Pricing guide · Melbourne 2026
How Much Does Window Tinting Cost in Melbourne?
Residential window tinting in Melbourne typically costs $80 to $200 per square metre depending on the film grade. A standard three to four window privacy or solar job runs $400 to $800 and takes about two hours. This guide covers what each film type costs, what drives the price, and when tinting pays for itself compared to other options.
Solar film
Solar film reduces heat and UV penetration through glass. Entry-level solar film runs $80 to $120 per square metre. Premium ceramic films with higher heat rejection sit at $150 to $200 per square metre. Solar film on west-facing windows in Melbourne can drop surface glass temperature by ten degrees or more and reduce air-conditioning load measurably through summer.
Privacy film
One-way mirror and frosted privacy films cost $80 to $150 per square metre. Frosted film at the lower end gives a clean diffused look for bathrooms and sidelights. One-way mirror film at the upper end gives daytime privacy while preserving the view from inside. Note that one-way privacy film only works during the day — at night when interior light is brighter, a blind or curtain is needed.
Decorative film
Decorative films for bathrooms, ensuites, and front entry sidelights run $100 to $180 per square metre. Patterns range from simple frost bands to full geometric designs. Custom-cut branding film for commercial glazing is quoted per project.
Safety and security film
Safety film designed to hold glass together on impact costs $120 to $200 per square metre. It is most common on ground-floor glazing, pool-fence glass, and shopfronts. Security-grade films at the upper end are thicker and designed to resist forced entry.
Anti-graffiti film
Anti-graffiti film is a clear sacrificial layer bonded to glass. When tagged, the film is peeled and replaced rather than the entire pane. Cost runs $80 to $130 per square metre. For shopfronts and retail glazing, it pays for itself the first time the glass is tagged — a single pane replacement can cost $500 to $2,000 depending on size.
What affects the price
Film grade is the biggest factor — ceramic films with higher heat rejection cost more than dyed or metallic films. Window size and quantity affect per-window cost (more windows means lower per-sqm rates). Access matters too — second-storey windows or windows behind fixed furniture take longer. Removal of existing old film adds to the job cost.
When tinting pays for itself
Solar film on a west-facing window that runs the air conditioning hard can pay for itself within two to three summers through energy savings. Privacy film avoids the cost of blinds or curtains on windows where the only need is daytime screening. Anti-graffiti film pays for itself on the first incident. Safety film avoids the cost of full glass replacement if glass breaks.
What is included in our quotes
Every tinting quote includes the free measure and assessment, supply and application of film, cleanup, and a twelve-month workmanship warranty. Manufacturer film warranty runs ten to fifteen years depending on the product. The film cures within a few days — we leave care instructions for the first month.
Common pricing questions
How much does it cost to tint windows in a house in Melbourne?
A typical three to four window job costs $400 to $800 depending on film grade and window size. A full home with ten to fifteen windows runs $1,500 to $3,500. Entry-level solar film sits at the lower end of each range; premium ceramic film with higher heat rejection sits at the upper end. Privacy, decorative, and safety films fall within similar ranges. We quote per window with exact measurements, so the price is specific to your home before you commit.
Is window tinting worth it for Melbourne homes?
For west and north-facing glazing, almost always. Melbourne's UV index reaches Extreme (12 to 14) regularly through summer. Unprotected glass lets through over 99 per cent of UV-A, which fades timber floors, leather furniture, artwork, and fabric within one to two summers of direct exposure. A quality ceramic solar film blocks over 99 per cent of UV and reduces solar heat gain by 40 to 60 per cent. On a west-facing living room that runs the air conditioning hard from November to March, the energy savings alone can pay back the film cost within two to three summers.
How long does residential window tinting last in Melbourne?
Quality architectural film lasts ten to fifteen years or more with proper care. Manufacturer warranties cover peeling, bubbling, cracking, and discolouration for that period. The Melbourne climate — strong UV, wide temperature swings, and occasional hailstorms — is well within spec for modern films. Workmanship warranty from us covers the installation for twelve months. If an edge lifts or a bubble develops within that period, we come back and fix it at no charge.
Does window tinting make rooms dark?
Modern ceramic solar films are designed to reject heat without significantly reducing visible light. A typical ceramic film reduces visible light by only 20 to 30 per cent while rejecting 40 to 60 per cent of solar heat. Older-generation dyed and metallic films did darken rooms noticeably, which is where this perception comes from. We bring multiple sample cards — from near-clear to darker tints — so you can hold them against your actual glass in daylight and see exactly how the room will look before committing.
Can you remove old window tint before applying new film?
Yes. Old film that is peeling, bubbling, or discoloured needs to be fully removed before new film goes on. Applying new film over deteriorated old film causes adhesion failure and voids the new film's warranty. Removal is available as part of a re-tinting job or as a standalone service. The process involves softening the old adhesive, peeling the film layer, then cleaning the glass surface completely before the new film is applied.
Ready for a quote?
Free measure within our service radius. The quote is itemised and obligation-free.