Q: Can I install window tint myself?
A: We strongly encourage that window tint be installed by trained professionals. Most window film warranties on the market today are only backed if installed by a trained professional. Plus, I am sure you have seen very bad window film installation on vehicles with huge bubbles, creases, lots of debris or a purple hue. All of those factors are due to poor installation, in most cases, an untrained installer.
Q: How long do I have to leave my windows up after installation?
A: We recommend keeping your windows up for at least 3-5 days. If the windows are put down before that time frame you may cause damage to your new purchase. As a preventive, after tinting, we install “Do not roll down…” stickers on top of your window control along with turning ON your vehicle’s window lock to help to prevent this issue. Should this issue happen we can redo your window at a low cost, but it is not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Q: How do I maintain my window tint after it is installed?
A: Maintenance is very easy. We recommend a good spray foam glass cleaner, which will lift debris and smudges to the surface doing most of the work for you, and wipe off with a clean “lint free” towel. If you are a smoker (cigs or vapor), we recommend doing this on a regular basis to prevent smoke build-up on your windows. If you go “off-roading” we recommend doing this very frequently. Both inside and outside of the glass, to help to prevent scratches to the inside and outside of the glass from dirt or sand.
Q: Should I wash or clean the inside of my vehicle prior to my appointment?
A: We fully clean the inside and outside of the glass prior to tinting and after tinting. However, we always ask to bring your vehicle washed on the day of your appointment. This will help to prevent pollen or dust on your vehicle from coming into the shop. This will also allow us to fully inspect the outside and inside of your vehicle and point any imperfections, such as scratches, in the glass. If you have a pet, we do ask that you vacuum your vehicle to remove any pet hair or dander. The cleaner the inside of your car is, the better the result. If your vehicle is not clean, it may result in additional cleaning fees.
Q: How durable is window tint?
A: Many times our customers inquire about the durability of window film – “Will my kids tear it up?” or “Can my pet scratch it?” The hard scratch-resistant coating found on quality window film products do an excellent job protecting window tint from everyday use, as well as, kids and pets. However, the key word is “resistant”. Please remember that window tint is installed on the inside of the glass and it is coated with a high quality scratch resistant layer for protection. Always take care when loading and unloading objects with sharp or hard edges, such as, boxes, sporting equipment, tools, etc. It is possible to tear even the best window films with sharp or hard objects hitting against the film. If you accidentally cause damage to the film, the cost of re-doing the window is generally inexpensive. Unfortunately, this type of damage is not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.
Q: Is it normal for my vehicle windows look streaky and hazy after having them tinted? Or have bubbles?
A: Yes, this is completely normal and part of the curing process. For the first few days after your windows are tinted they might appear cloudy, hazy, and you may see little pockets of moisture forming underneath the film causing bubbles. Window film is a porous material that allows the remaining water to evaporate and go away by itself as the film fully adheres to the glass. The amount of time before your new tint will be totally cured is determined by the amount of sunlight your vehicle gets. If it’s cloudy, rainy, snowing and overcast outside, it will take longer for the curing process. If it’s hot and sunny outside, then the curing process for the film happens very quickly. The curing process can range from 3 days in upwards of 45 days; however, you should be able to operate your windows within 5 days after window film installation.
Q: How do black dots and lines at the edge or top of an automotive window affect window tinting?
A: The black dots, matrix or the lines at the top of some windows are made of a Teflon material that is applied at the factory. Purely cosmetic, they hide trim lines and edges on different styles of vehicles. The thickness of these raised areas make them incredibly difficult when applying film. In some cases, the black lines across the top of rear windows may prevent window tint from sticking and cannot be covered. When black dots, which are mostly found in rear windows, wing windows, and windshields, are encountered the window tint sticks to the raised dots, holding it away from the glass. We install past these dots onto the flat black surround, so there are no light gaps. This will give a lighter silver appearance in the area of the black matrix dots. These areas will become more uniform as the film dries out and cures.
Q: What if my vehicle already has film on the windows? Will it need removed before I have my windows tinted?
A: Aftermarket film will need to be removed before installation of new window film. It is always best to have the film removed by a professional, as the vehicle’s rear defroster can be easily damaged. There is an additional charge for removal of existing window film. The process adds about two to four hours to the window film installation process. If your vehicle has existing film that will require removal before installing new film, plan on leaving it. It is best to drop your vehicle off in the morning and let us call you when the job is completed.
Q: Can I darken vehicle factory window tint?
A: Yes. As long as it is factory window tint, we can install window film directly on the glass. Factory window tint color is actually a pigment in the glass. Aftermarket window film actually has many more solar benefits than a factory window tint. Factory tint only rejects part of the UV rays and only rejects a small amount of heat. Aftermarket window film rejects 99% of ultraviolet rays and between 35%-60% of heat, depending on the film level used. In addition darkening factory tinted glass will give you more privacy for storing your personal items in your vehicle. Plus, the added safety if the vehicle were in a collision.
Q: What are North Carolina’s legal window tinting limits?
A: Window tinting limits are different for every state, and your car must follow the state law in which it’s registered (or to-be registered). NC requires a yearly safety and/or emission inspection of your vehicle to obtain the registration and renewal. For NC the legal limits are as follows:
Windows may not be any darker than 35% visible light transmission. This standard is considered to be met if the window tint is no lower than 32% visible light transmission when measured by the inspection station with a photometer. However, they do not apply to any other window of the following vehicle types:
- A window of a multipurpose vehicle that is behind the driver of the vehicle. A multipurpose vehicle is a passenger vehicle that is designed to carry 10 or fewer passengers. It either is constructed on a truck chassis or has special features designed for occasional off‐road operation. A minivan and a pickup truck are multipurpose vehicles.
- A window of a vehicle for which DMV has issued a medical exception permit.
Tint darkness for sedans, coupes, or hatchbacks:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tinted film is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. Provided, however, an un-tinted clear film which does not obstruct vision but which reduces or eliminates ultraviolet radiation from entering a vehicle may be applied to the windshield.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Rear Window: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
Tint darkness for SUVs, Pick-ups and Vans:
- Windshield: Non-reflective tinted film is allowed above the manufacturer’s AS-1 line. Provided, however, an un-tinted clear film which does not obstruct vision but which reduces or eliminates ultraviolet radiation from entering a vehicle may be applied to the windshield.
- Front Side windows: Must allow more than 35% of light in.
- Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
- Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.
