WINDOW
TINT
FAQ'S
What is window film?
Window film is a polyester film, usually made of Polyethylene Teraphthalate (“PET”). Most films are applied to the interior surface of a glass window in a home, commercial building, boat, or vehicle. They usually have a scratch resistant coating on the outer surface to protect the film. There are many types of window films. Some are clear and feature multiple layers of PET to offer protection from shattering glass; others are tinted with metals, dyes or pigments to reduce the visible light transmitted through the glass and block heat coming through from the sun. There are even decorative window films that can replicate the look of frosted glass or etched patterns.
How is window film installed?
Our installation process starts with cleaning the window and window gaskets to get all of the dirt and contaminates off of the surface that the film will eventually be applied to. Next, we skillfully hand cut the piece of window film specific to each window to make an exact fit for the application to your vehicle. After the film is cut and shaped for each window, we clean the glass once more, rinse it down, and apply our slip solution. Once the glass has been thoroughly cleaned, we separate the film from its liner and place it onto your window. Once the film is placed onto the window, we use many different tinting tools to to push out as much of that slip solution that is between the film and the actual glass.
Does the tint go on the outside or inside?
The short answer is on the inside. First, the film is laid on the outside of the car’s windows to shape it and cut out to fit. After the film and the glass have both been properly prepped, the film is installed on the inside.
How long will it take to install window tint on my vehicle?
Installation time ranges from 1 to 3 hours depending on how many windows are being tinted and what type of vehicle you have. It can take considerably longer to tint a vehicle that is excessively dirty as the windows and their surrounding areas MUST be as clean as possible. During the winter months, automotive window tinting may take longer due to colder outside temperatures. This is because we must allow time for the glass on your vehicle to warm up once the vehicle is parked in our climate controlled shop bay.
Should I drop off my vehicle or wait?
Both options are available and you can do what works best with your schedule. As part of our efforts to prevent the possible transmission and spread of COVID-19, we prefer that the vehicle be dropped off first thing in the morning to prevent multiple customers sitting in our waiting area for extended periods of time. If you drop your vehicle off, the drop off time is no later than 9:00 am. We will call you when your vehicle is finished.
Can I have window tint installed on my windows in wet or cold weather?
Absolutely! With the modern adhesive systems found on today’s window tinting products, it is possible to have your car windows tinted even in freezing weather. However, the curing time may be extended in these conditions. Professional installers take the weather into consideration during installation, allowing more time to apply heat to the edges of the tint to activate the drying process. As the saying goes to keep in mind is "you get what you pay for". High performance or metal window tinting products insure high quality adhesives.
I just had my windows tinted. How long should I keep my windows rolled up?
Unless we advise you otherwise, we generally recommend keeping your windows up for at least 2-4 days to allow your new window tint time to cure. If windows are rolled down before the tint has had time to fully cure, the tint often peels off and dirt gets trapped between the tint and the window. This usually requires removal and replacement of that piece of film. Should this happen, we can redo your window at a low cost, but it is not covered under the warranty.
How long does the film take to fully cure?
It is nearly impossible to get every drop of tint slip solution out from between the film and the window. Therefore, there is a drying time (cure time) for the film. This curing time is when the remaining tint slip solution evaporates. During this time, the film is still performing to its full solar control and safety capabilities, however it is common to see bubbles, haze, streaks and other visual defects in the film as it cures. This is completely normal, and these will disappear as the film dries out. The amount of time for the film to fully cure can vary drastically. Window film cures faster in the summer time when it is hot and sunny. During the winter time, the curing process can take a few weeks to fully cure.
What do I use to safely clean my tinted windows?
After your windows are tinted, we recommend that you wait a couple of days before cleaning them. You don’t want to risk pulling the tint loose before it has had time to fully dry and cure. Tinted windows should be cleaned with only non abrasive items, such as a soft paper towel, and any ammonia-free cleaner. Do not use the Windex or any blue colored cleaners because they usually have ammonia in them. We suggest using soap-water mix.
How durable is window tint?
Many times our customers inquire about the durability of window film – “Will my kids easily tear it up?” We are glad to report that this is typically not a problem. Pets are also a concern but "damage" to the film is usually confined to smudges on the film that just need to be cleaned. The hard scratch-resistant coating found on quality window film products do an excellent job at protecting window tint from everyday use. Please keep in mind, window tint is installed on the inside of the glass, and though it is coated with a high quality scratch resistant layer for protection, it is not indestructible. Scratches and chips in the film can still occur. Take care when loading and unloading objects with sharp or hard edges such as boxes, sporting equipment, etc. If you have a pet such as a dog in the car, be aware that their toenails can scratch your window film. If you accidentally cause damage to your film, the cost of re-doing the window is generally inexpensive. Unfortunately, these types of damages are not covered under the manufacturer's warranty or our. shop warranty.
What causes window tint to turn purple and bubble?
UV rays from the sun are responsible for damaging your car’s interior and window tint. Excessive heat build-up is usually the cause of bubbles forming in the window tint. The bubbles are a result of a failure in the films adhesive, or poor installation. You can protect yourself from this potential problem by purchasing a brand name window tint.
How do black dots and lines at the edge of a window affect window tinting?
The black dots, or matrix patterns (frits), as well as the lines at the top of some windows, are made of a Teflon material that is applied at the factory. Purely cosmetic, these dots and lines hide trim lines and edges on different vehicles. The thickness of these Teflon-type areas makes them incredibly difficult when applying window tint. Window tint is designed to adhere directly to the glass. The black dots and lines across the top of some windows provide a physical barrier to the film and can prevent window tint from adhering directly to the glass. When black dots are encountered, the window tint sticks to the slightly raised dot. Depending on the location on the window and the thickness of these dots, this can give a different look in the area of these black matrix dots. This occurrence poses no risk of peeling. In some cases, the dot pattern or lines usually put at the top of some windows are so thick that it makes it impossible for the tint to stick at all..
What are these scratches or streaks in my window tint?
This is another commonly asked question and is sometimes confused with being a defect in the film. It is actually caused by a vehicle’s weather stripping. You’ll notice a fuzzy, felt-type material that lines the weather stripping around your windows. This felt functions as a trap for small particles of dirt when you roll your windows up or down. Some vehicles have both sides lined, some only have the exterior side. When only the exterior side is lined it makes the interior more susceptible to trapping dirt and debris. When you roll your windows up or down, the dirt, or sometimes even the hard plastic of the stripping itself, can cause the film to scratch.
What are these chips in my tint?
When you have tinted windows, always be cautious with seat belts. When removing your seat belt, be careful not to allow it to sling over and hit the window as this can create a tiny pinpoint hole or a chip in the window tint. Other items to use caution with: rings, jewelry, tools, toys, and pets.
Can you match the front two windows to the factory tinted rear windows?
YES! This is our most popular tint service! Many newer vehicles come pre-tinted (stained) glass on the rear of the vehicle. Typically we see this on SUV's, Vans and Truck's. Our handy Tint Meter will verify the percentage of these windows for us so that we can confidently get as close as possible to an exact match on the front windows.