Car Detailing, Paint Protection Film and Window Tint for Vancouver, WA Drivers

An in-house Portland shop that Vancouver drivers cross the river for

Custom Details is an in-house auto detailing, paint protection film, ceramic coating and window tinting shop at 3433 SW Multnomah Blvd in Multnomah Village, on the southwest side of Portland. From downtown Vancouver that is about 25 minutes down I-5 outside rush hour; from Salmon Creek, Hazel Dell or the Fishers Landing side of the city, closer to 35. We are certified in Feynlab ceramic coatings and Global Films paint protection film, and every job is done inside our shop by our own technicians.

Because a lot of our Vancouver customers register their vehicles in Washington, this page covers the difference between Washington and Oregon tint law in detail, along with the route across the river, pricing for each service, and how pick-up and drop-off works across the bridge.

Crossing the river: how to get here from Vancouver

From downtown, the Waterfront, Hazel Dell or Salmon Creek, take I-5 south across the Interstate Bridge, stay on I-5 through the Rose Quarter, follow I-405 across the Fremont Bridge, rejoin I-5 south and take exit 296B for SW Multnomah Boulevard. From Orchards, Cascade Park, Fishers Landing or Camas, I-205 south across the Glenn Jackson Bridge to I-84 west, then I-5 south to the same exit, is usually quicker. The shop is a few blocks west of the exit in Multnomah Village.

The Interstate Bridge and the Rose Quarter are the two slow points. Southbound traffic is heaviest from 6:30 to 9 am and northbound from 3 to 6 pm, so most Vancouver customers drop off mid-morning or on a Saturday. We are open Monday through Friday 8 am to 6 pm and Saturday 10 am to 5 pm.

Washington versus Oregon window tint law

Tint limits follow the state where the vehicle is registered, not where the film is installed, so tell us which plates the car carries when you book. Here is what each state allows.

Washington registered vehicles (RCW 46.37.430)

Washington requires side and rear windows to let through 24 percent or more of visible light, with total reflectance of 35 percent or less, on a vehicle with outside mirrors on both sides. The windshield may only carry a transparent strip along the top that stays above the AS-1 line and no more than six inches down from the top edge. Vehicles the manufacturer classifies as trucks, motor homes or multipurpose passenger vehicles, which covers most SUVs and vans, may run darker film on any window behind the driver. Red, gold, yellow and black films and mirror finishes are not allowed. A darker tint is permitted with written verification from a licensed physician.

Oregon registered vehicles (ORS 815.221)

Oregon is stricter on the side glass: total light transmittance through the window with film applied must be 35 percent or more, and reflectance 13 percent or less. Only the top six inches of the windshield may be tinted. Multipurpose passenger vehicles with mirrors on both sides may run darker film on the windows behind the driver. Oregon also requires the installer to issue a certificate that stays in the vehicle and is shown to an officer on request; we provide it with every install. The full breakdown is on our Oregon window tint laws page.

Our Global window tinting packages start at $99 for a windshield strip, $159 for the front two windows matched to factory rear glass, $229 for a full windshield and $279 for a full vehicle surround. Ceramic IR tint, which rejects about 70 percent of infrared heat and up to 99 percent of UV, is $159, $259, $325 and $599. If you are choosing between the two lines, read ceramic IR tint versus standard dyed film.

Ceramic coating and paint protection film for I-5 and I-205 commuters

A Vancouver to Portland commute is 15 to 25 freeway miles each way, much of it behind trucks on I-5 and I-205, and the bridges and the Columbia River corridor add wind-blown sand from the river bottoms. That is a rock chip commute. Global Films paint protection film is a self-healing TPU that absorbs those impacts and is backed by a 10 year manufacturer warranty against bubbling, cracking and yellowing. Full front coverage takes one to two days; full body takes four to five. Pricing is quoted per vehicle, and matte film starts at $2,599 for a full front.

A Feynlab ceramic coating handles everything the film does not: UV, bird droppings, road film and the water spotting that comes with a long wet season. We offer the 1 year coating, Ceramic V3 with a 3 year warranty, Ceramic Plus with a 5 year warranty and a Matte coating rated for about 3 years, each with paint correction first. Ask for a quote based on your vehicle. Our post on ceramic coating versus wax versus sealant explains why a coating outlasts what a car wash sells.

Car detailing for Vancouver, WA vehicles

The exterior and interior detailing page lists a hand wash from $89, an exterior detail with clay bar and single stage polish from $499, engine bay detailing from $50, a basic interior detail from $139 and a full interior detail from $259. Our full detailing packages combine inside and out: Basic from $199, Full from $399 and Full plus Polish from $599, with an additional $79 for trucks and SUVs. Full packages take five to eight hours, so a mid-morning drop-off gets the car back the same day.

Pick-up and drop-off across the bridge

We offer pick-up and drop-off for Vancouver customers. Because the round trip across the river takes time, we schedule Clark County transport in blocks and will confirm a window when you book. Keeping multiple vehicles, an exotic, or a special car that rarely leaves the garage? Select high-end vehicles, exotics, and collector cars may qualify for white glove service at your location. Ask us about special arrangements.

We also serve drivers from Beaverton, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Hillsboro and Gresham.

Vancouver frequently asked questions

What window tint is legal in Washington?

Under RCW 46.37.430, side and rear windows must let through 24 percent or more of visible light with reflectance of 35 percent or less, and only a transparent strip above the AS-1 line and within six inches of the top of the windshield is allowed. Trucks, motor homes and multipurpose passenger vehicles such as most SUVs and vans may use darker film on windows behind the driver.

Do Oregon tint rules apply if my car has Washington plates?

No. We install to the law of the state where the vehicle is registered. A Washington registered car gets film that meets Washington's 24 percent limit, and an Oregon registered car gets film that meets Oregon's 35 percent limit and comes with the Oregon certificate. Tell us which plates the car carries when you book.

How long does the drive from Vancouver take?

About 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver and 30 to 35 minutes from Salmon Creek, Hazel Dell or Fishers Landing outside rush hour. Take I-5 south across the Interstate Bridge and exit 296B for SW Multnomah Boulevard, or I-205 south to I-84 west and I-5 south from the east side of the city.

Do you offer pick-up and drop-off in Vancouver, WA?

Yes. We pick up and return vehicles throughout Vancouver and Clark County. Because of the bridge crossing we schedule Vancouver transport in blocks, so ask for it when you book and we will confirm a pick-up window.

To book from Vancouver, call (971) 400-1406 or send the quick quote form with your vehicle, which state it is registered in and the services you want. We reply with pricing and the next available date.