Information

Tinting Overview

At the California Tint, we have expertise and experience in a wide range of tinting applications ranging from automotive to recreational vehicles to industrial vehicles. We also specialize in residential tinting, corporate tinting and other large tinting applications -- if it can be tinted, we can do it! Below we provided our typical tint brand selection, benefits of window tinting information, visible light reduction chart as well as some helpful links to web sites that describe tinting laws for Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Typical Tinting Selections:

We can special order just about any tinting or window canvas application you desire for your project. The vast majority of our customers simply want to add privacy, reduce glare, darken harsh sunlight and reduce heat in their vehicles. For most customers, one of our four premium tint brands provide exactly what they're looking for. Once you know which level of tint you are interested in, you simply need to select the darkness in that category and we can provide you a quote for your vehicle.

Benefits of Window Tinting:

Tinting windows helps reduce visible light (as indicated in percentages above) from entering through a window which increases privacy. In addition to reducing visible light, window tinting dramatically reduces solar energy penetration which reduces heat. Finally, ultra violet light "UV" that causes damage to materials including fading in vehicles is reduced by window tinting.

Visible Light Reduction:

We offer our performance tint brands in several tint levels. The percentage indicated is the amount of visible light that enters through the window. The most common tint levels are between 30-50%; 35%, for example, indicates that 65% of the light is prevented from getting through the window and 35% of the light is allowed, see the sample image below for examples of tint levels.

Tinting Laws

Tint laws vary from state to state, it is important to understand the tinting laws in your area and the waivers and exceptions available. At California Tint, we help our customers make a tinting decision that they will be happy with months and years after the work is complete. We are providing the following links for those who wish to do a little research before they come in... but if you're in a hurry, we'll be happy to save you some time and explain the most current tinting laws. For those with vision impairments, light sensitivity, or other medical concerns, there are some options using medical waiver certificates that allow customers to have darker tint applied, larger window tint strips or even full windshield tinting. Give us a call or stop in and we can provide a little more information.

Tint Law - Virginia: http://www.vsp.state.va.us/Safety.shtm
Tint Law - Maryland: http://www.mva.maryland.gov/About-MVA/INFO/58000ASE/58000-04T.htm
Tint Law - District of Columbia: http://dmv.dc.gov/serv/medical/tintingMedicalWaivers.shtm

Of course, we are happy to discuss any questions you may have or help you with selections of tint brand and tint level when you bring your vehicle in for an estimate.

Thanks for visiting!
~ The California Tint