Automotive window tint and those used for glass panes in the home both have great advantages.  They provide protection from direct sunlight, they add a level of privacy, they offer savings on the homeowner's energy bill or the driver’s fuel cost, and they add an attractive look to the car or home.  However, there are some substantial differences in automotive window tint and those used for home application.  These differences must be explored before placing the product on any surface.

Perhaps the most important difference between automotive window tint and home shading is the specific laws against the darkness of this product on a vehicle.  A homeowner has the right to have the darkest of shading.  The laws regulating vehicle shading are different in every state, but all state laws have the same concept.  The law regulates the levels of light or reflection that the vehicle can have, often placing restrictions on how dark the film can be.  If the glass on a car is so dark that the amount of light is above state law, then the vehicle is not in compliance and will not pass inspection. This can also cause the driver to be issued a citation.  They will then be required to lighten or fix the problem to comply with state laws.  The regulations are stricter for the front safety glass as opposed to the side or back windows.  Most states prohibit mirrored or one-way film to be installed on a vehicle as the reflection can cause accidents for other vehicles on the road as the sun reflects off of the surface.

Another difference is the kind of adhesive and the shape and size of the film.  An automotive window tint film has properties that are not suitable for home application.  The adhesive should not be placed on plastic, Plexiglas, acrylic or lexan surfaces.  This is due to the chemicals that are in the film.  It could react with the surface of the glass and produce an unattractive appearance or cause irreparable damage.  Typically, the size and shape of the film is different as well.  The maximum size films are typically sold for a vehicle is 24 inches.  This fits approximately 98% of all vehicles.  24 inches would not be nearly large enough to cover most glass panes in a home.

The amount of surface that needs to be covered is the cause of another difference.  Because a home is much larger than a vehicle, it will cost more money and take more time for the application process.  A vehicle is much simpler as it has fewer surfaces and does not require extra equipment like ladders.

An automotive window tint and film for a home are very similar in that they provide a fair amount of protection from the sun.  However, the differences in the individual products are far greater.  To avoid a ticket and the costly replacement of the vehicle's film, the driver should make sure to research the laws in their state before putting the time and effort into an instillation.  They should also be sure to get the right type of film for the best end results.