Tinting and retinting are different jobs.
Professional automotive window tinting for cars, trucks, SUVs, classic vehicles and specialty applications—with clear advice about new tint, old-film removal and vehicle condition.
Is the glass untinted—or does old film have to come off?
Applying film to clear glass is a standard tinting job. Removing failed, damaged or unwanted film first is retinting, and it can substantially change the time, risk and price.
New Tint
The glass does not have aftermarket film that must be removed. The vehicle can usually follow the normal price and time estimate for its type.
Retinting a Door
A door window can often be stripped and retinted without a complicated inspection, although the condition of the old film still affects the work.
Retinting a Back Window
The vehicle generally must be inspected first. Removal can threaten defroster lines and commonly requires the vehicle to remain overnight as part of the removal process.
Niagara Tinting does not tint full windshields.
Full-windshield tint can interfere with clear vision and creates safety, legal and installation concerns. Niagara Tinting does not offer or recommend this service.
Installation on an entire windshield also requires water near the dashboard, creating a risk of water entering electronic components.
Top windshield strip
A narrow sun strip can be installed across the top of the windshield—the familiar style used on vehicles for many years.
Standard price: $40
Estimated time: approximately 40 minutes
Common vehicle services.
Prices and times assume an ordinary factory-condition vehicle with clear glass and normal access. Existing film, modifications, difficult access, unusual size or condition can increase both.
| Service or Vehicle | Standard Price | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| Four-door type car | $245 | Approximately 4 hours |
| Two-door type car | $205–$225 | Approximately 4 hours |
| Pair of doors | $80 | Approximately 1 hour |
| Top windshield strip | $40 | Approximately 40 minutes |
| Four-door truck with solid back glass | $210 | Approximately 3 hours |
| Four-door truck with sliding back glass | $225 | Approximately 3 hours |
| Classic, oversized or unusual vehicle | Usually higher | Additional time usually required |
| Old-film removal | $10–$90+ | Inspection may be required; back glass commonly requires overnight time |
XPEL colour-stable automotive film.
Niagara Tinting uses XPEL colour-stable automotive film with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
35% VLT — Light
A lighter appearance and the normal recommendation for front doors.
20% VLT — Medium
A darker appearance with greater privacy and glare reduction.
5% VLT — Dark
A very dark film generally considered for rear glass where appropriate.
Front-window darkness involves legal and inspection restrictions.
Ontario law does not provide one simple tint percentage that answers every front-door question. Vehicle age, visibility, inspection requirements and enforcement circumstances can all matter.
35% Front Doors
In my practical local experience, 35% has generally been tolerated and is closest to the practical spirit of what most customers expect on front doors.
That experience is not a guarantee that every vehicle will satisfy every inspection or enforcement situation.
20% Front Doors
Twenty percent is noticeably darker and presents a greater possibility of inspection or enforcement concerns. In practical terms, the customer is walking closer to the line.
5% Front Doors
Five percent is extremely dark and is clearly beyond the practical spirit of the front-window visibility restrictions. It creates a substantially greater risk.
A shorter work week after nearly 40 years of tinting.
Niagara Tinting operates Tuesday through Friday. Mondays and weekends are not working days. I am not announcing retirement; I have intentionally reduced my work week to allow more personal time.
Call to Book
Automotive appointments are normally arranged by telephone, not through Facebook, text messages or other social-media messaging.
Seasonal Lead Times
During summer, appointments may be booked several weeks in advance. Winter availability is often sooner.
Call Before Visiting
I may be away performing residential or commercial work. Calling ahead can avoid an unnecessary trip.
Clean, clear access protects the vehicle and the finished work.
Remove Belongings
- Remove baby seats, tools and loose objects blocking the glass.
- Remove water-sensitive items and electronics.
- Clear trunk areas where installation water could travel.
Check Vehicle Condition
- Moving windows should operate properly.
- The interior should be reasonably clean.
- Remove loose debris and excessive animal hair.
- Discuss aftermarket devices and modifications first.
Water Is Used
The process uses water inside the vehicle. Niagara Tinting cannot accept responsibility for water damage to electronics, documents or belongings left where the work is performed.
Clear policies avoid surprises.
Glass Only
No tinting of headlights, taillights, motorcycle windscreens, paint-protection film or accessories.
Removal Risk
Old-film or decal removal from rear glass can damage defroster lines. Niagara Tinting cannot accept responsibility for removal-related defroster damage.
Vehicle-Specific Conditions
Some vehicles require prior inspection, owner disassembly or special risk acknowledgement before an appointment can be accepted.
Allow the film time to dry.
Water remains between the film and glass after installation. A temporary hazy or uneven appearance can occur while it dries.
Keep windows closed
In warm weather, do not roll tinted windows down for at least 24 hours. In cold weather, drying can require several days and sometimes a week or more.
Call with the year, make, model—and whether old film is present.
If the back window requires old-film removal, expect an inspection before booking and the possibility that the vehicle will need to remain overnight. Ceramic film is not offered.