Can I Use Home Window Tint On My Car?

You might still have some tinting film lying around since you had your windows tinted at home. Wondering if you can use the film on your car? We've researched this topic extensively to help you with the best answer.

You probably wouldn't be able to tell any differences between window tint on a car and your home. But they are not the same. You can't use home window tint on your car because of the following reasons:

  • It is not regulated.
  • It does not shrink.
  • The film has a different composition.

Despite the striking similarities, there are a few crucial differences that make home window tint not okay to use on your car. In this article, we’ll delve thoroughly into each reason. Also, we’ll share some suitable tints that you can purchase in the market and how to apply them. So keep on reading.

Man installing window tinting on car, Can I Use Home Window Tint On My Car?

Can I Use Home Window Tint On My Car?

The simple response to this query is no. It is a question, though, that calls for a more detailed response. Below are the reasons why home window tint (also known as home window films or flat glass tint) should not be used on your car, together with outlined differences between this tint and car window tint:

Professional worker tinting window with foil indoors

It Is Not Regulated

The main distinction between home window tints and car window tints is that the latter is strictly regulated in most states. At the same time, both have the same intended function—increasing privacy and blocking harmful UV rays and excess heat. 

Home window tints have the potential to be much darker or more reflective than car tints. They subsequently block out more light and solar energy, which naturally results in a significant increase in privacy. 

Worker  tinting the window

However, car window tinting is governed, and depending on where you live, it is not permitted to block more than 65% of visible light. Safety is the reason for this—both your and other drivers' safety. 

Too much light-blocking makes it more challenging for you to see what is going on in front of you and around you on the road, which is worse at night or in low light.

It Does Not Shrink

Home window tint is only used on flat or plate glass. Without curves, the ability of the film material to shrink is not required. Even the slightest curves in car windows require the film to be able to shrink to ensure a proper fit. As a result, the adhesives used to attach the films vary.

The Film Has A Different Composition

While car window tint absorbs heat, home window tint reflects heat. For example, metallic compounds can be used safely to tint windows in a residential or commercial building, but they would interfere with electronic devices if used on car windows. 

While this isn't a problem in homes and buildings, car window tints are specifically made to minimize any interference with electronics in the cramped space of a car.

While it is unquestionably not a good idea to use a home window tint on car windows, you shouldn't even consider using a car tint on windows in your house or office. 

Because car window tint can shrink and absorb heat instead of reflecting it, there is a greater chance that your home or office windows will crack or break.

What Are Some Car Window Tints Available On The Market?

We already know that you can’t use the home window tint for your car. So if you want to tint your car, here are some available products on the market that you can use:

Lexen 2-Ply Carbon Windows Tint

It is supplied as a precut tint package comprising all the windows of the customer's particular car. Lexen delivers you window film that precisely fits your windows once you provide the brand, model, and year of your vehicle. See Lexen window kit options here.

This tint protects 99% from UV radiation, preventing fading of the inside furnishings and lowering the interior temperature. With settings ranging from 5 to 50%, you can alter the tint percentage.

For car owners seeking a do-it-yourself (DIY) substitute for expert window tinting services, Lexen 2-ply is a good tint. It's a useful tool for someone just starting to tint windows. Also, you can go for this product if you're seeking a pre-cut choice straight from the manufacturer.

MotoShield Pro Premium Ceramic Window Tint 

The tint roll from MotoShield Pro is available in eight sizes, so you can choose the one that will completely cover all the windows on your car without buying more than you require. In addition, these rolls have the broadest tint range, ranging from 5 to 75%.

Click here to see this MotoShield Pro window tint on Amazon.

This tint's manufacturing process doesn't utilize metals, carbon, or dyes, therefore it's harmless for the environment.

If you care about the environment or you are an auto detailer that wants to offer a variety of window tints, you might as well opt for this product. Also, if you want a side view window that requires a different tint percentage, it might be a useful addition.

True Line Automotive Computer Customized Window Tint

This True Line product is a collection of pre-cut window tints. Choose from 10 options to tint your car's windows in any combination of 5%, 20%, 35%, or 50%.

Click here to see this True Line Automotive kit on Amazon.

Squeegees, razors, and a spray bottle are included if you select one of the options included with the install kit to aid in application. Going pre-cut is a time-saver for someone seeking a weekend vehicle DIY, similar to the first product mentioned. Even more customizing choices are available with True Line than with Lexen.

JNK Networks Real Window Tint

This tint is pre-cut for the precise year, make, and model of your car. It applies a film with a 5%, 25%, or 30% tint to every window in your car, including the back windshield.

Click here to see this JNK Network window tint on Amazon.

Preparing to apply the window tints is as simple as possible and is a priority for JNK Networks. You will receive thorough instructions from the firm along with your set, and they are always available if you have any more inquiries.

How To Tint Your Car Windows

Tinting of car windows

Although tinting takes a lot of time and effort, most people can tint their car windows with the steps below:

  1. Locate a tidy and dry workspace.
  2. Clear the windows from any stickers and adhesives.
  3. Clean the windows with soapy water and a 1’’ razor scraper.
  4. Dry the window with a clean rag.
  5. Before starting, roll the window back up, but keep the engine running.
  6. Get the tint and identify the adhesive part.
  7. Spray soapy water on the window's exterior.
  8. Put the tinting all over the window's exterior.
  9. Cut a manageable portion of the tinting.
  10. Spray water on the film's front.
  11. Cut around the window's left and bottom edges with your cutter.
  12. Pull the film 1" to the left.
  13. Remove any extra film around the corner.
  14. Cut the right edge and return the tint halfway toward the center after.
  15. Pull the film down about 1” to make the bottom border of the film lower than the window.
  16. Lower the window by ½“, then cut the film to size using the top of the window.
  17. Remove the extra film in any corners,
  18. Align film to fit the window leaving a little extra on each edge.
  19. Remove bubbles using a heat gun and a hard card, from top to bottom.
  20. Clean the inside of the window using a squeegee and soapy water.
  21. Peel off the tinting film's top half of the release liner.
  22. Spray some clean water into the exposed area.
  23. Align the tint’s top on the window and then adhere.
  24. Fold the tint just enough to get it under the seal.
  25. Re-spray the window, then push the water out the edges with a hard edge.
  26. Roll the window up and then spritz soapy water on the bottom half of the window.
  27. Pull off the remaining release layer.
  28. Tuck the tint's bottom into the bottom seal using a hard edge and your fingers.
  29. Smooth out the window with a hard edge while directing all the air and water bubbles to the edges.

To visualize how the process is done, you can watch the demonstration in this video:

Conclusion

When you use window film from a home on your car, you might violate numerous visibility rules. Similarly, there is a high probability that the window will break if you apply car window tint on a window in your home since the film shrinks in the heat. 

It's better to use a tint created for a car, which is readily available online. Its installation is made easy through the steps mentioned above. Nonetheless, if DIY is not your thing, you can always go with a qualified window film installer to ensure a proper installation.

Tinting a car window with tinted foil or film

If your concern is about your home windows, you might want to check out these articles:

How To Tint Home Windows

Are Glass Block Windows Soundproof?