If you have ever asked yourself whether vehicle window tinting is done on the interior of the window or on the exterior?’ then you are not alone. In fact, a lot of people struggle with this question, especially when it comes to car window tinting. Getting this detail wrong can impact the quality, functionality, and longevity of the tint. Apart from aesthetics, the film’s placement will affect its efficiency, longevity, and overall appearance. That said, the way the film is applied is a detail that can alter the final results substantially.
In most instances, professionals install the window tint on the interior side rather than the outer half. This is the easiest and most reliable technique, considering the longevity of the car’s tint film, rain, snow, or heat will not damage it easily, as it is protected behind glass. It also makes sure that the adhesive will work properly. In this article, we’ll explore why this is the preferred method and why applying window tint film on the outside can be problematic.
Why do Auto-Professionals INSIST on Interior Tint Applications?
Overwhelmingly, auto professionals recommend that the window tint film be applied on the interior side of the glass. This approach guarantees that the film finish is more durable and has a smooth and longer-lasting quality. The two-pronged logic behind this approach may not be apparent initially but never fear. We will unravel the details surrounding this choice in the following section.
The Benefits of Applying Window Tint to the Inside of the Car
From a practical perspective, the window tinting applied to the interior of the car figuratively and literally takes the cake. One leading edge is improved UV protection. With the aid of the window film, the interior of the car is preserved from uninvited factors like harmful UV rays which can lead to deterioration of upholstery, dashboards or any other surfaces inflicting fading and cracking on them.
Alongside that, interior window tinting offers a great reduction of heat. The film functions as a reflective barrier against sunlight allowing for a cooler atmosphere in the car during hot seasons, which in turn promotes comfort and reduces dependency on the air conditioning system allowing for better fuel economy and energy savings.
Reduce glare is another advantage. The sum of discomfort and distraction that harsh sunlight provides, particularly when driving during early mornings or late afternoons is amplified. By moving the location of the tint spots on the windows to the interior, less glare will enter the car improving safety, efficiency, and comfort while driving.
In addition, the interior tinting keeps the film itself safe from threats such as dust and dirt which can scratch or wear over time. This effectively helps in increasing the life span of the tint and, in turn, its effectiveness. Finally, tinting the inside of your vehicle assures optimal comfort and prolongs its lifespan at the same time, and therefore solves the need of both ordinary vehicle operators and car lovers.
5 Risks of Incorrect Exterior Tint Application
It is nice to think of applying window tint from the outside of the glass, however, this method portrays a set of extreme problems.
1. Bubbling and Peeling: Exterior tints, unlike interior tints, are vulnerable to external factors like moisture, dust, and even dirt. These compromises directly weaken the adhesive, which may cause the film to peel away or form ugly bubbles – something that negatively impacts both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the tint’s usage.
2. Loss of UV Protection: Exterior tints are also very prone to UV exposure. Harsh sunlight will remain unguarded through even the best external tints. This exposure can be damaging to the film as it will deteriorate, so the ability to block UV rays will become even less useful. Therefore, the purpose of the film is significantly lowered and your interior coverage will be greatly at risk of fading.
3. Yellowing and Fading: The constant impact of UV radiation makes external tints much more susceptible to yellowing and fading over time. This ray exposure not only affect the aesthetic side of the tint but critically jeopardizes its primary function of safeguarding.
4. Material Damage: Environmental forces continuously exposed may cause the materials of tint to degrade. This weakens the material’s usage longevity since the overall durability of the tint gets severely rid of.
5. Minimum Heat Rejection: External tints do not block heat from the sun as effectively as those placed on the inside of the glass. The heat absorbed on the outside surface of the glass can make your car very hot because the tint’s ability to thermal reject becomes less effective.
Considering everything explained above, placing tints on the inner side of the window is by far the best option because it is more durable, and effective, and it looks far better.
Critical Factors Affecting Tint Longevity
Several factors influence window tint life. The first and foremost is the window film’s qualitative features. For instance, ceramic or carbon films are exceedingly more durable in comparison to simple dyed ones. Advanced materials such as these are much less prone to fading, bubbling, and peeling, which ultimately ensures a much longer lifespan. Ceramic films are known to be one of the best specialized materials due to their extreme durability over traditional tints as they can last upwards of a decade longer.
Another factor is the window’s external installation process. If the tint is properly placed internally within the window, then it attaches firmly and stays put for years on end. Conversely, film frailty is a lot more common for externally mounted window tints due to exposure to dirt and gravel.
Incorporating suitable maintenance practices goes hand in hand with ensuring longevity for window tint. Cleaning in an adequate manner is a great way to maintain the tint’s integrity and ensure microscopic debris does not get stuck in the window. In relation to windows that receive no cleaning, consistent care can stretch the lifespan of window tint by 3-5 years. Allowing the opposite approach on the other side can shorten its longevity drastically.
Lastly, heat and humidity can also damage your window privacy tint. Minimizing your car’s exposure to extreme temperatures is vital as it can lead to bubbling or peeling. Likewise, protecting your vehicle from harsh weather is very important to maintain your window tint.
When you purchase window tint, we recommend highly investing in materials that ensure proper installation and ask for routine maintenance to get the most out of your tint for years to come.
Professional vs. DIY Window Tint Installation
Car owners often consider applying window tints for their cars themselves, but professional installation provides a lot more benefits. While DIY tinting kits may have an attractive price, they often lack consistent quality.
The tools used are one of the primary distinctions. Professionals have access to tools such as heat guns and precise cutting tools for superior processing and finishing. DIY kits normally come with rudimentary tools that often do not work, allowing for bubbles, wrinkles, and misalignment to turn into a major problem. The utmost level of care must be taken during the installation process to prevent damage to the windows or the tint.
The skill of the installer is another major factor. Professionals have many years of experience allowing them to undertake any prospective difficulty in implementing the installation. DIY window tinting usually ends up being riddled with problems that result in ineffectual work, substandard quality, less durability, and even extensive repair work.
Here’s a quick comparison between professional and DIY installation:
| Feature | Professional Installation | DIY Installation |
| Tools | Advanced, precise tools | Basic tools, limited efficiency |
| Expertise | Skilled, experienced technicians | No formal training |
| Quality | Smooth, flawless finish | Prone to bubbles and wrinkles |
| Time | Quick and efficient | Time-consuming, error-prone |
| Durability | Longer-lasting | May peel, bubble over time |
Ultimately, while DIY tinting may be tempting for those on a budget, the professional touch ensures a higher-quality, longer-lasting result.
When to Consider Professional Film Replacement
Even though window tints are very durable and long-lasting with proper maintenance and care. there are circumstances where one will have to replace them.
The appearance of bubbles, discoloration, or peeling means that things are not working as they should, which is a clear sign you need to replace the tint. In such scenarios, a film replacement done by a professional will ensure that your window tinting will be aesthetically pleasing and functional. The installer will address the tinting issues and apply the new film in the right way extending the life of your window.
In addition to that, if the tint is failing to block harmful UV rays, it needs to be replaced as well. Of the films begin to fade or crack, they will not be able to block a reasonable amount of UV rays resulting in damage to the car’s interior. In such scenarios, proper replacement done by a professional is the most reasonable choice to maintain the quality of your tint and the well-being of your car.
How ClearPro Enhances Your Tint Experience
From the interior window tint works, ClearPro’s experience in window tinting is unparalleled. They utilize nano-ceramic films, which guarantee smoother application and exceptional protection. These advanced films serve to boost the effectiveness and durability of your window tint while enhancing its appearance. Nano-ceramic technology hinders the entry of damaging UV rays as well as heat into your car, ensuring the vehicle remains cool and comfortable during extremely hot weather.
Our Edge: Nano-Ceramic Films for Smoother Interior Application
The application of nano-ceramic films enables a quicker and more accurate installation of window tint on a vehicle’s interior. These films cover the inside of the window, giving it a seamless, polished look. Advanced technology guarantees that your window tint will be effective in maximizing durability and scratch resistance, keeping the vehicle’s windows great for many years to come.
FREE Post-Installation Maintenance Guide
ClearPro goes above and beyond the installation assistance. We care for you even after the installation process is done, which is why we provide FREE guides detailing the maintenance of your window tints post-installation. This guide is specially curated with instructions on how to enhance tint durability, and how to make sure it works at peak performance. Using ClearPro’s recommendations enables you to enjoy all the perks of window tinting without the fears of it fading, bubbling, or cracking.
Conclusion: Why Expertise Matters in Tint Placement
It’s quite simple to apply tint on the interior side of the glass. Although the process may seem difficult, the results are indeed promising. The benefits are numerous including how remarkably fast UV rays are blocked as well as greatly increasing the shelf life of the tint. Any professional would know the right placement of window film not only to take care of your vehicle windows but to also ensure that the tint film works optimally. After years of working in the field, the masters have acquired the knowledge needed to walk you through each step assuring you that the outcome will be stunning.
Applying window film to your car may seem like an easy job, but it actually goes beyond just installing a piece of film. If done correctly, the process can help protect the comfort as well as the looks of the car for a longer duration. So, whenever you think, “Does window tint go on the inside or outside?” it is easy to remember that the window tint goes on the most interior side.