When protecting your eyes from harsh sunlight and glare, the right pair of sunglasses can make all the difference. But sometimes, even your favorite sunglasses don’t block out enough light.
If only you could make them darker, right?
Well, lucky for you… you can!
In this blog, we’ll take you through a few different ways to darken your sunglasses, using both DIY methods for at-home tinting and professional services you can pay to have done. Let’s get started!
Understanding Lens Darkness Levels and Their Benefits
Before diving into methods for darkening your lenses, it’s important to understand the different levels of lens darkness and how they impact your vision and eye protection. The lens darkness for sunglasses is generally measured in visible light transmission (VLT) percentages, where a lower VLT percentage indicates darker lenses (and a higher one indicates less dark lenses).
Here’s a quick breakdown of VLT categories and their typical uses:
● Category 1 (VLT 43%-80%): These lenses are lightly tinted and are best for overcast days or low-light conditions.
● Category 2 (VLT 18%-43%): These lenses have a medium tint, suitable for average daylight conditions and daily wear.
● Category 3 (VLT 8%-18%): These lenses have a dark tint, ideal for bright sunlight and high-glare situations (like outdoors with snow).
● Category 4 (VLT 3%-8%): These lenses have the darkest tint, and are often used for extreme light exposure like mountaineering. They are not recommended for driving as they can impair vision in low light.
For most daily wear and outdoor activities, Category 3 lenses are ideal, offering a balance between sufficient darkness and safe visibility. However, understanding the level of darkness your sunglasses require for your specific needs is the best (and safest) way to determine tint levels, maintaining both comfort and protection.
DIY Methods to Darken Your Sunglasses Lenses
If you’re looking to darken your sunglasses at home, there are a few easy and cost-effective methods to try. But, keep in mind that DIY solutions deliver DIY results; you won’t achieve professional-grade results with these methods but they can be effective for small adjustments.
1. Tinting Film
Tinting films, often used on car windows, are also available for sunglasses lenses. This thin, adhesive film can add darkness without permanently changing your lenses.
Materials Needed:
● Tinting film (available in varying shades)
● Scissors
● A soft cloth
● A spray bottle of water
Steps:
1. Measure your lenses and cut the tinting film to size.
2. Clean the lenses with a soft cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
3. Lightly spray the lenses with water to help position the film.
4. Carefully apply the tinting film to the lenses, smoothing it out to remove air bubbles.
5. Trim any excess film around the edges.
While tinting film can provide a darker effect, be cautious using this method on prescription lenses as it may affect the optical quality.
2. Lens Spray Tint
Spray tints designed for plastic and polycarbonate can darken sunglasses lenses. However, this method is best for lenses that are inexpensive or non-prescription.
Materials Needed:
● Spray tint
● Masking tape
● A soft cloth
Steps:
1. Tape off the frames to avoid overspraying the tint.
2. Clean the lenses to ensure the tint adheres smoothly.
3. Apply a light coat of spray tint and let it dry.
3.1. For a darker effect, add additional layers until the desired tint is achieved.
4. Allow the tint to fully cure before wearing.
Be mindful that spray tint is semi-permanent and difficult to remove, so test it on a less valuable pair if you're new to this method.
Professional Services for Customizing Sunglasses
If you’re uncomfortable with DIY methods — or want a higher-quality result — consider using professional services to darken your lenses. Optical shops and specialty sunglass companies often offer custom lens tinting or replacement services to achieve your desired darkness level.
Lens Replacement Services
Some optical shops allow you to send in your frames and receive new lenses with your preferred tint level. This is especially useful if your current lenses are damaged or you want a precise VLT percentage without compromising vision clarity.
Professional Lens Tinting
Certain eyewear companies specialize in professional lens tinting, where trained technicians apply a custom tint to your existing lenses. This option is ideal for prescription lenses, as they have the necessary tools to ensure the tint doesn’t interfere with corrective power.
Professional services may cost more than DIY methods, but they offer the benefit of longevity and optimal visual quality.
Tips for Choosing the Right Lens Tint
When deciding on the best lens tint for your sunglasses, consider your primary use, location, and lifestyle needs. Here are some quick tips to help you choose the best lens tint level.
Outdoor Sports
For bright environments, such as beach outings or high-altitude sports, a Category 3 lens (VLT 8-18%) effectively reduces glare without sacrificing visibility.
Driving
For driving, you’ll want a lens with moderate darkness, ideally Category 2 or 3, This will ensure clear vision without dimming traffic signals or reducing low-light perception.
Fishing and Water Sports
For fishing and water sports, polarized lenses with darker tints (Category 3) are ideal as they reduce water glare, improving clarity and comfort.
Regardless of the lens tint you choose, remember that tint color can impact your visual experience. For example, gray lenses reduce brightness without altering colors, while brown or amber lenses enhance contrast. Check the visual impact before you commit!
Wrap Up
Choosing the right level of darkness for your sunglasses can enhance comfort, protect your eyes, and even improve your performance in certain activities. Whether you choose a DIY method or opt for professional services, understanding how dark sunglasses should be for different settings can help you make an informed choice.
