehicle to inside. The lower the percentage, the darker the tint and the less light that can pass through. Generally, the lower the VLT, the greater the protection from UV rays, heat and glare.
For example, a 5% shade means that only 5% of visible light can pass through the tint film, making it very dark and providing a high level of privacy and sun protection. On the other hand, a 50% shade allows 50% of visible light to pass through, offering a lighter tint that still provides some privacy and heat reduction.
Note: Don't confuse VLT with visual light reflection (VLR). VLR indicates the amount of light that is reflected away from the surface (ie. bounces off the tinted window).
As discussed in more detail below, different jurisdictions have regulations regarding the allowable darkness of window tint for vehicles, so it's important to check the specific laws in your area to ensure compliance. Additionally, the choice of window tint shade may affect visibility, heat reduction, UV protection, and overall aesthetics of the vehicle.
Some of the top brands in the automotive window tint market are listed below, all of which are known for their quality, durability, and innovation. Ultimately, any of these brands is an outstanding choice and the average consumer is unlikely to notice any significant difference among the quality of the films. In the absence of customer preference or unique needs, we generally recommend Autobahn or STEK films.
Autobahn is proud to offer the highest quality films on the market, backed by a no-hassle warranty. Autobahn products are designed to meet the highest standards of performance and durability, using the latest technology and materials to ensure superior results. When you choose Autobahn, you can expect the Autobahn difference – superior products, expert installations, and unmatched customer service.
STEK quickly gained traction in the industry as a result of its cutting-edge product development. STek offers a range of tint options with advanced technologies such as nano-hybrid ceramic materials for superior heat rejection, UV protection, and optical clarity. STek tints are known for their durability, color stability, and sleek appearance, making them a popular choice among car enthusiasts and professionals looking for top-tier window tint solutions.
3M is a well-known brand that offers high-quality automotive window tint films known for their durability, heat rejection properties, and UV protection. They provide a range of tint shades to suit different preferences and are often favored for their long-lasting performance.
Llumar is another popular brand known for its premium automotive window tint films. Llumar tints are recognized for their clarity, color stability, and ability to block heat and UV rays effectively. They offer various shades and styles to cater to different needs and preferences.
SunTek is a reputable brand that produces advanced automotive window tint films with excellent heat rejection capabilities and high optical clarity. SunTek tints are known for their scratch-resistant coatings and color stability, providing both style and protection for vehicles.
STEK quickly went from being the new guy on the block to an industry leader. The brand has gained recognition for its cutting-edge product development, advanced self-healing PPF technology, and ultra high-performance films. STEK PPFs boast not only superior protection, but also extreme clarity and depth in a variety of finishes, colors, and patterns — making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts and professionals looking for top-tier vehicle protection solutions.
Tinting all windows of a vehicle, including the windshield and rear window, can cost anywhere from $500 to $900 or more, depending on the size of the vehicle, the type of tint film used, and the regional market. These prices are rough estimates and can vary significantly, so it's best to get quotes from local tinting shops for more accurate pricing.
Just remember, make sure you're comparing apples-to-apples. When comparing quotes, make sure each quote indicates the brand and type of film as well as the exact areas to be tinted to help determine the total value each tint shop is offering. Oh, and don't forget to compare the warranties offered by both the film manufacturer as well as the installer! Keep reading for warranty considerations.
NOTE: Prices below are estimated national averages, not Trident Motorsports' prices. Request A Quote for our pricing.
Driver/Passenger Windows
SUV Rear Quarter Windows
Back Window
Full Car (4 Doors, 2 Quarters, Back)
Visor (Windshield Above AS1)
Sunroof
$150-$225/pair
$50-$100/each
$150-$225
$650-$850
$50-$100
$75-$150/panel
With so many brands and variations of tint films, you should always review the manufacturer's warranty for specific terms, exclusions and length of coverage. Many automotive window tint manufacturers offer limited-lifetime warranties against fading, delamination, bubbling and cracking. Anything less may be a potential warning sign of a lesser-quality product.
Aside from the manufacturer's warranty, you should also pay close attention to the installer's workmanship warranty. Of course your installer should always offer to repair any defect resulting from an error on their behalf (at least for a specified period of time). However, you should also pay attention to any clauses pertaining to the repair/replacement of tint resulting from an issue with the film itself. In other words, if your film chips and replacement film is covered by the manufacturer's warranty, will the original installer charge you labor to conduct the replacement? Is this type of coverage offered for free or for an additional fee? If so, for how long is the coverage?
Comparing warranties should help you quickly narrow down the list of both the brands/types of tint and the installers.
The laws and regulations pertaining to automotive window tinting vary significantly from state-to-state. See below for highlights of tint regulations for Texas-registered vehicles based upon information provided by Texas Department for Public Safety as of the original time of publishing of this guide.
For an overview of tint laws for your local area, you may consider checking out Tinting-Laws.com (not affiliated or vetted by this site).
NOTE: Nothing in this guide should be perceived as legal advice. Consult your state/local authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date tint regulations.
Overview of Texas Tint Laws
(Sedans, SUV's & Vans)
The tips below are a general guide only. Your tint may require special care. Always follow your installer and manufacturer's instructions for care.
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