Window tinting is more than just a stylish upgrade; it’s a functional enhancement that can transform your driving experience, protect your investment, and even make your ride more comfortable. In St. Paul, MN, where bright summer days and chilly winters are part of daily life, window tinting offers year-round benefits for car owners.
At Sun Control of Minnesota, we’ve been perfecting the art of automotive, residential, and commercial window tinting since 1978. With over 45 years of experience, our team combines premium materials with expert craftsmanship to deliver results that look great, last long, and perform exactly as you need.
Understanding the Basics of Window Tinting
How Window Tinting Works
Window tinting involves applying a thin, transparent film to the inside surface of a window. This window film is typically made from durable materials like polyester or advanced ceramics, designed to block heat, reduce glare, and protect against harmful UV rays.
The film’s effectiveness is often measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), the percentage of visible light that passes through the glass. For example:
- 35% VLT → lets 35% of light through, offering a balanced blend of visibility and privacy.
- 20% VLT → darker tint that blocks more light, increasing privacy and solar heat rejection.
A lower VLT percentage means greater privacy and less sunlight penetration, but each state, including Minnesota, has specific laws regulating allowable tint levels.
Professional installers, such as those at Sun Control of Minnesota, can help you select a film that complies with local regulations while providing the comfort and style you desire.
In addition to darkness, different films offer unique features; some prioritize UV protection, while others focus on heat rejection, glare reduction, or signal-friendly technology that won’t interfere with GPS and mobile devices.
What are the Benefits of Window Tinting
UV Protection and Interior Preservation
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, prolonged UV exposure can damage skin, contribute to premature aging, and accelerate the fading or cracking of a vehicle’s interior. High-quality films, such as ceramic tint or 3M Crystalline tint, block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, helping to protect both your health and your car’s upholstery, dashboard, and trim from long-term damage.
Comfort and Energy Savings
By reflecting and absorbing solar energy, tinted windows help regulate interior temperatures, especially valuable during Minnesota’s hot summer days and bright winter afternoons when sunlight reflects off snow. This reduces strain on your air conditioning system, potentially improving fuel efficiency and lowering overall energy consumption.
Enhanced Privacy and Security
Privacy glass isn’t just about comfort; it makes it more difficult for opportunistic thieves to see valuables inside your car, helping deter break-ins. Certain security window films also provide shatter resistance, keeping glass fragments together in the event of a broken window.
Aesthetic Appeal
A professionally installed tint can instantly elevate the look of your vehicle, giving it a sleek, custom finish. With the right shade and film type, you can achieve a refined appearance that also enhances resale value.
Professional automotive tint installation ensures a flawless application that resists bubbling, peeling, and discoloration for years to come.
What are the Types of Window Tinting
Dyed Film
One of the most budget-friendly options, dyed film uses a layer of dye between an adhesive layer and a protective top coating. It’s excellent for improving privacy and reducing glare, but it offers less heat rejection compared to other technologies. Over time, lower-quality dyed films may fade, so it is recommended to use professional-grade materials for longer-lasting results.
Metalized Film
Metalized tint incorporates tiny metallic particles that reflect sunlight and heat effectively, keeping interiors cooler. It’s durable, resists fading, and adds shatter resistance. However, the metallic layer can sometimes interfere with GPS, radio, and mobile signals, making it less ideal for drivers who rely heavily on in-car electronics.
Ceramic Tint
Considered one of the top-performing films, ceramic tint uses non-metallic, nano-ceramic technology to deliver exceptional UV protection and heat rejection without affecting electronic signals. It also maintains excellent visibility, even at lower VLT levels, making it a great choice for those who want performance and comfort without compromise.
3M Crystalline Tint
A premium option offered by Sun Control of Minnesota, 3M Crystalline tint delivers maximum clarity, UV protection, and heat rejection without requiring a very dark shade. This makes it ideal for drivers who want all the functional benefits of window tinting while maintaining their windows’ lightness and compliance with strict VLT laws.
What are the Types of Window Tinting
Window tint percentages are measured by Visible Light Transmission (VLT), the amount of visible light that can pass through the glass. A lower rate means a darker tint. Choosing the right VLT depends on your privacy preferences, climate, and local tint laws.
- 50% Tint – Provides light shading that reduces glare and some heat while maintaining high visibility, making it ideal for drivers who prioritize clarity.
- 35% Tint – A popular choice for a balance between privacy, style, and visibility. Allows enough light for safe driving while effectively blocking heat and UV rays.
- 20% Tint – Offers a darker, more private look that enhances security and reduces glare, but may be too dark for front windows in some states.
- 5% Tint – Commonly known as “limo tint,” this option offers maximum privacy and significant heat rejection, but is often illegal on certain windows due to reduced visibility.
Professional installers, like Sun Control of Minnesota, can help you choose the right percentage that balances performance, style, and Minnesota’s legal requirements.
Window Tinting for Different Applications
Residential Window Tinting
Homeowners benefit from energy-saving window film, which reduces solar heat gain in summer and helps retain warmth in winter. Solar control film not only lowers cooling costs but also protects flooring, furniture, and artwork from fading caused by UV rays. Additionally, some films offer privacy during the day without blocking your outdoor views.
Automotive Window Tinting
For car owners, tinting enhances comfort by reducing heat, glare, and UV exposure, while also providing an extra layer of safety by holding shattered glass together during impacts. It also enhances style, giving vehicles a sleek, custom look. Minnesota law specifies different VLT requirements for front, rear, and side windows, so it’s important to work with a professional like Sun Control of Minnesota to ensure your tint is compliant.
Commercial Window Tinting
In office spaces, window tinting reduces glare on computer screens, creating a more productive work environment. It also improves climate control, enhancing employee comfort and potentially lowering energy bills. Privacy and security window films can protect sensitive meeting areas while adding a professional, polished look to the building’s exterior.
Window Tinting for Different Applications
When selecting a tint, it’s important to think beyond just how it looks; the right choice can significantly affect comfort, safety, and long-term value. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Legal Limits in Minnesota – Minnesota state law regulates Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentages differently for front, rear, and side windows. Staying compliant not only avoids costly fines but also ensures optimal visibility for safe driving. A professional installer will know exactly what’s allowed and guide you accordingly.
- Privacy vs. Visibility – Consider your daily driving habits and the environment in which you drive. Darker tints enhance privacy and security, but may reduce nighttime visibility, which is particularly important in rural or poorly lit areas.
- Film Type –
- Ceramic tint offers industry-leading heat rejection, UV protection, and clarity without interfering with GPS or phone signals.
- Dyed film is a budget-friendly option that enhances appearance and privacy but offers less heat control.
- Metalized film adds strength and reflects heat effectively, but it may interfere with electronics.
- Performance Goals – Decide whether you want maximum UV protection, superior heat rejection, glare reduction, or a well-rounded balance of all features.
- Longevity and Warranty – Premium films resist fading, bubbling, and peeling for many years, and robust manufacturer warranties often back them, providing extra peace of mind.
- Professional Installation – DIY kits may seem cheaper, but professional installation from Sun Control of Minnesota ensures precise application, compliance with legal requirements, and a flawless, long-lasting finish.
Why Choose Sun Control of Minnesota
As a family-owned business serving Minnesota and Western Wisconsin since 1978, Sun Control of Minnesota has earned a trusted reputation for precision, durability, and exceptional customer service. Founded by industry pioneer Randy Jensen and now led by his son, Todd Jensen, and nephew Mark Hargrove, our company blends over 45 years of hands-on experience with the latest window film technology to deliver outstanding results every time.
We specialize in automotive window tinting, residential films, and commercial solutions, tailoring each project to meet our clients’ unique needs. Our team is committed to:
- Expert craftsmanship – Every installation is handled with meticulous attention to detail.
- Premium materials – We use only high-quality films from trusted brands like 3M for maximum performance and longevity.
- Customer-first service – From the first consultation to the final inspection, we prioritize your comfort, satisfaction, and style preferences.
- Comprehensive warranties – We stand behind our work, giving you confidence in your investment.
Whether you want to enhance your vehicle’s style, improve your home’s energy efficiency, or create a more comfortable workspace, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life.
Learn more about our history, values, and dedicated team on our About Us page.
Final Thoughts
Window tinting is a versatile upgrade that boosts comfort, protection, and style. Whether you’re aiming for cooler interiors, enhanced privacy, or a sleek new look, the right tint, installed by trusted experts, can make all the difference.
If you’re ready to explore your options, contact Sun Control of Minnesota to schedule a consultation today.
Common Questions About Window Tinting (FAQ)
What does tinting your windows do?
It blocks UV rays, reduces heat, adds privacy, and enhances aesthetics.
What are the disadvantages of tinted windows?
Poor-quality tints may bubble, peel, or fade. Too-dark tints may reduce night visibility.
What is darker, 20% or 35% tint?
A 20% tint is darker because it allows less light to pass through.
Why does ceramic tint cost more but perform better?
It utilizes advanced technology for superior heat rejection, clarity, and UV protection, all while maintaining the integrity of electronic signals.
Why does VLT matter in choosing tint?
It determines how much light enters your vehicle and affects both comfort and legality.
Why do some tints interfere with electronic signals?
Metalized films can disrupt GPS, mobile, and radio signals due to their metallic content.
Sun Control of Minnesota
322 Google reviews
Window tinting service in Roseville, Minnesota
Address:
2425 Rice St, St Paul, MN 55113, United States
Phone:
+1 651-490-1060
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