15%, 25%, 35% or 70%: which tint percentage should I choose?
Short answer
Pick the shade for the look and privacy you want. Washington's limit for front side windows is 24%. The percentage is how much light gets through, so 15% is darkest and 70% is very light, about as dark as a cheap pair of sunglasses. With Ceramic IR, every shade has the same heat and UV protection, so a lighter shade doesn't mean less comfort.
Quick facts
| Shades APC stocks | 15%, 25%, 35% and 70% VLT |
|---|---|
| VLT | Visible light transmission: lower number, darker film |
| Protection | Same on every shade: 99.9% UV, up to 98% infrared |
| 70% shade | About as dark as a cheap pair of sunglasses |
What does the percentage mean?
The percentage is VLT, visible light transmission. It's how much light passes through the window. 70% lets most light in and looks very light. 15% lets little light in and looks dark.
Is VLT the same as heat rejection?
No. VLT is about how dark the film looks. Heat rejection is about how much infrared energy the film stops. With Ceramic IR, those are separate, so a 70% shade still gives you the full heat and UV benefit.
How do I choose?
Washington law sets the limit for front side windows at 24% visible light transmission, and the rear limits depend on the vehicle type. See How dark can you legally tint your windows in Washington?
Then think about looks and privacy. Darker shades hide what's inside the car. Lighter shades keep the factory look and make it easier to see out at night. If your rear windows have factory privacy glass, see How do you match factory privacy glass?
How APC Auto Spa does it
APC stocks Ceramic IR window tint in 15%, 25%, 35% and 70%. Every shade has the same protection, so the choice is about how you want the car to look.
See shades and packages at APC's window tint page.
Frequently asked questions
- Does 70% tint do anything?
- Yes. It looks very light, but with Ceramic IR it blocks 99.9% of UV and rejects up to 98% of infrared energy, the same as the darker shades.
- Which shade is darkest?
- 15%. The lower the number, the darker the film.
- Can I use different shades on different windows?
- Yes. Washington's limits differ by window and vehicle type. See How dark can you legally tint your windows in Washington?
Reviewed by Heather Humphrey, co-owner of APC Auto Spa ยท Last updated October 2026
Heather leads customer education and training at APC's Tukwila and Monroe shops.