Can You Tint A Car Window Over Factory Tint?
Car window tinting is a popular way to enhance the appearance and privacy of your vehicle, while also providing protection against harmful UV rays. However, if your car already has factory tinted windows, you may be wondering if it's possible to add an additional layer of tint. In this article, we'll explore whether or not you can tint a car window over factory tint and what you need to know before making a decision.
What is Factory Tinting?
Factory tinting refers to the process of adding a tinted film to the windows during the manufacturing process. This is typically done to reduce the amount of heat and UV rays that enter the car, while also providing privacy for the passengers. Factory tinting is usually a light tint, with a VLT (visible light transmission) percentage of around 15-20%.
Can You Add Tint Over Factory Tinting?
The short answer is yes, you can add tint over factory tinting. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before doing so.
Legal Considerations
Before adding any additional tinting to your car windows, it's important to check your local laws and regulations. In some states, adding any additional tinting to your windows is illegal, while in others, there may be restrictions on the percentage of VLT allowed.
Visual Appearance
Adding an additional layer of tint over factory tinting can affect the visual appearance of your windows. The final result may not be as uniform or smooth as it would be with a single layer of tinting. This is because the two layers of tinting may not bond together properly, which can result in bubbles or gaps.
Heat Absorption
Adding an additional layer of tint over factory tinting can also affect the amount of heat absorbed by your windows. The more layers of tinting you have, the more heat will be absorbed, which can lead to issues with cracking or fading of the tint over time.
UV Protection
While factory tinting does provide some protection against UV rays, adding an additional layer of tint can increase this protection even further. However, it's important to keep in mind that the amount of UV protection provided will depend on the type and quality of the tinting used.
Types of Tinting
When it comes to adding an additional layer of tint over factory tinting, there are a few different types of tinting to choose from. These include:
Dyed Tinting
Dyed tinting is the most common type of tinting used for cars. It's made by adding a layer of dye to a clear film, which is then applied to the window. Dyed tinting is affordable and provides good UV protection, but it may not be as effective at reducing heat as other types of tinting.
Metallic Tinting
Metallic tinting is made by adding a layer of metallic particles to a clear film. This type of tinting is more effective at reducing heat and glare than dyed tinting, but it can interfere with electronic devices and may not be legal in some areas.
Ceramic Tinting
Ceramic tinting is the newest and most advanced type of tinting available. It's made by adding a layer of ceramic particles to a clear film, which provides excellent heat reduction and UV protection without interfering with electronics. However, ceramic tinting is also the most expensive option.
Professional vs. DIY Tinting
If you decide to add an additional layer of tint over factory tinting, you have two options: professional installation or DIY installation. While DIY installation may be cheaper, it's important to keep in mind that professional installation will provide better results and may be required for legal compliance in some areas.
Conclusion
Adding an additional layer of tint over factory tinting is possible, but it's important to consider the legal implications, visual appearance, heat absorption, and UV protection before doing so. Additionally, you'll need to choose the right type of tinting and decide whether to go with professional or DIY installation. With the right research and preparation, you can successfully tint your car windows and enjoy the benefits of added privacy, UV protection, and style.