Home Window Tinting

If you’re looking for an affordable and effective way to enhance your home, consider professional home window tinting. With many types of residential and commercial window films available, here are our four most popular home window tinting options and their key benefits.

Home Window Film for Energy Savings

High-quality window film is specifically designed with homeowners in mind. Despite the name “solar,” solar control film does not store energy like solar panels. However, it similarly helps increase energy savings.

Solar control window tinting film is an adhesive applied to glass surfaces. When the sun’s rays hit the window, the film acts like a “sunscreen,” reflecting and regulating the levels of heat, light, and UV rays entering your home or office. The amount of rejection depends on the type of film you choose. Best of all, you can still enjoy your beautiful views without needing curtains.

If you’re looking for home window tinting near you, or you’re located in Riverside County, Orange County, or San Diego, Prestige Window Films and Graphics has you covered.

Benefits of Home Window tinting

Reduces heating and cooling costs

Improves curb appeal by giving windows a sleek, uniform look

Upgrades old windows to perform more efficiently

Cheaper than replacement—no permits needed.

Enhances daytime privacy without sacrificing natural light

Reduces glare for a more comfortable indoor environment

Decorative & Frosted Window Films

Windows are the heart and soul of any home, bringing in beautiful views and natural light. However, more windows can sometimes mean less privacy. Decorative and frosted window films offer a perfect solution — whether you want to increase privacy or add a stylish touch to your space.

Benefits of Decorative & Frosted Film

Add privacy without losing natural light

Restore or refresh the appearance of your space with architectural films — all without a major expense

Create a unique look with patterned films

Blackout film options available for complete day and night privacy

Skylight Window Tinting

Skylight window film is an effective way to reduce glare, boost energy efficiency, and still enjoy natural light. Home window tinting offers a cost-effective solution for skylight issues. We offer one-way mirror films to cut down on UV rays and prevent fading, along with decorative options for a stylish touch. Homeowners can trust that we provide only the highest quality films for skylights.

Benefits of Skylight Window Tinting

Block harmful UV rays

Reduce heat gain

Lifetime warranty

Compatible with glass skylights

Preserve upholstery

Protect against the sun’s heat

Security Window Film

Safety and security window films offer unique protection. These films help shield against broken glass shards and make it extremely difficult for intruders to break through. With a proven record of safeguarding lives and property, safety films are a smart investment. If needed, the glass can still be broken from the inside, as the adhesive faces outward. Perfect for schools, churches, businesses, and homes!

Benefits of Security Film

Holds glass together upon impact and protects against dangerous shards.

Makes it significantly harder for intruders to break through windows.

Windows can still be broken from the inside for emergency exits.

Reduces the risk of break-ins with enhanced glass protection.

Commercial properties across San Diego, Encinitas, El Cajon, Riverside County, and throughout Southern California have greatly benefited from our security window films. For professional home window tinting, Prestige Window Films and Graphics is here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

The drying time of window film can vary depending on several factors, especially the time of year. Cold or cloudy weather conditions can significantly extend the drying process, while warm weather and direct sunlight exposure will help it dry more quickly. If drying seems slow, don’t be alarmed — any trapped moisture will eventually dry out completely.

In general, dry-out times can range from a few days to several months. Safety and security window films, which are thicker, typically require a longer drying period. Similarly, less-than-ideal weather conditions will also lengthen the time it takes for the film to fully cure.

During installation, your window tinting professional will remove as much of the mounting solution as possible with a squeegee. However, a small amount of moisture will remain trapped between the glass and the film. This can cause minor water puddles or a slightly hazy appearance, which is normal and should be expected. Over time, this moisture and cloudiness will dissipate on its own.

Important:
Do not attempt to pierce or drain water puddles during the drying period. Doing so can permanently damage the film and will void the warranty.

Many storefront and commercial windows have existing stickers, decals, burglar tape, or other items attached to the glass. Whether these items must be removed before applying window film depends on the situation.

If the decals or stickers are relatively flat and not raised significantly above the glass surface, it is possible to apply window film over them. However, be aware that the film will bond less effectively over the decal than directly to the glass, which can affect the overall appearance and durability. For stickers that are highly raised, removal is strongly recommended to ensure a smooth, professional finish.

Burglar tape and alarm contacts also present on windows must be handled carefully. Burglar tape, which is usually only slightly raised, can be covered with window film, although this may affect the installation's appearance.

Alarm contacts, however, must be removed prior to applying the film.

Important: the window film installer should not remove alarm contacts. It is the responsibility of the customer to coordinate with their security company to have the contacts professionally removed and reinstalled after window film application.

Most window films are applied to the inside surface of the glass. When sunlight strikes the window, four basic things happen:

  • Reflection: A portion of the sun’s energy is reflected away from the window. 
  • Absorption by Glass: Some of the sun’s energy is absorbed directly by the glass. 
  • Transmission: A portion of the solar energy passes through the window and film into the interior space. 
  • Absorption by Film: The window film absorbs some of the sun’s energy and then re-radiates it — some into the room and some back outward. 

By controlling how much solar energy is reflected, absorbed, and transmitted, window film helps reduce heat gainminimize UV exposure, and improve energy efficiency — all while maintaining visibility and natural light.

Choosing the right window tint for your home requires careful consideration of your existing glass. Unlike auto glass, which is typically tempered for safety, not all home windows are tempered. Using the wrong type of window film could risk damaging your glass.

The best film for your home depends on several factors — including your goals for energy efficiencyprivacyUV protection, and aesthetics.

Contact us for a free quote!
We would love to guide you in selecting the perfect film that fits your needs and protects your home investment.

Window tint and privacy film can sometimes be the same product, but they serve slightly different purposes.

  • Window tints with a reflective surface provide daytime privacy by reflecting light, but they do not offer nighttime privacy when interior lights are on. 
  • Privacy films — such as frosted or decorative options — provide both daytime and nighttime privacy, although they typically block the view both ways, meaning you won’t be able to see out during the day either. 

The best film for your needs depends on your specific goals.
Contact us for a free quote!
We would love to help guide you in choosing the ideal film for your home.

  •  Reduces fading of carpets, upholstery, and interior furnishings 
  • Blocks 98–99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays 
  • Lowers energy bills by helping keep interiors warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer 
  • Increases comfort by minimizing "hot spots" 
  • Rejects up to 80% of the sun’s solar energy 
  • Reduces glare for improved visibility and comfort 
  • Enhances privacy without sacrificing natural light 
  • Creates a uniform, attractive appearance for your building 
  • Improves safety by helping hold glass together if broken 

The best window film option will depend on your specific needs.
Contact us today for a free quote!
We would love to help guide you in choosing the perfect film for your home or building.

  • The type of window film you should use depends on the solution you're seeking.

    • Darker or more neutral films help reduce visible light and heat by absorbing solar energy. 
    • Reflective films work by reflecting heat away from your windows, providing excellent heat reduction and added daytime privacy. 

    The best choice for your home will also depend on the type of glass you have, as not all windows are designed to handle every film type safely.
    Contact us today for a free quote! We’ll help you select the perfect window tint for your home based on your specific needs.

  • Below are key definitions to help you understand how to choose the best window film for your needs:

    • Total Solar Transmittance (TST): The percentage of solar radiation that is directly passed through a window system. 
    • Total Solar Reflectance (TSR): The percentage of solar radiation that is reflected by a window system. 
    • Complete Solar Absorption: The percentage of solar radiation that is absorbed by a window system. 
    • Visible Light Transmittance (VLT): The percentage of visible light that passes through a window system. 
    • Visible Light Reflectance (VLR): The percentage of visible light that is reflected by a window system. 
    • Percent UV Rays Transmittance: The percentage of ultraviolet light that passes through a window system. 
    • Percent of Total Solar Energy Rejected: The percentage of total solar energy that is rejected by a window system, including both solar reflectance and the part of solar absorption that is reradiated outward.

In San Diego, home window tinting is legal. However, automotive window tinting is subject to state regulations. For vehicles, you generally cannot tint your windshield, and the front side windows must allow a certain amount of light to pass through for visibility by law enforcement. The rear windows and back windshield can be tinted to any level without legal consequences. Be sure to adhere to the state's regulations to avoid fines or removal of the tint.

Yes, you can tint your house windows yourself. However, it’s important to use the correct type of window film for your glass. Installing the wrong film could damage your windows, especially if they have a low-E coating, causing it to fail prematurely or even resulting in thermal fractures. For the best results and to avoid costly mistakes, it’s recommended to consult a professional before attempting a DIY installation.

The best window tint is the one that is safe for your glass and effectively addresses your specific needs, whether it's improving daylighting, enhancing security, or reducing heat. There are various types of window films available, and the ideal choice depends on what issues you're looking to resolve in your home. Our professional recommendation is always to choose a film that aligns with both your glass type and your goals for energy efficiency, privacy, or protection.

  •  Reduces Heat: Helps keep your home cooler by blocking excess heat from the sun. 
  • Privacy: Provides added privacy with both daytime and nighttime options, so you can enjoy your space without prying eyes. 
  • Reduces Glare: Minimizes glare from the sun, improving comfort and visibility indoors. 
  • UV Protection: Blocks harmful UV rays that can damage your skin and furniture. 
  • Prevents Fading: Helps protect furniture and upholstery from fading caused by prolonged sun exposure. 
  • Security & Protection: Security films can help protect your home by slowing down intruders in the event of a break-in, adding an extra layer of defense.