Understanding Visible Light Transmission

Before you can start installing home window tint, you'll have to understand the visible light transmission (VLT) percentage.

You'll see this every time when it comes to talking about how dark the window tint is. However, the percentage doesn't apply to how dark the tint is. 

Instead, the percentage applies to how much light the tint will let in. If it's a higher percentage, the tint won't be very dark. If it's a lower percentage, that means that the tint will be really dark.

For example, if a tint had a 20% VLT, that means it would only allow in 20% of the light, meaning that your room would be dark. 

Purposes of Window Tint

Now that you understand the percentages, you can start to figure out what percentage would be right for your home.

We'll break down some of the most common reasons that people apply window tinting to their homes to help you figure out what would be best for you.

For Insulation

As mentioned before, many people also want to improve their home's energy efficiency. 

If you're getting film for insulation, the film will be pretty thick, but not as thick as a film that you would get to keep your home safe. They'll block up to 99% of UV rays from the sun, which can help to regulate the temperature of the rooms. While it will block out UV rays, it will still allow plenty of light to still get through. 

As an added bonus, it will also help to stop the UV rays from fading your furniture and paint color. These films normally come in either copper or silver film. 

For Privacy

If your window looks directly into your neighbor's window, you might want some more privacy. A lot of people also put window tint on rooms that need more privacy, like a bathroom or bedroom. 

If you're going for privacy, make sure that you get a tint that has a VLT of 20% or below. These are also great for large windows that don't have any blinds or curtains. 

However, just because you can block people from seeing inside doesn't mean that you won't be able to see outside anymore. There are some tints you can get that will still let you be able to see outside while preventing outsiders from seeing in, even at night. 

For Decoration

Many people also install window tint film for decoration. 

This film is normally the thinnest of them all since it is really just there for decoration. These films normally don't absorb or reflect heat, but they do come in all kinds of colors and patterns.

Some of them have frosted designs, patterns, or all kinds of colors. 



However, if you want a darker film, this can increase your curb appeal as well and give your home a nice, clean look from the outside. 

For Redirecting Sunlight

If you have a room that the sun directly faces into, chances are that all the rays are entering through your window in one specific spot.

When this happens, it will make your room start to feel really hot, which can drive up your electric bill. Many stores or restaurant owners actually install window films in areas where this happens so that the customers don't feel uncomfortable. 



To prevent this, you should find a percentage that is around 50%. This will be a good balance between blocking out some of the light while still letting enough in. 

For Reducing Glare

If the sun is glaring into your room, it can reduce productivity or even your focus. When it's reflecting off a screen you're looking at, it can even hurt your eyes.



To help reduce how much light comes through that window, you should install some window tinting. You'll have to figure out how much light you want to reduce, so you may get a lower percent VLT to achieve this. 

Customize It

The great thing about these VLT percentages is that you can customize them to make them work for you.

Maybe you want more privacy on the first floor of your home but want to have more light visibility on the second floor. You can do that! 

You can have a different type of window tint in every window if you want. However, you should ask yourself some questions first:

• Does this room get really hot?
• How much light actually comes in here?
• Can the neighbors see right into my home?
• Is there glare from the window?



Once you answer some of these questions, you can start figuring out what type of window tint will work best for you. 

Learn More About the Best Tinted Home Windows

These are only a few of the best tinted home windows that you could install in your home, but there are many more purposes you could get out of them.

Make sure you browse TNT Signature Glass Design website to check out all of our services and products to find the best window tinting that will fit your needs.

If you still need help or can't find something particular, make sure that you reach out and contact us today!