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Does Window Tint Go on the Inside or Outside? (Explained)

Many people like to tint their windows or install film on the windows. These windows might be the house windows or the car windows. But tinting windows make them protected and decorative. So, it’s common to tint windows with different materials.

However, you might be curious about whether window tint goes on the inside or outside the window. You have to know the consequences of installing tints on the inside or outside. Moreover, tinting has a proper process that you have to follow if you want to tint windows.

Does window tint go on the inside or outside?

Window tint goes on the inside. When the tint is applied from the inside, it will enhance the viability from the inside. Moreover, the tint will not chop off from the outside damage. Besides, the tint will not get dust and dirt from the outside. But many people apply the tint outside also.

But when you apply tint on the window, the applying process might be different for different types of window. For example, car windows, house windows, etc., might have different requirements.

So, let’s see which window tint goes inside and which one goes outside.

House window:

House window tint goes on inside the house. Generally, applying window tint inside is not compulsory. But people apply it inside for some benefits. When you apply window tint outside, it might get damaged from environmental issues.

Moreover, applying it inside will ensure the tint doesn’t get dirty easily. The tint will make the window look beautiful and keep the window protected from outside damage.

Car rear window:

Like the house window tint, the car rear window tint also goes inside. Generally, the tint is laid outside and cut out to fit. When the tint is fitted, the large piece is then trimmed and applied inside the car.

Many people also prefer applying tint outside the car. But if you tint outside the car’s rear window, scratches might chip off the tint. Moreover, the environmental effects will damage the tint soon.

Car auto window:

Most vehicle window tint goes inside the vehicle. So, car auto window tint is also applied inside the car. Like the rear window, an auto window can also damage the tint. So, car auto window tint goes inside the car.

Does ceramic tint go inside or outside the window?

Ceramic tint is an excellent tint for windows since it is noncorrosive and non-metallic. Ceramic tint also goes inside the window. But all the preparation works are done on the outside window because the outside window is pretty flat and suitable for preparation.

After all the preparation like shrinking, cutting, joining, etc., are finished, then the tint is applied inside the car. Applying the ceramic tint inside the car will ensure the tint remains in good condition for a long time.

Otherwise, if you apply the ceramic tint outside the window, it will get damaged in a short time. So, it will be wise to apply ceramic tint inside the window.

Why is the tint applied to the interior?

Applying tint to the interior has some advantages. So, most people use tint to the interior. One of the main advantages of applying tint to the interior is safety. A tint inside the window will save the tint from damage.

Moreover, if you apply tint to the exterior, it might get scratched and chip off. Besides, dirt and dust will make the tint dirty and decrease durability. Tint inside will also prevent the UV rays enter into the windows inside.

So, tinting the interior will be a better option than tinting the exterior.

Can you put a tint on the outside?

Yes, you can put a tint on the outside. Generally, it’s up to you whether you want to apply tint inside or outside. But tinting inside and outside has some advantages and drawbacks. So, you have to decide which advantages you want to take.

Generally, all the preparation of tinting is done outside the window or glass. For example, cutting and shrinking are always done outside the window. Then the tint is trimmed and applied inside. So, if you want to keep the tint outside after preparing, you can keep it.

But if you want to make the tint durable and damage-free, you have to apply it inside. Otherwise, the tint will not last long.

Why is a tint applied on the exterior?

Though a tint is applied on the interior, applying it on the exterior is also advantageous sometimes. For example, the exterior tint will allow natural light to come inside. Besides, one of the best benefits of exterior tint is its ability to reduce UV rays.

Moreover, the exterior tint will ensure reducing heat. While the UV rays are prevented, exterior heat will also be reduced. Besides, if you use a ceramic tint exterior, it will reduce more heat. It will also remain noncorrosive.

So, for availing these benefits, a tint is applied on the exterior.

Is it difficult to tint your own windows?

No, it is not too difficult to tint your windows. Many people hire professionals to tint windows. Tinting by professionals is an easy and fast process. But this can be expensive. So, tinting on your own is convenient in every way.

But you must follow some instructions while tinting windows. Before applying tint on the final surface, you have to prepare the tint. For example, you have to shrink and cut the tint according to the size while preparing the tint.

Then you have to apply the tint on the final surface. So, you have to be careful while tinting by yourself. So, it will not be so difficult if you want to tint by yourself.

How to tint windows?

Tinting a window is pretty easy if you follow a proper process. So, here is a step-by-step process that you can follow to tint your windows.

Clean the environment:

At first, you have to clean the environment or the workplace of tinting. Because dirt and dust from the workplace might mix with the tint and make it less durable.

Clean both sides of the surface:

Then you have to clean both sides of the surface you want to tint. It is better to clean the surface with soapy water to remove dirt, dust, and grease. Remove any stickers and adhesives from the window surface.

Wipe & dry the window:

Wipe the window and dry it well.

Apply the tinting:

Apply the tinting on the outside of the window. Apply it in a way so that it covers the entire window. You have to unroll and apply your tinting with at least 2-3″ of extra tinting over the edges.

Cut the tint:

After that, you have to cut the tint according to the actual size. Trim off the extra edges and make an actual cut from the applied tint.

Spray water:

Spray water on the applied window. Then you have to pull the film 1″ towards the left edge. Thus pull all sides of the edges to release it from the surface.

Adhere & smooth out:

Prepare the inside surface like before. Pull off the tint from the outside and adhere it to the inside window. You can use your fingers to tuck the bottom of the tint into the bottom seal. Finally, smooth out the entire surface.

Do you need a heat machine to tint windows?

Yes, you can use a heat machine to tint the window. Though using a heat machine is not compulsory, you can use it to adhere to the tint. Besides, you can also use a hairdryer for the same purpose.

If the window surface is flat, you don’t have to use a heat machine or any heat source. But if the surface has curves, you have to use a heat source to adhere the tint to the window. The more curves the surface has, the more heat source it will need.

So, you can use a heat machine to tint windows.

How dark should I tint my windows?

You can tint your windows for about 15 to 20%. If your purpose is to use tint on a see-through window, you can tint it up to 20%. It will be an excellent choice.

But if you want to tint the window of vehicles, you can tint up to 15 to 20%. If you want to tint more than 20 %, it will be pretty darker and unsuitable to use on vehicles. But if you want to make house windows tinted pretty darker, you can use more than 20%.

Final Thoughts

Generally, window tint is applied inside the window. If you want to apply it outside, you can do it. But tint is applied inside to protect the tint and make it durable. Otherwise, the tint might chip off from the surface. Moreover, tinting inside the window will keep the tint dust-free.