How is window tint installed? Does it go on the inside?
Short answer
Yes, window tint goes on the inside of the glass. The film is plotter-cut from patterns made for your exact vehicle, then applied and smoothed onto the inside of each window. Installers can also use bulk film when needed. Door panels are not removed unless they have to be.
Quick facts
| Side of glass | Inside |
|---|---|
| Cutting | Plotter-cut from patterns for the exact vehicle |
| Bulk film | Used when needed |
| Door panels | Not removed unless they have to be |
Why does tint go on the inside?
Inside, the film is protected from weather, car washes and road grit. It's also why you clean tinted windows gently from the inside. See How do you clean tinted windows?
What is plotter cutting?
A plotter is a computer-controlled cutter. It cuts each piece of film from a pattern made for your vehicle's windows, so the shape fits before it ever touches the glass. When a pattern isn't the right fit, installers can work from bulk film instead.
Will you take my doors apart?
Door panels are not removed unless they have to be.
How APC Auto Spa does it
APC installs Ceramic IR window tint from Ceramic Pro on the inside of the glass, using plotter-cut patterns for your vehicle.
For windshield strips, the film is cut around the windshield cameras using pre-cut software templates. See APC's window tint page.
Frequently asked questions
- Can tint be scratched?
- Yes. It's a thin film, and seat belts, rings, keys, ice scrapers and cargo can scratch it.
- How long does install take?
- One to four hours depending on how many windows. See How long does window tint take?
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.