How to choose a window tint shade
Window tint shade is a number that tells you how much light the film lets through. We install 70, 50, 35, 20 and 5 percent. A higher number is lighter and easier to see through, a lower number is darker and more private. The right one depends on how you drive, where you park and what you want the car to look like.
Owners come in with different reasons for tinting. They want less heat, less glare, privacy for bags and gear, or the look. Every one of those reasons points toward a shade, and this page walks through them.
How tint shades work
The percent describes visible light transmission. A 70 percent film lets 70 percent of the light through, so the glass looks only slightly tinted. A 5 percent film lets very little through and looks nearly black from outside.
The shade sets how dark the glass looks and how private the cabin is. It does not set how much heat the film rejects. With ceramic film, the particles handle the heat, so a lighter shade can still make a real difference to how the cabin feels. That frees you to choose for looks and visibility.
The five shades we install
70 percent
The lightest shade. From outside, the car looks nearly untinted, with a faint cast to the glass. Visibility stays excellent, day and night. It is the choice for owners who want the heat and UV benefits of ceramic film without changing how the car looks, and it keeps sight lines clear where you need them.
50 percent
A light, subtle tint. The glass picks up a gentle shade that reads as a clean factory look. Night driving still feels normal, and privacy is modest. It suits owners who want a mild change and a clear view.
35 percent
A medium shade and a common middle ground. The glass looks clearly tinted without going dark, and the cabin gets a real sense of privacy. At night, a quality film is still comfortable to see through. It balances looks, privacy and visibility.
20 percent
A dark shade. From outside, it is hard to see into the cabin in daylight, which adds privacy for bags and equipment on the seats. Night visibility is lower than on the lighter shades, so it is worth thinking about how much you drive on dark roads.
5 percent
The darkest shade, often called limo tint. It is almost opaque from outside and gives full privacy. Seeing out at night is harder, especially when backing up or on unlit roads, so we go through how and where you drive before we recommend it.
Driving at night
The darkest shades cut visibility after dark, and this is the one part of the choice that should not be rushed. A quality ceramic film stays clear from the inside, so night driving on the lighter and medium shades feels normal. If you drive a lot on country roads, or back out of a driveway at night, lean lighter.
Choosing by what you want
- Heat and comfort. Any shade works with ceramic film. Pick on looks and visibility.
- Glare. A lighter shade across the windshield strip cuts low sun without touching the view ahead.
- Privacy. 35, 20 and 5 percent progressively hide the cabin from outside.
- Looks. Lighter shades keep a factory feel and darker shades give a more dramatic look.
- Resale. A classic shade that suits the car presents well to the next buyer.
Cars with factory privacy glass
Many SUVs and trucks have dark rear glass from the factory. That glass is dyed to look dark, and it does not necessarily control heat or UV. Film on top of it adds heat rejection and interior protection, and the darkness comes from the glass underneath.
For that reason we pay attention to what the car already has before choosing a shade, and we can show you samples on the glass so you see the result in daylight.
Front and back can differ
You do not have to use the same shade all around. A lighter shade on the front side windows keeps the view out clear while a darker shade on the back adds privacy. Tell us what you are after and we will go through the combinations.
How we help you choose
We install LLumar ceramic film in house at both shops, and we can show you samples against your car's glass before any film is cut. Seeing 35 next to 20 in daylight on your own windows settles the question faster than any description.
Window tint shade questions
What is the most popular window tint shade?
35 percent is a common middle ground for the sides, because it balances privacy, looks and visibility. The right shade for you depends on the car and how you drive.
Does a darker tint block more heat?
Not with ceramic film. The heat rejection comes from the particles, so a light ceramic film can feel cooler than a darker dyed film. Dark shades are about privacy and looks.
Can I use different shades on different windows?
Yes. A lighter shade on the front and a darker one on the back is a common setup. We can go through the combinations on your car.
Will 5 percent tint make it hard to drive at night?
It can, especially backing up or on dark roads. Lighter shades are more comfortable at night, and we talk through your driving before recommending the darkest.
