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“I just purchased a new BMW and I’ve spent about $750 on tint. As I was driving away I noticed everything green looked yellow through the tinted glass. Grass, trees, and plants all looked dead. Looking through this tint made everything look depressing. So I said ‘screw it, let me go to another tint shop to remove and install some new tint.’ I called another local tint shop and asked for the type of tint they use. The guy said he used Johnson films. My girlfriend has that tint on her Honda Civic and when you look through it every color looks the same. I asked for the color he used and he said black. So I made an appointment to have it installed. As I was driving away I noticed this tint made everything look brown. It was like a honey or an amber tint. Not what I wanted. I went back to the guy and told him that tint was not black. I called about four tint shops and I told them I do not want brown/amber or yellow tint on my car. I want a grey tint that doesn’t change the color of objects when I look through them. This whole tint thing has been so frustrating. Money is not an issue. I just want a tint that doesn’t change the color of objects when I look through them like the one my girlfriend has on her beat-up Honda. Please if there is anyone out there who can lead me to the right tint please help. I haven’t been able to enjoy my new car because of this annoying tint issue. All I want is a grey-looking tint that does not look cloudy when looking through it.”
Sadly, this rant is not the only one of its kind on the internet, it is just the most cohesive and extensive one published to date. This poor BMW owner just wanted jet-black windows that didn’t alter what he saw when he was driving and it sounds like the window tint sales companies he visited were less than helpful — both in terms of getting him the right product and taking the opportunity to educate him. In today’s post, our window tint experts pounce on the chance to share some facts about tint color and how this BMW owner was failed.
Your ride is a total package that shows off your personality and personal style — the ultimate accessory if you will. Color is the single most effective way to express yourself and your car is a great opportunity to showcase your unique vibe. The fun part is, you aren’t limited to the color options of the paint on your car or stuck with the manufacturer’s palette. Paint protection film, ceramic coating, lights, headlight tint, and window tint are all aftermarket aesthetic upgrades that are available in a wide array of hues. When it comes to vehicle window tint, there are various color options to choose from. Here we’ll discuss the more popular window tint color options, but it’s important to remember that some colors are not legal in some states. Always refer to your state’s window tint laws before installing new tints on your ride. To learn more about tint color laws, check out our post on the topic.
A deeper, richer option to the classic grey, jet-black isn’t so much a color option as it is a lifestyle choice. Opting for the darkest tint option results in a lack of color and minimal light transmission, offering a deep black appearance.
Charcoal grey is the most common choice of all the available window tint colors. Subtle and effective, it’s not the flashiest type of window tint, but it gets the job done. Charcoal or gray tint is great for improving privacy and reducing solar heat while also protecting the value of the vehicle. For blending in on the road, this is the right choice.
More common in the late ’90s/ early 2000s, blue tint is an option that is well-traveled on commercial vehicles and front visor strips. Blue options include turquoise and classic blue. Jet Black Tint does not currently carry or install blue window tint because it is illegal in both states where we have shops — California and Texas.
Red is not a popular tint color choice, mostly because it is illegal in most states. Don’t worry, the government isn’t attempting to ban your style here, the concern is for the safety of everyone on the road. Red tint can interfere with your ability to accurately see emergency vehicles, stop lights, and traffic signs.
Amber or yellow tint is on the comeback list for luxury sports car enthusiasts, especially in Europe. More common on show cars and headlights, it is not authorized on many US roadways
When comparing your options to decide which tint color option is best for you, a few things to consider include the local and state laws where you live, your budget, and your resale intentions. At Jet Black Tint and Glass, our window tint experts are happy to discuss all of your options before you make a commitment and complete your purchase.
Our friend who left the frustrated thread that sparked this post knew exactly what color tint he wanted on his windows (charcoal gray), but was frustrated that even though that’s what was installed, everything looked off. What makes the color look distorted?
There are 3 main colors of dye that are combined to make grey and black window tint — blue, red, and yellow. There are a few reasons that the tint appears or fades to purple. The first reason is that cheaply produced products where the dye lot is poorly controlled and inconsistent can lead to one or two colors appearing dominant in the blend producing a purple hue from the get-go. The second, and most common reason is that the color yellow is the first to fade with sun exposure. When the yellow dyes start to deteriorate, the red and blue dyes left behind make the window tint appear purple.
When it comes to dye tint, it is nearly impossible to not change the effect on objects on the other side of the glass somewhat. Think about your favorite pair of sunglasses and how things look different through them. Now, if things look “dead” or yellowed like our friend who left this thread, that is a result of either yellow-concentrated dye film or cheap adhesives. Cheaper adhesives tend to appear more yellow, and when thinly applied may not be noticeable from a distance, however, looking through the glass will give everything on the other side an amber hue.
To get the tint color you’re looking for without changing your outlook, you need to do a little research on the tint product and adhesive used to install it. Or, you could just opt for a dye alternative like carbon or ceramic tints.
At Jet Black Tint, we offer a variety of tint options to meet your needs and would be happy to discuss the product details with you. If you want to see through all of our tint options before scheduling your tint installation appointment, drop by one of our Bay Area locations today.