Cross Auto Detail NW LLC
Window Tint in Bellingham, WA
Ceramic window tint in Bellingham, WA costs $200 for the front two windows, or $550 for full side and rear glass coverage on cars and $650 on SUVs.
Cross Auto Detail NW,
owner-operated since 2018, offers four ceramic shades: 50%, 35%, 20%, and 15%, with selection based on vehicle type, window position, and Washington's VLT requirements.
Why Choose Cross Auto Detail NW for Window Tinting in Bellingham, WA
- Dealership-Trained Owners: Mitch Cross and Alex Neill have operated Cross Auto Detail NW since 2018
- Washington-Compliant Tint Selection: Choose from four ceramic shades at 50%, 35%, 20%, or 15%, with legal use based on vehicle type and window position
- Upfront Published Pricing: Front two windows cost $200 on all vehicles, with full side and rear glass priced at $550 for cars and $650 for SUVs.
- Proven Customer Satisfaction: A 5.0★ rating across 137+ Google reviews reflects consistent customer feedback
What's Included in Our Window Tinting Services
| Package | Coverage | Shades Available |
|---|---|---|
| Front Two Windows | Driver and front-passenger windows | 50% or 35% (front side windows must read 24% VLT) |
| All Sides Plus Rear Glass | Every side window plus rear glass; windshield not included | 50%, 35%, 20%, or 15%, where legally permitted |
| Old Tint Removal | Old film and adhesive stripped, glass cleaned and prepped | Not applicable |
Ceramic window tint uses ceramic particles suspended in clear polyester film rather than dye or metal. The film helps reduce UV exposure and solar heat while maintaining clear visibility. Its non-metal construction also helps avoid interference with GPS, cellular, and key-fob signals associated with some metallic films.
Ceramic film is designed to maintain its appearance over time. Each panel is applied to the prepared glass and smoothed during installation to create consistent film coverage and a clean finished appearance.
The film cures over 3 to 4 days after installation, depending on temperature. Light haze or small water pockets can appear during curing as trapped moisture evaporates, so tinted windows should remain rolled up until curing is complete.
Choose Your Tint Shade
| Shade | Appearance | Legal Use in Washington |
|---|---|---|
| 50% | Light | Can be used when the finished window measures at least 24% VLT. |
| 35% | Medium | Can be used when the finished window, including glass and film, measures at least 24% VLT. |
| 20% | Dark | Permitted behind the driver on qualifying vehicles, or with a medical exemption. |
| 15% | Darkest | Permitted behind the driver on qualifying vehicles, or with a medical exemption. |
VLT (Visible Light Transmission) measures how much visible light passes through the finished window. A lower percentage means a darker tint.
Washington State Window Tint Laws
In Washington, tinted side and rear windows must let at least 24% of light through, counting glass and film together, and cannot reflect more than 35%, under
RCW 46.37.430.
| Window | Passenger cars | Trucks, SUVs, and vans* |
|---|---|---|
| Front side windows | At least 24% light | At least 24% light |
| Rear side windows | At least 24% light | Any darkness |
| Rear window | At least 24% light | Any darkness |
| Windshield | Clear UV film, or a see-through strip on the top 6 inches (not below the AS-1 line) | Same |
| Reflectivity | 35% or less | 35% or less |
*Vehicle classifications are based on the manufacturer's classification.
Starting at $100/hr
Core Legal Rules
- 50% and 35% film allow more visible light than the 24% threshold, but the finished window must still measure at least 24% VLT after the glass and film are combined.
- 20% and 15% film fall below the 24% threshold, so they are permitted behind the driver on qualifying trucks, motor homes, and multipurpose passenger vehicles, or with a medical exemption, and are not permitted on front side windows.
- Tinted side or rear windows require outside rearview mirrors on both the left and right sides.
- Only one layer of film is allowed per window.
- Window tint that violates these requirements is a traffic infraction in Washington.
Strictly Prohibited
- Not allowed: Mirror-finish film; red, gold, yellow, or black film; brushed-on or sprayed-on tint.
- Reflectance limit: Tinted windows must have no more than 35% reflectance.
Medical Exemptions
- Medical exemption: With written verification from a licensed physician, darker tint is allowed on all windows and the top 6 inches of the windshield.
- Clear UV film: Clear UV film may be applied to the windshield as permitted by law.
Our Window Tint Installation Process
Step 1 - Book and Choose Your Shade
We confirm your vehicle type and walk you through which of the four shades (50%, 35%, 20%, or 15%) Washington law allows on each window.
Step 2 - Prep the Glass
Our technicians clean and decontaminate every pane, clearing old film, adhesive, and edge debris so the ceramic film bonds cleanly.
Step 3 - Cut and Install the Film
We cut each ceramic film panel to the glass, flood it with a slip solution, and squeegee out the water and air for a smooth, clean finish.
Step 4 - Heat-Set and Cure
Our team heat-shrinks the film to the curved glass, tucks the edges, and then allows 3 to 4 days for the film to cure before the windows roll down.
Step 5 - Aftercare
Before you leave, the team walks you through what to expect during the 3 to 4 day cure: keep windows rolled up and avoid slamming doors until the film fully bonds.
Window Tint Packages at Cross Auto Detail NW
Front Two Windows
starting at $200 for all vehicles
Ideal for drivers who want ceramic tint on the front side windows while meeting Washington's VLT requirements.
- Driver window
- Front-passenger window
- 50% or 35% ceramic film (front side windows must read 24% VLT)
All Sides Plus Rear Glass
starting at $550 for cars · $650 for SUVs
Full side and rear coverage for heat, glare, and privacy.
- All side windows
- Rear glass
- 50%, 35%, 20%, or 15% ceramic film, where legally permitted by vehicle type and window position
- Windshield not included
Old Tint Removal
starting at $100 per window
Clean removal of aged film before a fresh install, priced per window.
- Old film and adhesive stripped
- Glass cleaned and prepped
- Available with any new tint package
Every ceramic shade (50%, 35%, 20%, and 15%) is priced the same, so the price depends on coverage and vehicle type rather than darkness.
Areas We Serve
Looking for window tinting near you in Bellingham, WA? Cross Auto Detail NW provides window tinting by appointment at 1635 Jills Ct, Units 19 & 20, Bellingham, WA 98226, serving customers throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County.
| Town / Area | Drive Time To Shop |
|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | 0 to 10 min |
| Ferndale, WA | ~13 min |
| Sudden Valley, WA | ~15 min |
| Custer, WA | ~18 min |
| Lynden, WA | ~20 min |
| Everson, WA | ~20 min |
| Blaine, WA | ~28 min |
Outside these areas? Call Cross Auto Detail NW at (360) 389-6355 to confirm availability.
Fill the form
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Book Your Window Tint in Bellingham, WA
Ready for ceramic window tint in Bellingham, WA? Front two windows are $200, while all sides plus rear glass are $550 for cars or $650 for SUVs. Call Cross Auto Detail NW at (360) 389-6355 to
book your window tint today.
Contact Us
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
What Our Customers Are Saying
Window Tint FAQs
What is the darkest legal window tint in Washington?
Window tint on Washington passenger cars must let at least 24% of light through on every side and rear window, counting glass and film together, under RCW 46.37.430. Qualifying trucks, motor homes, and multipurpose passenger vehicles can use darker tint behind the driver, while front side windows must meet the same 24% requirement. A licensed physician's written verification allows darker tint for medical reasons.
Is 35% or 20% tint darker?
Window tint rated 20% is darker than 35% tint, because the percentage measures how much visible light the film lets through. A lower number means less light and a darker look, so 15% is the darkest of the four shades Cross Auto Detail NW offers, and 50% is the lightest.
How much does window tint cost at Cross Auto Detail NW?
Cross Auto Detail NW charges $200 for ceramic tint on the front two windows on any vehicle, and $550 for all side windows plus the rear glass on cars, or $650 on SUVs. Removing old tint costs $100 per window. All four ceramic shades (50%, 35%, 20%, and 15%) are priced the same.
Can you get a ticket for window tint in Washington?
Window tint that breaks RCW 46.37.430 is a traffic infraction in Washington. Front side windows must meet the 24% VLT requirement, while darker tint behind the driver is permitted on qualifying vehicles under Washington law. A physician's written verification can permit darker tint for medical needs.
How long does window tint take to cure?
Window tint needs 3 to 4 days to cure after installation, depending on temperature. During this period, light haze and small water pockets can appear as trapped moisture evaporates from beneath the film. Keep tinted windows rolled up while the film cures, and allow the full curing period before lowering the windows to help the film bond properly to the glass.
Do you remove the old window tint?
Cross Auto Detail NW removes old window tint for $100 per window, including removal of the existing film and adhesive before the glass is cleaned and prepared for new tint. Removal timing depends on the condition of the existing film and adhesive, so contact Cross Auto Detail NW for the expected completion time when booking an old tint removal service.
About Cross Auto Detail NW
Cross Auto Detail NW provides professional window tinting in Bellingham, WA, with ceramic film options selected according to vehicle type and window position. Owner-operated by Mitch Cross and Alex Neill since 2018, the shop serves drivers throughout Bellingham and Whatcom County. The shop’s vehicle appearance and protection services also include auto detailing, paint correction, ceramic coating, and paint protection film, giving local drivers additional options for protecting and maintaining their vehicles.
