CAR WINDOW TINTING
                                                                             

 

 

General Idea

Window tinting is said to be one of the most popular modifications made to cars, particularly in areas where the climate is very hot and humid. Some people have car window tinting applied for cosmetic reasons, however most apply window tints to protect the interior of their car from sunrays and to keep it cooler.Car window tint films are made from polyester which is a thin layer of substance that produces the shadow of the tint. This kind of substance usually contains several metals and dyes and even some cases as well. The car window film is bonded with powerful glue onto the glass which is a better method than the tint that was initially available a few years ago.

One of the main myths about the car window tinting industry is that dark tinted windows usually obstruct your capacity of driving at night. This is a possibility if a person disobeys the law and places dark tinted windows on their car. In most American States you can only install dark  tints on the rear side windows of your car. Car window tinting is generally applied in order to eliminate the glare and this will not obstruct your ability to drive at night or in the darkness. Another major myth in the car window tinting industry is that these window tints are placed on the exterior portion of the window. However, if you were to place it on the outer portion of the window then it would not be practical. One of the main reasons for this is because when several objects hit your car window over time and the film gets hit it will quickly become damaged and be of no use after a few months. Normal car windows which do not have tints applied to them only reflect about five percent of visible light while transmitting ninety percent into your car. The remaining five percent is being absorbed by the window glass. This is in comparison to when tinting is applied to the windows where the visible light that gets transmitted is lower than fifteen percent and the light that gets reflected is as high as thirty percent or even more.

By looking at these calculated numbers you can easily observe how the window tints work in order to keep out the damage caused due to over exposure of sunrays. Good quality car window tinting usually blocks dangerous and harmful ultraviolet rays which not only cause cancer but are also damaging to the interior of your car. Moreover, these films even keep out the infrared rays which are the main source of heat building up in your car. The exact amount of brightness reflected and the heat that is kept out usually depends on the quality of the tint you choose. So, before choosing a window tint for your car make sure to check the laws of your country and then choose the best quality tint for your car.

Reasons for Car Window Tinting

Window tinting can be a popular addition to your car, particularly in areas where the temperatures are humid and hot. At present people are slowly beginning to understand why tinting their windows is not just a good idea to protect their car interior but also to protect themselves from dangerous UV rays. In the present day situation it has also become a fashion for teenagers to tint their car windows and show off, however they too have understood the importance of applying car window tinting. The flip side is that nothing looks worse than a cheap, badly done tint job. There are many reasons which enable people to purchase car window tinting. Some of the reasons are as follows: -

  • When you tint your car it can keep your car’s interior up to 60 percent cooler. If you live in a warm climate then it can make your driving experience more comfortable. This is very true if your car features leather interior.
  • Keeping car interiors cooler can also help you in lowering your fuel costs. This is because as the interior of your car remains cooler, even in mid-day sun, there will be less need to use air conditioning which in turn reduces your fuel consumption.
  • If you have chosen the right tinting film it will also help you block UV or Ultra Violet rays. UV rays damage the upholstery, therefore the tinting can help in care and maintenance of the interior. As the UV rays are also harmful to you, the tinting will also protect you from the rays.
  • Car window tinting film can also help reduce glare. This can help during both night and daytime hours. The density of the tinting used can help in cutting the glare from the sun during the day, while at night the tint cuts the glare from the headlights of other vehicles. During the winter season it helps block the bright glare of the sun. All this not only helps protect your eyes but also provides overall safety.
  • Additionally, tinting your windows can also protect your privacy. When car window tinting is carried out it becomes hard to see through the windows from the outside. This prevents potential thieves from seeing what's in your car. Anyone wanting to see the contents of your car will have to look very closely to find out what’s inside and will therefore look very suspicious.
  • There are also some other ways that window tinting can protect you. If you are unfortunately involved in an accident then the tinting film prevents the glass from shattering as it holds the broken glass together which can reduce the risk of cuts.
  • You can also have your VIN or vehicle identification number placed on the window tinting film which also saves you money as it is generally recognized as a safety feature by the insurance companies which means they can offer you a discount on your insurance.

Basic Window Installation for Car Window Tints

If you are planning to buy car window tinting then you are making a very wise choice. However, if you are planning to tint your car windows then you have to go through some of the following basic installation techniques. It must be remembered that these techniques are merely basics from where you can learn one of the most challenging trades that is car window tinting. Before you start you must be ready with the tools required which includes a spray bottle, tinting squeeze, heat gun, paper towels, razor blades, and some safety instruments.

  1. Start in a relatively wind and dust free environment with a clean car. You may have to first remove the third brake light or rear deck, because window tinting is installed on the side with soapy water. First clean anything that might come in the way or anything that is against the glass near the place where the window tinting is to be applied. This includes taping the inner flaps of the door with masking tape or if this does not work then you will need to remove the door panels.
     
  2. There are various ways to pre–cut the film for roll up. One of the ways is to place film on the outside while the liner is facing up. This way the film can be trimmed to the accurate shape of the window. However if you want to achieve more accuracy, then consider using freeze patterns. For avoiding sloppy creasing and cuts use Reynolds plastic coated freezer paper to make a pattern of rollup windows.
  3. The glass should be rolled down in such a way that the top of the window is approximately half an inch from the left. Clean the glass and slide the glass down. To stop the film from moving you must squeeze from the anchor point. Now, roll the window up while squeezing the bottom out. Water from any side should be dried using hard card wrapped in paper towel.
  4. The most important step in window tinting is to clean the glass in preparation. This simply means that dirt should be kept to a minimum. Most cars have a felt edge inside which guides the window as you wind it up and down. When the felt gets wet it leaves tiny black hairs on the window glasses. This becomes visible when the film becomes dry. To avoid such black hairs, one has to wind the window as far down as possible and cover the felt with masking tape. Then wind the window up to about ½ an inch from the top. Then spray the window with soapy water and clean it using a new razor blade. Then spray and wipe using a blue shop towel while wiping in one stroke to clean heavier dirt material. Wipe and squeeze using a moist paper towel then stroke the remaining part of the window.
  5. After cleaning is done, you must be very careful in handling the car tint properly otherwise it might become dirty. As someone is squeezing and applying someone else must do the top first and then slowly move down while avoiding the edges. Edges of the window should be left until the last moment. Use something like a credit card which is cut into a triangle to help squeeze the final stroke. This must be repeated again tightly this time, so that more water is removed from the film.

The above-mentioned steps are for side glasses, while tinting back glass requires heat-shrinking method involving one or two pieces.

Why to choose Car Window Tinting

If you are residing in an area such as Southwest Florida which has a hot and humid climate then it is necessary to apply car window tinting. In fact, window tints are one of the best investments which you can add to you car in order to prevent the interior of your car from the heat. These window tints which are available in the modern day have actually come a long way since when they were initially introduced. The older tinted films would easily peel and bubble and create an ugly mess. However, the modern day tinted films cannot be recognized whether it is a tinted film or whether it is actually part of the glass.

The main reason car window tinting was invented was to protect the car interior from the damage caused due to sun rays and heat. Sun rays quickly damage the interior of your car and discolor upholstery, etc. It is the same case in the house when a part of the room is exposed to heat and sun rays then the paintings and pictures on the wall become faded. Therefore, having a protective window tint for your car can work wonders by protecting the interior of your car from wearing out and fading. Adding tinted film to your car will also help the air conditioner in your car to work more efficiently. This in turn will help it cool your car faster as direct sun rays are avoided by applying the car window tinting.

Your car is most likely the second biggest purchase you will make in your life with the average car costing more than $20,000. Therefore it makes sense to protect one of your most valued investments while helping it to last as long as possible. Therefore tinting your car windows will help keep your dashboard from cracking while also keeping the car cooler during summer and protecting your console.

Car window tinting can even help during natural disasters. By adding tinted film to your car windows the windows will literally become stronger. This is because the tinted film holds the glass together firmly in the case of an object striking your windows.

How to choose a Car Window Tinting Company

Car window tinting can cost anywhere from $100 to $400. That is why when you are choosing a car window tinting company you need to decide whether you are looking for better quality or low cost. If you need low cost, affordable car window tinting then there will be somewhere in your local area that will provide this service. However, if you are looking for better quality car window tinting then you will have to look for a company that provides excellent service and good quality products. Asking around with friends and acquaintances who have had high quality car window tinting done is a great way to find reliable companies in your area.

After you make a list of all the car window tinting companies, ensure to ask questions before you make a final decision. You should observe how long that company has been in the business. A company which has been in business for at least five to six years shows stability which is an asset. If they have other retail stores around the city then it means the company is a flourishing business and most likely skilled in car window tinting.

Yet another important question which you can ask the company would be whether or not you are allowed to see the samples of their products. In case they agree to have you observe their samples then it shows they really care for their customers and take pride in their work. However, if they refuse this request then it could mean they are not confident in their work and unable to provide positive testimonies/examples. While you are still at the store you can check out the cars which are tinted. Check whether the back window is tinted perfectly with a single piece or not. Also check whether the tint film is entirely redden with all the edges on the either side of your car window.

You should take time in checking whether the tinting job is done perfectly or not. All these aspects will make you understand whether the company would be the best choice for you to purchase tinted film for you car’s window. In the end, you can ask the company about different types of car window tinted films and question if they have any warranty cover for their products. A high quality tinting company should provide some kind of offers and various products like hybrid, metallic and dyed that comes in varied colors. However, when it comes to warranty, you have to make sure that the tinting is legal in your state or country.

If it is not legal then it may invalidate your warranty. Not all the car window tinting companies offer a lifetime warranty, however there are some out there that do. Ensure you take your time when choosing a good car window tinting company so that you get the best possible service, product and an affordable price.

Car Window Tinting Laws

Making your car stand out from the crowd is a goal for many. Some obtain this goal in many ways either by repainting body, tires, rims, kits and lots more. However, one of the best and most common methods to help you car stand out and look great is to get your windows tinted. It is one of the best procedures which has several benefits, not just aesthetically. But before you can get you car windows tinted you need to know about the laws of your state and whether tinting car windows is legal or not.


When you get your car windows tinted it is necessary that you find a professional and qualified person to do the job. There are several car window tinting companies in the market and the key is to find the right person that can match your budget and expectations. However finding out about the tinting laws of your state is very important because every state has its own laws regarding car window tinting. These laws can actually restrict you from applying tinted film to your car windows. It can even restrict how dark the tinted film can be for you car window. It is necessary that you follow all the guidelines of your state and if you do not do so then you may face penalties and fines.

There are chances that you may be made to remove the tinted film from your car window in the case where your car window tinting is against state regulations. You do not want to waste both your money and time on something which you will be forced to take out due to the strict guidelines of your state.


In case you want to get your car windows tinted then make sure that you follow and check what the car window tinting laws of your state are. If you are residing in Alabama then the state laws include how dark the car windows must be tinted, how much reflection the tinted film must have and so on. In fact, the darkness of the tinted film measured by the VLT must be around 32 percent. Similarly, the tinted films must contain metallic elements which usually help in reflecting the light that passes through the tinted glass and reduces the heat and glare generated by the light. Some of the other car window tinting laws include no colors added to the tinted glass and the stickers.


Window Tint Removal

Window film tends to deteriorate with age and they have to eventually be removed. There are several reasons to remove window tint but the two most common signs that show dying films are the dreaded bubbling film and purple film. This purple film is basically caused by non-metallic dyes in the breaking down of film and the changing color. The bubbling film is a sign that the glue used to apply the window tint is failing. When a single bubble appears, it will be followed by several others.

There are some simple methods that can be used to remove this window tint that you can even do at home. You will simply require some basic household items for the window tint removal which are:

  • Super-fine steel wool
  • Ammonia (undiluted)
  • Black trash bags
  • Windex glass cleaner
  • Sharp knife or razor blade
  • Face mask (to be used for protection of chemicals)
  • Nice hot sunny day
  • Three hours of your time 

The windows tint removal process Firstly, cut the garbage bags roughly in the shape of the window and spray soapy water from the outside. Make sure that you cover it with the black trash bag and then smooth the plastic flat. Most of the window tints are constructed by a number of film layers. Therefore when they are left under hot sun the garbage bags would absorb all the heat which will help the film to easily peel off from one place. It is important that you protect all the inside  surfaces near the back window. This means that the rear light, speakers and upholstered surface should be protected so that you can easily spray the undiluted ammonia solution to the entire window film. Remember that this undiluted ammonia has a very strong odor and it is therefore recommended that you wear a face mask when spraying.

While the ammonia is still wet you can trap the ammonia against the window film with the other plastic wrap or trash bag. Make sure that you park the car with its back window facing directly to the sun for at least an hour so that is softens the adhesive of the tint. This will start forming bubbles on the windows to be removed. When this is formed you can start peeling the tint film off the window. You can use the razor blade or even your fingernails to lift the window film from the corner of the window or just try to peel off the window film in one entire piece. Make sure that you keep the window tint moist with ammonia when you are stripping the tint.

You can use a razor blade or knife to scrape off the tint that did not peal easily, but make sure that you don’t cut off defroster lines. Remove all the residual adhesive with the help of ammonia and the super fine steel wool and wipe it off with paper towel before it can dry off. You can finally remove the exterior trash bag and clean the window carefully with the glass cleaner. You can follow this simple method to safely and effectively remove window tints.

People sometimes feel that ‘tinted windows’ are meant for teenagers and Hollywood superstars who are trying to show off or hide in their car. However, people have started realizing of late that getting cars tinted is beneficial for their vehicle. It doesn’t cost much to carry out this activity. The best part of this activity is the privacy obtained by you. In other words, not every person can look in to the windows. Your activities won’t be visible to outsiders.

Windows tend to become stronger after being tinted. In other words, small rocks flying up at the windshield would have a tough time in cracking it. This alone can save hundreds of dollars as well as trips to mechanics. Even smallest of rocks are capable of cracking windshields. Tinting would aid you in protection from rocks. Hence, your tinting costs get saved via not needing to buy new windshields.

Tintings come in many diverse strengths. You are required to check codes within your jurisdiction for ensuring that the strength of the tint used by you is legal. If you have followed the legal procedure, make sure that records are maintained so that whenever you get stopped by police the proof can be showed and you can be on your way.

There are many lawful reasons behind having tinted windows; but then, it’s an individual prerogative. Not everyone tinting comfortable. Experts have advised that to drive with tinted windows is preferable. You will begin to find your driving experience to be cool! As such, there is no harm in getting your car tinted and much to benefit.

Tinting a car window involves the addition of colored hue on existing windows of the car. Carrying out such activities will make your car look better. It is also particularly helpful in preventing a thief from breaking in as they won’t be able to see anything from outside.

There are many concrete reasons behind getting your car tinted. The main reason is that the life of your car interior will be increased by around 60%. In other words, your upholstery will look cooler and fresher for a longer time-span. This will happen by preventing UV rays making their way through your car.