Automotive Window Tinting
Cars, trucks, and SUVs — a cooler cabin, less glare on Maine roads, more privacy, and a cleaner look, installed to Maine's legal shade. The Cadillac above is the shop's own before-and-after work.
What We Do
One shop in Scarborough for your vehicle and for your home or office — hand-crafted service with quality results, and mobile service if you live outside the Portland area.
Home & Office Window Tinting
Film for houses and storefronts that cuts heat and glare, makes a home more energy-efficient, and helps protect furnishings from fading — without losing the view.
Maine Tint Law — Know Before You Tint
35% VLT MAX
Front side windows
The windows immediately left and right of the driver
35% VLT MAX
Rear side windows
The side windows behind the front seats — see the two-mirror exception below
35% VLT MAX
Rear window
The window behind the back seat — same two-mirror exception
AS-1 LINE
Windshield — top strip only
Tint is allowed above the AS-1 line, or along a 5-inch strip at the top when the glass carries no AS-1 mark
Maine prohibits any side or rear window that lets through less than 35% of light, counted net of the glass and the film together — VLT is visible light transmission, and the lower the number, the darker the film. The windshield may not be treated with material that reduces its light transmittance beyond the original glass. Reflective material is prohibited on every window.
Two-mirror exception: the 35% rule does not apply to side windows behind the operator's seat or to the rear window when the vehicle is equipped with 2 outside rear-view mirrors, one on each side, adjusted so the operator has a clear view of the highway behind the vehicle — those windows may go darker.
At inspection, a light transmittance certificate for tinted glass must be presented. Medical exemption: the Chief of the State Police may grant an exception for a person whose health is adversely affected by sunlight, and the certificate is shown to an officer on request. We install to the legal shade and will walk you through your options before any film goes on.
Source: 29-A M.R.S. §1916 — Reflective and tinted glass (Maine Revised Statutes)
Tint Care Questions
The things drivers ask most after fresh film goes on.
How dark can I legally tint in Maine?
Maine's rule is laid out in the tint law band above: 35% VLT MAX on the front side windows, the rear side windows, and the rear window — with an exception that lets windows behind the driver's seat go darker when the vehicle has 2 outside rear-view mirrors. Windshield tint stops at the AS-1 line or a top 5-inch strip. We'll confirm the legal shade for your vehicle before any film goes on.
When can I roll my windows down after tinting?
Give fresh film a few days to cure before rolling the windows down. Sliding the glass too soon can catch an edge of film that is still setting. If the shop gives you a specific wait time for your install, follow that.
Why does my new tint look hazy or bubbly?
A hazy look and small water pockets are a normal part of curing — the film is applied wet, and the moisture works its way out as it dries. It clears on its own over the curing period, which runs longer in cold Maine weather. Don't press on the bubbles; let them dry out.
How should I clean tinted windows?
Clean tinted glass with a soft microfiber cloth and a gentle, ammonia-free cleaner — ammonia can break film down over time. Skip paper towels, scouring pads, and anything abrasive, and wait until the film has fully cured before the first cleaning.
Can you film my home or office too?
Yes — the shop installs window film on houses and businesses as well as vehicles. Home and office film helps with hot rooms, glare on screens, energy costs, and fading, while keeping the view. Send the quote form below with a few details about the project and we'll take it from there.
Do you offer mobile service?
Yes — Rich Tint provides mobile services to surrounding communities, so if you live outside the Scarborough and Portland area, reach out and ask about a mobile appointment.
Get a Free Quote
Tell us what you're driving — or what room you're tired of squinting in — and we'll get back to you with a quote. Prefer to talk? Call the shop.