Why one film doesn't fit both
Automotive and residential window film share the same core technology (a polyester base with optical and infrared-rejection layers), but they're engineered for completely different jobs. Automotive film must wrap around compound-curved tempered glass; residential film has to handle the thermal stress of large dual-pane windows for decades.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Automotive | Residential |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Privacy, heat, UV inside the cabin | Heat, UV, glare, fade protection |
| Film thickness | 1–2 mil | 2–7 mil (security: 8–14 mil) |
| Adhesive system | PS (pressure sensitive) | PS or CDF, designed for flat glass |
| Legal limits | Strict VLT % per state (CA: 70% front) | No legal restriction |
| Warranty | 3–10 years (or lifetime by brand) | Lifetime residential |
| Glass shape | Compound curves — must be heat-shrunk | Mostly flat |
| Typical install time | 2–4 hours per car | 1 day per home |
| Cost range | $200–$900 per car | $850–$4,500 per home |
Which company does which?
Window Tints Everything specialises in residential and commercial window film. We do not install automotive tint — for vehicle work, we recommend a dedicated auto shop that carries the same 3M and LLumar product lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use automotive window film on my house?
No. Automotive films are formulated for curved, single-pane tempered glass. Applying them to flat residential dual-pane windows can cause seal failure and voids the glass manufacturer's warranty. Use residential-grade film.
Why does residential window tint cost more than car tint?
Residential jobs use thicker films (more material per sq ft), much larger surface areas, and more expensive product lines (ceramic IR, security). A house has 5–10× more glass than a car, plus longer install time.
Are the laws the same for car and home window tint?
No. California strictly regulates car tint — front side windows must allow at least 70% visible light (VLT). Home window tint has no legal VLT limit anywhere in California.
Get a free, no-pressure window film quote
Talk to a Window Tints Everything specialist about your project. We've installed window film across Los Angeles since 1994.