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Automotive Window Tinting FAQ

We’ve had it!! The rumor mill is out of control and we’re ready to answer the questions that we hear from our clients most often … so, here you go — Automotive Window Tinting FAQ from The Master at Tintmaster!

Related Article: Auto Tinting: We Busted 5 Automotive Window Tinting Myths

Although the automotive industry has seen several trends come and go over the years, window tinting has consistently remained a sought-after service among people across the globe for many years and continues to do so to this day. However, despite the widespread popularity of automotive-based window tinting, many questions still surround the installation process thus spawning several misconceptions among potential consumers.

To remedy this, we have comprised a list of some of the most frequently asked questions and concerns regarding automotive window tinting, in an attempt to answer some of these questions and set the record straight!

Setting The Record Straight: Automotive Window Tinting FAQ

Q: What is Window Film?

A: Comprised of polyethylene terephthalate, window film is a thin polyester film material that is applied to interior surface of the glass window in your car. The reasons for doing so can vary from aesthetic purposes, to increased privacy, to reducing the amount of heat and UV rays allowed to enter your windows. Window film can come in a variety of tints, shades, and colors, to be altered to suit the intended needs and desires of the consumer.

Related Article: What’s the Best Type of Window Tinting for Your Car?

Q: How long does the installation process take?

A: The installation process typically requires two or three hours to complete in its entirety; however, this can vary depending on the type of vehicle in question, as well as the number of windows being tinted.

Q: Is the tinting film installed on the inside or the outside?

A: Although the film is initially hand-cut and trimmed on the outer side of the windows, the film is then installed INSIDE the car’s windows, thereby achieving the desired effect.

Q: Can I wash my car after having my windows tinted?

A: Yes, A car CAN be washed after having its windows tinted, so long as only the outside of window is cleaned and not the inside. Once the installation process is finished, we highly recommend that you wait at least one week prior to washing the inside of your windows, and that you use a foam based, ammonia-free cleaning product to do so. Additionally, it would probably be best to use a cloth hand towel to clean the newly tinted glass as harder materials may scratch or damage the film.

Q: Can I roll down my windows after having them tinted?

A: No! Not right away! Once the tinting film has been applied to the glass, you should wait a minimum of at least three to five days in order to allow the film’s adhesive to fully take to the glass.

Q: Why does window tint sometimes bubble or fade?

A: Unfortunately, this is the result of the film’s adhesive failing and while there a couple of factors that may cause this, it usually boils down to three things:

  1. Not giving the film enough time to settle before rolling the windows down
  2. Washing them too soon
  3. Using inadequate tinting materials.

The latter case is typically the result of DIY window tinting kits that are sometimes sold at automotive retail stores. Although DYI tinting kits are relatively inexpensive, the cumbersome tinting film that they use cannot deliver the same type of quality that a professional grade tinting can.

Related Article: Professional Tinting Services: Wanna Tint Your Car’s Windows? (DIY vs. Professional)

Q: How dark are windows legally allowed to be?

A: This is a question that may vary depending on what state you live in, as different states have deferent regulations regarding the percentage of tint that can be applied to specific windows. California State Law for instance, permits that while any percentage of tint can be used for the back-side windows and rear windows of a car, the driver and passenger windows cannot be any darker than 70%, and only non-reflective tint can be applied to the windshield.

Automotive Window Tinting FAQ: No Snake Oil Here!

As a family-owned and operated business, we at Tintmaster pride ourselves on establishing an open and honest relationship with all our customers and look forward to doing the same for you. While automotive window tinting is one of our most requested services, at Tintmaster we offer both commercial and residential services as well!

Related Article: 3 Reasons to Choose Tintmaster for Your Window Tinting

If you have any additional questions on automotive or any of our other services, please feel free to call or visit our site.

Nobody does it like the master, That’s TintMaster!

As a family owned and operated business, Tintmaster prides themselves on professional installation, high-quality materials, and unparalleled customer service. They have been serving the Sacramento area since 1989 and have built a reputation for excellence. If you need automotiveresidential, or commercial window tinting, give the specialists at Tintmaster a call at 916-852-8468.

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