Film for tinting car windows: classification, manufacturers and 9 stages of do-it-yourself tinting

Glass tinting, GOST

The operation of a car on the territory of the Russian Federation is regulated by a wide range of documents, including Federal laws, traffic rules, articles of the Administrative Code, Technical regulations of the Customs Union, government decrees, Presidential decrees and various GOSTs.

If we talk about tinting, then the key value for understanding the limits of permissibility should be sought in GOSTs.

Tinting according to GOST 2021 - how is it? Many sources indicate GOST No. 5727-88 as the basic GOST for tinting, but in 2015 it was replaced by the new GOST 32565-2013 and this is important to know.

Front side windows tinting 2021

The key GOST parameter has not changed, this is the light transmittance of the front side windows of the car. It should not be - not lower than 70%. If we take into account that the missing thirty percent of light transmission is reduced due to the properties of the glass and factory tinting, it turns out that according to the law it is impossible to additionally tint the glass. The entire shading reserve provided by GOST is spent already during the creation of the car. The fine for tinting is small, 500 rubles. and there is a 50% discount on it (we write about this in a separate article), however, it can be issued as many times as desired, and in some cases, the vehicle’s registration will even be canceled for tinting.

You can try to fit the tinting of the front side windows of your car into GOST using the so-called removable tinting. This type of tinting involves the production of soft tinted inserts adhesive to the car windows from the inside. When checking, the removable tinting is removed and the readings of the light transmittance measuring device remain applicable.

DIY car window tinting

The process in question, tinting car windows, requires care and patience, but if you have such qualities, you can count on significant cost savings. The step-by-step technology is as follows.

1. Get rid of the seals and thoroughly clean the glass surface.
2. Remove the glass and use cleaning liquid, paying close attention to the condition of the corners. Using a glass cleaner allows you to not only clean, but also degrease the surface, so that the application of the tint coating will be as uniform as possible.
3. Clean the glass with a dry, lint-free cloth.
4. Make a pattern for the tint film by taking measurements from the windows and transferring them to the tint coating. Be sure to leave an extra half-inch around the edges.
5. Mix shampoo in warm water and apply the soap solution to the glass.
6. From the top corner, start transferring the film from the base. Prevent dust and air from getting under the cover.
7. Smooth the surface after application using a spatula to remove any remaining solution and air bubbles. Move the spatula from the center to the edges.
8. Use a hairdryer to dry the surface and leave the glass for 8 hours to dry completely.
9. Only at the stage of complete drying can you get rid of excess film around the edges by cutting it off with a knife. The coating should not reach the edge by approximately 2 mm.

Windshield tinting 2021

GOST requirements for windshields in 2021 are even higher than the requirements for front side windows. Here the minimum transparency is allowed at 75% (5% more transparent than in the case of side windows). The remaining 25% play goes to the factory darkening and material features. In 2021, the windshield of a car, as well as its front side windows, cannot be tinted. Any paint or film will reduce the light transmittance of the drain to a level prohibited by law. An exception for the windshield is made only for the narrow top strip. According to GOST, it is permissible to tint the top of the windshield.

How to choose a film for tinting?

Among the key parameters for choosing a film for tinting, it is worth highlighting the level of light transmission, color range and reputation of the manufacturer.

Light transmittance

This parameter is the main one, since the tinting coating is applied so that it protects from light. At the same time, the requirements of GOST are taken into account. It is worth highlighting the following types of film, taking into account the percentage of light transmission:

• 70 - 75% - high level of light transmission, optimal parameter for windshield and front side windows;
• 50% - you can easily see everything in the cabin;
• 35% - people and objects in the cabin are clearly visible;
• 20% - the faces of passengers are visible;
• 15% - the outline of the silhouette differs;
• 10% - a blurred silhouette is visible;
• 5% - passers-by will not be able to see anything in the salon.

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Color range

Among the variety of offers from different manufacturers, we can highlight coatings with green, charcoal black, blue or brown tints, thanks to which the car owner has the opportunity to choose a coating taking into account his own preferences, the interior color and the color of the car. It is also worth highlighting metallized and matte films, coatings with a gradient effect, where the colored area smoothly turns into black.

Car window tinting can be combined, when the driver chooses a film from one series, but the rear windows are made darker, and the front windows are made lighter, in accordance with legal requirements.

Main manufacturers

Among the most reliable manufacturers with an excellent reputation, it is worth highlighting the American brands LLumar, Jonson, Contrast and Infinity. Product quality has been proven over the years in the case of SolarGuard and SunGuard. Among the budget options, it is worth paying attention to the Indian brand SunControl, whose products are of high quality. There are more affordable options, especially among domestic manufacturers, but when choosing, do not forget about the quality factor.

Acceptable window tinting 2021

Russian laws, including the Administrative Code, allow glass tinting. There is nothing illegal in the fact of tinting. It is only important to darken the car windows according to the rules with an eye to GOST.

You can tint the car's rear window and rear side windows to an opaque state. Complete opacity of the rear hemisphere is not considered illegal.

The 70%/75% rule applies to front windows. Based on it the light transmittance of the side and front windows should not be less than 70%, and the windshield less than 75%. In addition, GOST allows an opaque strip at the top of the windshield.

Mirror tinting

The use of mirror (reflective) film is not directly prohibited in the Code of Administrative Offences. However, in accordance with the rules of the “Technical Regulations on the Safety of Wheeled Vehicles”, adopted by all countries of the Customs Union, mirror film is not allowed on cars.

The ban on the use of mirror tinting applies to both the front and rear windows of cars. The limitation is due to the reflection of headlights by mirror surfaces. It is believed that large mirror areas on cars can distort headlight beams, confuse the driver and lead to accidents.

The practice of applying the ban on mirror tinting differs depending on the regions of Russia.

Athermal tinting (“Chameleon”)

There are many types of “athermal” tinting, but in Russia this type of protective coating is more often called “chameleon”. “Athermal” tints, unlike classic tint films, do not darken the glass, but only prevent part of the sunlight spectrum from penetrating into the glass.

Modern manufacturers of automobile glass most often take into account the “athermal” factor in their glasses, making them greener. You can add “athermality” using additional films. One caveat - front windows with films should transmit 75/70 percent of light. This GOST indicator in the case of “athermal” films is quite achievable.

Advantages of “athermal” films:

1. Reducing heating of the car interior
2. Fuel savings with air conditioning
3. No burning effect of interior materials

Types of tint films

All types of tinting coatings are usually classified into three categories:

• decorative;
• impact resistant;
• sun protection

Types of tinting according to technology

Considering the technological process, tinting can be as follows:

1. Removable is most in demand due to its ease of implementation. There is no need for outside help or additional financial costs.
2. Electronic coating is one of the most expensive. This option is not for the middle class, since a square meter of tinted glass will cost one and a half thousand dollars. The essence is the ability to adjust the light transmittance of the coating depending on the wishes of the driver and the time of day. There are two options: connecting a special film to the electrical wiring or using smart glass, which completely replaces the factory glass.
3. Spray tinting can only be carried out to a truly high quality by employees of auto repair shops. Due to the need to lower the glass into a vacuum chamber, it is impossible to implement this procedure at home. Glare and cracks on such a coating appear quickly, the technology itself is labor-intensive, and the coating cannot be removed in the future - all this has become the reason for the unpopularity of this option.

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Categories of light filter films

Considering the characteristics of the material, it is worth highlighting the following categories of light-filtering coatings:

1. Dyed film for tinting car windows is one of the most budget-friendly options. This coating does not create glare and does not block radio waves; it is created by introducing a coloring pigment into the polymer structure. Mechanical protection is presented in this case at a weak level, therefore, one cannot count on a long service life of the color film.
2. The spatter film is produced by ionization, which makes the metallic effect as uniform as possible. Lifetime warranty.
3. Metallized ones are produced by sputtering aluminum onto the painted layer between the protection and the toner. Advantages include resistance to external factors, resistance to fading and UV protection.
4. Materials with a shadow transition involve spraying technology from bottom to top in an increasing manner, the so-called gradient. The upper section of the glass provides maximum sun protection.
5. Infinity involves placing the metal coating not between the layers, but on the outside, therefore, ultraviolet radiation is blocked more effectively, and the coating itself exhibits a mirror effect. This option is prohibited by law.
6. Athermal film on the windshield prevents glare and reduces strain on the visual organs. It belongs to the category of innovative materials, since the transparency of glass remains almost at the same level.
7. Carbon coating is a graphite layer that is applied over the glass and effectively blocks ultraviolet radiation.

Fines for incorrect tinting 2021

Measuring tinting according to GOST in 2021 is carried out only in a stationary post, by a traffic police officer with proven competencies and in compliance with a fairly strict bureaucratic procedure.

You need to understand that in fact, tinting is allowed in Russia - at least 100% for the rear, at least 25% for the front. However, de facto gluing something on the front is illegal in 99% of cases. After all, what kind of tinting is allowed according to GOST is what the traffic police officers check.

The fine for tinting in 2021 is 500 rubles. With a discount for urgent payment within 20 days, the fine will be 250 rubles.

In some cases, traffic police officers, instead of a fine, issue the motorist an order to eliminate faults. In this situation, the next meeting with a traffic police officer may result in the cancellation of the vehicle registration.

All articles by the author: Sergey Ivanov

The main advantages and disadvantages of car window tinting

In the modern world there is a wide variety of films; they differ in price, type, quality and installation method. Each individual group has its own pros and cons. Most types can be installed by hand, while others only require special equipment. Having excluded the subtleties of each variety, you can concentrate on the general advantages:

• increased comfort during the trip;
• safety. By parking your car or going away temporarily, you reduce the risk of your car being damaged by intruders. They immediately look for valuables, then only break the glass;
• maintaining the condition of the interior. Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, interior elements are destroyed and burnt out, and with tinting, the penetration of UV rays is significantly reduced;
• reduces interior temperature, especially important for summer resort regions;
• aesthetic appearance. You can use tinting separately, this is enough to improve the look, or complement the overall design;
• low price of most types.

Increased comfort during the trip with tinted windows

There are more advantages to tinting than disadvantages, but there are also disadvantages:

• poor visibility at dusk and at night. It is especially dangerous to maneuver when reversing;
• risk of getting a fine. Such punishment occurs only if the norm for light penetration is not observed.

Regarding legislation, it is worth going a little deeper into the issue.

Tinting in Moscow: rules for choosing car tint

In order to properly and beautifully tint car windows in Moscow, you need to approach your choice responsibly. First of all, you need to decide what it is needed for. If privacy in the cabin is important, then you need to tint the car windows with maximum darkness, and if you need protection from the sun, thermal film for the windshield will do.

You need to choose something that you will like visually. After all, the appearance of the car depends on the tinting of car windows. It is also necessary to take a responsible approach to choosing a company that you can trust to tint your car. Car tinting in Moscow is carried out by a large number of companies, but you need to contact responsible specialists who will do the job. We will help you tint car windows in Moscow, as well as wrap the body quickly and efficiently.

Tinting and legal norms

The easiest way not to worry about fines is to order tinting from specialized and certified centers. The craftsmen know about the standards of the State Standard and always comply with them, as they are responsible for the quality of the coating. It is especially important to know the standards when carrying out work manually, since the range includes many coatings whose characteristics are contrary to the law.

Car tinting according to GOST

According to GOST, tinting can be carried out independently using special equipment (spraying method) or using film. You cannot apply mirror tinting by hand, there will be a penalty for doing so. The rules indicate the following standards:

• the windshield cannot be darkened by more than 25%;
• Driver and front passenger door windows – up to 30% dimming.

There are no legal rules that would regulate rear window tinting, but only if both rear-view mirrors are present.

Traffic police officers can stop a car to measure the illumination; a device called a taumeter is used for this purpose.