Car tinting has become a popular trend in the automotive industry as it offers car owners numerous benefits such as heat reduction, privacy, and protection against UV rays. Tinted windows also add a touch of style to vehicles, giving them a sleek and modern look. The return on investment is incredibly high and there are far more benefits than downsides to tinting your car windows. Over the years, various car tinting trends have emerged and it’s interesting to take a look back at some of the most popular trends of the past. Here at Jet Black Tint and Glass, we’ve been there for most of the trends and we are always in trend-setting mode, moving forward with the newest styles and techniques. Join us as we take a look back at some of the car tint trends of the past and forecast the future.
Ceramic tinting was first introduced in the early 2000s as a more advanced solution to traditional dye window tinting. This trend was popular because the ceramic film provided superior heat reduction compared to other materials — it was so much more than an aesthetic upgrade. Additionally, it reduced glare and offered protection from UV rays that can cause serious harm to the skin. It was also notable for being more durable and didn’t fade or color warp like traditional dye tint. Here at Jet Black Tint, we appreciate this trend and are still riding it hard, talking our customers out of cheaper, less effective tint films.
In the 80s and 90s, color tinting was one of the most popular car tinting (and sunglass) trends. Color tints featured various hues and colors that further enhanced the car’s aesthetics. If you were to walk around a parking lot during this era, you’d find a slew of cars with blue, red, green, and even purple-tinted windows. The trend was particularly popular among car enthusiasts and fans of lowrider culture. However, over time, the trend lost its popularity and has become less common today. In fact, in most states, including California, colored tints including yellow, red, and blue, are illegal because it alters the appearance of street lights and signs for drivers, making them downright dangerous.
Chrome tinting was another popular car tint trend that emerged in the early 2000s. This trend involved applying a film to the car’s windows to give them a reflective, mirror-like finish that resembled chrome. This type of tinting quickly became a favorite for car modifiers and customization enthusiasts as it provided a unique look and finished off the car’s final design. However, it wasn’t popular for long, as it was difficult to see through such tinted windows. Again, many states outlawed it because it impairs the driver’s vision and is a distraction to other drivers. Many chrome tints also reflect light into the windows and mirrors of other drivers, making it dangerous.
Matte tinting is a trend that gained popularity in the late 2000s and early 2010s. It featured a tinted film that gave the car a matte or satin finish, creating a subtle monochromatic look that was perfect for darker-colored vehicles. This tint trend became popular because of how it could be customized to match various color schemes, creating a nice smooth finish to the vehicle or complementing the wrap films that were popular.
Carbon tinting is currently among the most popular car tinting trends. It’s a high-quality tint that’s manufactured from carbon particles. The carbon particles provide superior heat reduction, durability, and protection against UV rays. The carbon tint also has a sleek look and high-tech appearance, making it popular among car enthusiasts. It provides less glare with a higher heat reduction and provides significant protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Carbon tint is still going strong at Jet Black Tint and Glass in San Diego as a step down to Ceramic tint options.
As with anything else, styles and trends continue to evolve and change with time. Some of the emerging trends in car window tinting include gradient tint and DIY tint.
Gradient tint is the process of creating an ombre look on car windows as opposed to solid-colored window tint. DIY static tint kits like those available from Jet Black Tint and Glass are becoming increasingly popular as clients take a personal investment in upgrading their cars. Jet Black Tint’s static tint allows our customers to apply their own tint, giving them a sense of personal satisfaction. And, DIY tint allows clients to go darker than the legally allowed VLT for temporary situations including car shows, and then remove the tint to make the car street legal again quickly.
Car tinting has been a popular trend in the automotive industry since the 1980s. The trends have varied over the years, starting with simple color tinting in the 80s and progressing to advanced technologies in the 21st century. With each passing year, car owners have been introduced to new and innovative tinting methods. With improved materials, better methods, and advanced technologies in the tinting industry, we are sure to see many more exciting trends emerge in the future. An important thing to keep in mind is before applying any type of tint to your vehicle, do thorough research on the cost, legality, and best materials. At Jet Black Tint, we are here for you and your ride with the latest products, and installation methods, and we offer same-week appointments and financing to simplify your life and get your car in style.
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