Darker is the smaller number. That trips up almost everyone shopping for tint.
The number is how much light gets through
Tint is measured in VLT, visible light transmission. A 35% film lets 35% of visible light through. A 20% film lets 20% through. Lower VLT means darker glass, so 20% is darker than 35% by a wide margin.
For reference, bare car glass usually measures around 70 to 75%. Once you add film, the result is the film multiplied by the glass, which is why a 35% film on 70% glass lands closer to 25% on a meter.
What each shade actually looks like
50%: barely tinted, mostly heat rejection. Reads as factory glass.
35%: the shade most people picture as tint. You can still see shapes at night, parking is easy, and it looks clean on a sedan. It is also the darkest we would put on the front two doors if you want to stay clearly visible to police.
20%: clearly dark in daylight, and at night in an unlit parking garage you will be relying on mirrors and reverse cameras.
5%: limousine. Fine on the rear doors and rear glass, hostile on a front side window.
What Ontario actually enforces
Ontario sets no tint percentage for side windows. It sets a clear view rule, and police measure with a meter if they think the glass is obstructing the driver. Front side windows that read near limo, or any film on the windshield below the top strip, are what draw attention. Read the full breakdown in our Ontario tint rules guide.
The practical choice for Toronto drivers
Match the fronts to your rear factory glass, which is usually around 20% on an SUV and lighter on a sedan. If you want one shade all around, 35% is the choice we would make for a car you drive at night. If the car came with dark rear glass, film the fronts at 35% and the visual mismatch disappears once you are sitting inside.
What it costs
Two front windows in ceramic film is $99. A full sedan or coupe is $179, an SUV $199, a van $239. Full 2026 numbers are on our pricing page.
Before you book
Tell us the make, model and year and we will tell you what your factory glass already measures, so you pick a shade that looks right the first time. Call or text 437-331-5379, or send photos through our contact page.
Choose your shade
Send your make, model and year. We tell you what your factory glass already measures before you pick.
