If you’ve been considering car window tinting, then you’ve likely been trying to find out as much as you can about the car window tinting process. Well, today we’re dropping by with some interesting window tinting facts that we thought you’d find interesting!

7  Window Tinting Facts You Should Know!

1. Spray On Window Tinting Was a “Thing”

From around the time of World War II, all the way through until the 1960’s the only method of “at home” window tinting was a spray on window tint. Designed to emulate the window tint offered by automobile manufacturers, these aerosol solutions were a more affordable means for car owners to get that “factory tint”. The problem was, however, that these sprays were messy and didn’t begin to measure up to a professionally tinted glass. The even bigger problem was the extremely dark tint that spray tinting gave windows and the fact that spray tinting always resulted in uneven and blotchy tint!

2. 1966 Saw the Introduction of Window Tinting Film

It wasn’t until 1966 that window tinting film made its first debut and even then, the tint that was introduced had absolutely no resemblance to the window tint films we use today! It actually absorbed heat into the vehicle it was used on rather than helped to keep the vehicle cooler!

3. The First Car Window Tint Film Was a Disaster!

The first window tinting films that were introduced in 1966 were dye-based tints. This caused more than a few problems when it began changing color once exposed to the sun. In no time at all, window tint would turn from black to purple and it would even begin to bubble and peel off the windows! Needless to say, this type of film didn’t have a very long lifespan at all and many owners found themselves taking off what was left of the film not long after they’d put it on!

4. Car Window Tint Film Version 2.0 Was Also Dye-Based

Despite being a disaster the first time it was released, the second version of car window tinting film also dye-based. Unlike its predecessor, however, the second incarnation of car window tint film also contained metallic particles. Released in the 1990’s, car window tinting film version 2.0 was more of a success than its predecessor based solely on the fact that the metallic particles stopped so much heat from being absorbed into the vehicle. This new film actually absorbed 50% of the sun’s heat and kept cars significantly cooler!

5. Car Window Tinting Film Version 2.0 Wasn’t Perfect, Though

Although the metallic particles in the new version of car window tinting film did reduce the amount of heat that was entering the vehicle, they also sometimes caused interference with electronic signals. This meant that people were experiencing trouble with their GPS units and cell phones.

6. The Newest Car Window Tinting Film Has Made Great Strides!

The newest version of car window tinting film took version 2.0 and improved upon it once again. A few tweaks here and there and car window tinting film version 3.0 brought much more to the table. Not only did this new version offer reduced heat absorption inside the vehicle, it also did not interfere with electronic signals the way that version 2.0 did. Plus, a few more tweaks and this version also offered UV ray protection, so it absorbed UV rays rather than letting them pass through to the interior of the car – great news for your skin as well as your car’s interior!

7. State Laws Governing the Tint Percentage of Car Window Tint Film

The newest version of car window tinting film varies considerably in terms of the darkness of the film itself. The darkness of car window tint soon became something of a status symbol. It became “cool” to have car window film tinted so dark that it was impossible to see inside the car. This pushed states to create laws governing the visible light transmission of car window tinting film.

Visible light transmission (or VLT) refers to the amount of light that is able to pass through the tinted car window. If a tinting film is so dark that very little light is able to pass through the window, it becomes a serious hazard both to the driver of the car and those around them. Not only does very dark window tinting film make night driving particularly difficult for the driver, but it makes it much more difficult for law enforcement to see through the windows of cars and identify drivers. This isn’t just a problem when a car’s driver has committed a crime, it’s equally problematic when patrolling law enforcement are unable to spot drivers who may pose a threat to the community i.e. drivers who are acting suspiciously.

To combat the complications that result from car window tinting that is too dark, various states enacted state-specific laws that determine what percentage of visible light transmission a tint must have to still be considered safe for that state. There is considerable variance in the VLT percentages that are acceptable for each state, for example in Washington State window tinting film has a low VLT of 24% where in California, window tinting film should have a VLT of 88%! In addition, in some states different VLT percentages are permissible for different windows of the car! This is just one reason why you should never allow someone who is inexperienced to apply your car window tint film. A professional and experienced installer is conscious of state regulations and will never put your safety at risk by bypassing those regulations.

Interested in Getting Your Car Window Tinting Done in Orlando?

If you live in Orlando and are interested in getting your car windows tinted, Orlando Flying Window Tinting can help! Just pick up the phone and give us a call at (407) 380-1202 and we’ll fit you in for an appointment today!

Visit Us At:

• 6623 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32807
• 407-380-1202 

Services Offered:

• Window Tinting
• Window Tint Removal
• Headlight Cleaning
• Vinyl Graphics Installation

We Serve These Locations:

Orlando, FL

Avalon Park fl 

Lake Nona fl

University of Central florida fl

Casselberry fl

Winter park fl

Waterford Lakes fl

Alafaya, FL

Azalea Park, FL