How to purchase Window Film for your Home or Apartment

Looking to buy window film from our site? Follow this quick step-by-step guide or scroll down for a detailed walkthrough.

Here is a quick guide on how to order window film on our website or find a more detailed description below. 

Important: Our films are not compatible with non-tempered Low-E glass. Not sure what type of glass you have? Check out our guide on how to test for Low-E glass. 

Step 1: Low-E test. 

Before choosing a window film, you must determine whether your glass has a Low-E coating. Our films are not compatible with non-tempered Low-E glass, as this may cause thermal stress and damage the window.

Learn how to test for Low-E glass on our blog.

Step 2: Choosing a transparency level (VLT)

Once you have checked that it is safe to use our film on your windows, the next step is to decide what VLT (Visible Light Transmission). VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission, which measures how much light can pass through the film.

• Are you looking for privacy? 

• Do you need a high heat rejection but still need a high level of transparency? 

• Do you want to protect yourself from harmful UV rays?

These are all factors you need to keep in mind while choosing a transparency level.

Check out the table and photos below for details on the heat and UV blocking specs, recommended uses, and how the tint looks when applied.

5% VLT Tint

What does 5% window tint look like from the outside?

Daytime: Appears nearly black—very hard to see inside unless interior lights are bright.
Nighttime: Looks completely dark if no lights are on. If lights are on, the inside is dimly visible. For full privacy, use curtains or blinds.

Can you see out of 5% window tint?

Yes, but visibility is low—especially at night.
Daytime: You can see out, but it’s quite dark.
Nighttime: Very limited visibility, especially without outside lighting. 

 

10% VLT Tint

Can you see out of 10% window tint?
Yes, but visibility is limited.
Day: You can see out, but the view is quite dark.
Night: Hard to see, especially without outside lighting.

What does 10% window tint look like from the outside?
Day: Very dark—faint outlines may be visible in bright light.
Night: Looks nearly black if interior lights are off. With lights on, you can see inside a bit, but details remain obscured. Use curtains for full privacy.

 

20% VLT

What does 20% window tint look like from the outside?
Day: Appears very dark—hard to see inside unless lighting is strong.
Night: Looks nearly black with no interior lights. If lights are on, the inside is dimly visible. Curtains or blinds recommended for full privacy.

Can you see out of 20% window tint?
Yes, but visibility is reduced.
Day: You can see out, but it’s noticeably darker.
Night: Very limited visibility, especially without exterior lighting. It may not be legal in some areas.

 

35% VLT Tint

Can you see out of 35% window tint?

Yes, 35% tint slightly darkens the view but doesn’t block visibility.

Day: Clear view with mild shading.

Night: Still visible, though low-light areas may be harder to see.

What does 35% window tint look like from the outside?

Day: Looks moderately dark—interior is visible in good lighting.

Night: Appears dark but not black. If interior lights are on, you can see inside more easily than with darker tints. For full privacy, use curtains or blinds.

 

50% VLT Tint

Can you see out of 50% window tint?
Yes, visibility is clear both day and night. It slightly darkens the view without affecting clarity.

What does 50% window tint look like from the outside?
Day: Lightly shaded—interior is visible, especially in bright light.
Night: Appears even lighter. With interior lights on, it’s easy to see inside. Offers minimal privacy.

 

70% VLT Tint

Can you see out of 70% window tint?
Yes, almost like clear glass. It slightly dims the view but doesn’t affect visibility, day or night. In direct sunlight, it may have a faint bluish tint.

What does 70% window tint look like from the outside?
Day: Very light—hard to notice unless compared side-by-side with clear glass. Offers little privacy but helps block UV and heat.
Night: Nearly invisible. With lights on, the interior is clearly visible.

 

Step 3: Measure windows and find the corresponding dimensions.

After selecting which VLT level works best for you, you will need to measure your windows. Once you have the dimensions, the next step is to match those dimensions to our Standard Size Rolls. These include:

• 24" × 82"

• 24" × 120"

• 24" × 212"

• 36" × 82"

• 36" × 212"

• 48" × 120"

• 48" × 212

Please note that some sizes are not available in all VLT levels.

If your window size doesn’t match our standard rolls, choose our custom cut window tint option.

 

Step 4: Choose your length and add a tool kit & extra solution if needed.  

Once you have that selected, choose the custom length from the drop-down menu labeled “Length” and add to cart. 

We also recommend purchasing a Tool Kit for the best installation experience. It includes all the necessary tools required for proper installation.

Kit Includes:

• Spray Bottle

• Soft Tape Measure

• Concentrated Solution

• Towel

• Rubber Squeegee

• Cutting Knife

• Cutting Stick

This Kit is not included in your purchase. It will be automatically added to your cart. You can adjust the quantity of the tool kit in the cart as needed.

One solution packet is included in the Tool Kit. You can also choose additional solution packets if needed.

Please note that custom tint orders have a processing time of 2-3 business days, while standard-sized orders are processed more quickly. However, some orders may ship sooner depending on our order volume.

Also, please read our Return & Refund Policy before purchasing. If you have any questions or need help ordering, please email us at info@greenfilmusa.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Considering buying a tint for your car? Read our "how to purchase window tint for your vehicle" blog.