Full-car tint by film type
| Film | Full car, typical | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dyed | $100–$300 | Looks and privacy on a budget |
| Carbon | $250–$550 | Rear privacy, no fading, no signal issues |
| Ceramic | $400–$800 | Heat rejection in light, legal front shades |
| Ceramic IR / premium | $600–$1,200+ | Maximum heat rejection |
By vehicle
| Vehicle | Dyed / carbon | Ceramic |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan | $200–$350 | $350–$500 |
| SUV or truck | $250–$450 | $400–$650 |
| Luxury or large SUV | $350–$550 | $550–$800+ |
Add-ons
| Item | Typical |
|---|---|
| Windshield sun strip | $50–$100 |
| Old tint removal | $50–$150 |
| Full-windshield film (where lawful) | $150–$300 |
Published national ranges, 2026. Sources: Chariotz tint cost guide (Aug 2026), LM Car Detailing (Jan 2026). For comparison, a Brentwood tint shop advertises car tint from about $105 on its location page. Your provider confirms the price before work.
Where the money goes
- Film: ceramic film costs the installer far more per roll than dyed.
- Glass shape: steep, curved back glass takes longer to heat-shrink; large EV glass roofs are priced separately.
- Prep: removing old film and adhesive is slow, careful work.
- Warranty: premium lines usually carry longer manufacturer warranties.
See ceramic tint for what the extra cost buys, and California tint laws before choosing front-window shades.
Common questions
Why do tint quotes vary so much?
Film type is the biggest factor, then vehicle size and how curved the glass is. A two-window front job costs far less than a full SUV, and ceramic IR film costs roughly double dyed film for the same car.
Is it cheaper to tint only the front windows?
Yes. Many SUVs and trucks already have factory privacy glass in the back, so tinting just the front side windows (lightly, to stay legal) and adding a windshield strip is a common, lower-cost job.
Does removal of old tint cost extra?
Usually. Removing old film and adhesive typically adds $50 to $150, more for a back window with defroster lines or badly baked-on glue.
What should a tint quote include?
The film brand and line, the shade on each window, whether removal is included, and the film's warranty terms. Ask the installer to confirm the front windows will meter at 70% or higher.
Related services and guides
- Window TintingLegal car window tint in Brentwood, CA: ceramic and carbon film, shades that pass California's 70% front-window rule, windshield strips and tint removal.
- Ceramic TintCeramic vs carbon vs dyed tint for Brentwood's hot summers: IR rejection, TSER, no signal interference, and what ceramic film costs.
- Tint RemovalPurple, bubbling or too-dark tint removed in Brentwood, CA, including rear windows with defroster lines and fix-it ticket corrections.
- Windshield TintWhat windshield tint is legal in California: the top-4-inch sun strip, the AS-1 line, and why clear windshield film needs care. Brentwood, CA.