How to choose the correct window tinting shade – or better say – darkness

So to better understand the shades we have to figure out what the different numbers for the window tinting mean. Most shops will ask you to choose a shade of window tint usually from these options: 5%, 15%, 20%, 35%, 50%, or 70%, and probably you asked yourself, what are these numbers and what do they mean?

The answer: these numbers are called VLT.

The Visible Light Transmission (VLT) rate is represented by the percentage of window tint films. VLT is the amount of visible light that is permitted to enter the automobile through the tinted glass. The greater the VLT percentage, the more light is permitted to enter through the window, and the lighter the tint. Likewise, when the VLT % decreases, the tint becomes darker, and less light is permitted to flow through.

For example, a tint with a VLT percentage of 50% allows 50% of visible light to flow through while the remaining 50% is blocked. If the VLT percentage is 5%, then just 5% of visible light is permitted to pass through, while the remaining 95% is blocked, on a 20% window tint, 20% of the light will pass through 80% will be blocked, and so on.  So the smaller the number the darker the Window Tint.

It is important to remember that different states and states have different laws and regulations regarding the maximum VLT % permitted for automobile windows. Before tinting your vehicle’s windows, it’s usually a good idea to verify the local laws.