Last updated on June 23rd, 2023 at 09:35 am
The constant bombardment of UV rays through the vehicle’s windows can create a sauna effect. This effect mainly occurs in places such as Mid-Western and Eastern US. As a vehicle owner, you can curb this issue by having a professional window tint guide for your windows.
However, window tinting comes in different materials, shades, and unique features. There are transparent car tints with a high heat rejection rate and high UV protection with superior clarity.
With so many designs and brands, it would be necessary to learn since you need to have all the facts about them.
Professional car window tinting has pros, such as protection against UV and helps keep your vehicle’s interior cool. On the contrary, it also comes with some cons, such as fading over time, being costly to install, and interference with radio or phone signals.
This article will answer these typical queries ranging from; types of window tinting films, how much does it cost to tint a 4-door car, the installation process of professional car window tinting, legal considerations, maintenance and care, and more.
Related Article: Best Window Tint For Beginners: What Is The Easiest Window Tint?
Definition Of Professional Window Tinting
A professional window tinting is simply the application of a window tint film to a vehicle’s window to darken it for several safety reasons and for a stylish appeal too.
Also, it is tinting the window of any car with tinting films by a certified installer or a professional tinting industry dealer.
Benefits Of Professional Window Tinting
The benefits of professional window tinting are below;
- Less Damage From Natural Disaster – With widespread hail storms and many dents on windows, a good window tint will help to remove the force of a hailstorm impacting your vehicle.
- More Security – Window tints reduce break-ins. Crooks looking for valuables would find it difficult to see anything inside your vehicle.
- Saves Energy – Dark (tinted) car windows keep your vehicle cool. As a result, your vehicle wouldn’t use much fuel to run the AC system.
- Increased Resale Value – A professional tinted vehicle would have a higher resale value when in good condition at the dealership.
- Protection Against Shattering – Professional car window tinting offers your vehicle protection against shattering. With tinting, you wouldn’t worry about cracking and splitting by any flying objects.
Other Benefits Of Professional Window Tinting also includes:
- Improve interior comfort as it reduces the heat entering your car.
- Increases protection from the sun’s UV rays.
- Reduces glare so that you see more clearly while driving during the day and even at night.
- Enhances security and privacy since it would be difficult for people to see the inside of your vehicle.
- Makes your vehicle look stylish.
Types Of Window Tinting Films
Check out the types of window tinting films below;
- · Dyed Window Tint Film
- · Metalized Window Tint Film
- · Ceramic Window Tint Film
- · Carbon Window Tint Film
Different Shades And Materials Available- (Advantages And Disadvantages Of Each Type)
#1. Dyed Window Tint Film
This product is the most common and readily available window tint. It has a sticky back that enables it to fix correctly to the window. The use of a heat gun to stick it is also vital. The dyed film appears dark but is relatively clear from within.
Advantages
- Dyed window tint is affordable
- Easy to install
- It has a decent tinting finish
Disadvantages
- The dyed tint can quickly fade over time
- It has a poor cooling effect on any vehicle
- The dyed window tint has low UV protection, especially in the summer.
#2. Metalized Window Tint Film
This type of window film consists of microscopic metal particles that create a metallic and shiny finish. The metalized films are excellent for keeping heat out of a vehicle’s cabin. It also provides a dense reflective coating for users. Most companies used them for reinforcing windscreens making them less shattering.
Advantages
- It has a strong ability to withstand scratching
- Good insulator to heat in the summer
Disadvantages
- The metal particles can interfere with the phone, radio, and infotainment signals.
#3. Ceramic Window Tint Film
This product surpasses the carbon film in performance and contains no dye or metal particles. It blocks 99 UV rays and doesn’t fade over time or even interfere with radio or phone signals. Like the metallic tint film, the ceramic layer makes windows more shatter-proof. It doesn’t conduct heat as it helps to cool the interior temperature of your vehicle. Similarly, it is the best window tint film, has the highest visibility rate, and is the most expensive.
Advantages
- It has 99% UV rays and heat protection.
- It is the toughest and best of all.
- Ceramic tint film is a very classy matt finish
- It doesn’t interfere with phone, radio, or infotainment signals.
- Ceramic tint film lasts for a longer time.
Disadvantages
- Ceramic window tint is the most expensive
- A few specialists manufacturers produce it
#4. Carbon Window Tint Film
The carbon window tint film has a matte finish which most drivers prefer for aesthetic reasons. It is strong in insulating heat and reduces the interior temperature by 40%. With its carbon fiber content, it doesn’t fade over time. Carbon window tint film has high durability and lasts for a longer time.
Advantages
- Carbon window tint is a very attractive matt finish
- Excellent in UV and heat protection.
- It doesn’t interfere with the phone, radio, and infotainment signals.
Disadvantages
- Carbon is more expensive than metalized and dyed window tint film
How Much Does It Cost To Tint A 4 Door Car
The cost to tint a 4-door car is between $50 to $1000. But this cost might increase
or decrease as regards these factors such as;
- Size of windows
- If the window tint will be scrape resistant
- Type of tinting material used
- If you could do it as a DIYer or by a professional.
Installation Process Of Professional Car Window Tinting
Installing window tint isn’t a complex job. It is easy to do as long as you adhere to this step-by-step guide.
Gather Needed Materials
It is vital that before you start window tint installation, the tinting kits must be available to make your work easier.
Check out the window tinting kits below;
- Enough Window Tint Film
- Multiple Blades Or Utility Knife
- Glass Cleaner
- Hard Card
- Masking Tape
- Spray Bottle
- Heat Gun
- Squeegee
Clean The Windows
Always use an alcohol-based cleaner to clean dirt, grease, and other debris. Do well to use a squeegee to get a spotless surface. The cleaner your windows are, the better the success of your installation.
Measure And Cut The Window Tint Film
For better results, place your film on the outside of your window. Measure and cut your window tint using a knife to trim the film for a perfect fit. Ensure you leave some extra room around the edges the account for the stretching of the film.
Prepare The Window Tint Film
Before application, follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions as regards the type of tint you got. After cutting the film, spray it with soapy water and let it sit for a few minutes. The essence of this is to reduce bubbles during application.
Apply The Window Tint Film
Begin to spray a light mist of water on both surfaces to reduce air bubbles and allow the film to stick correctly. You should remove the backing from one side of the film and apply it to the inside of your window. Press down on the edges of the film using the squeegee or plastic spatula.
Trim The Excess Window Tint Film
After applying the film, use a razor to trim some excess at the edges of the film.
Finishing Touches
You must use a damp cloth to remove excess water or bubbles from the window. Carefully do it, don’t press too hard to avoid damage to your newly applied tint.
Congratulations! You can now enjoy privacy and protection from onlookers and UV rays.
Steps Involved In Professional Window Tinting
If you’re looking for steps involved in tinting your windows professionally, check them out below;
- Prep Work
Prep work is usually vital as you consider the type of window tint you want, the tint percentage, and other factors. Then you could get a professional installer who will prep the windows. The main idea of the prepping is to ensure that your installer has a perfect and clean canvas to work.
- Measuring And Fitting
Professional tint installers would always want to complete the measurement, fitting, and cutting on the window. To this end, doing this would vary as regards the window type you got.
- Installation
The application of the tint might vary depending on the manufacturer’s instruction. In as much, measurement, fitting, and cutting have taken most of the time. The installation of the window tint is quicker and better on the inside.
- Curing And Clean Up
At this point, the professional ensures that the installed window tint is cleaned and cured. Although, most newly installed window tint may not require the owner to roll it down within a space of 1 to 2 days. Doing this ensures that the adhesives are dried and entirely appropriately bonded.
Importance Of Proper Installation
You can’t over-emphasize the importance of adequately installing professional window tinting.
Firstly, you won’t end up on the wrong side of the law with a proper installation.
Secondly, professional installers are always up to date on all the rules, as you would drive confidently.
Thirdly, the appropriate installation would also make your tinted windows last longer.
Finally, a proper installation would help to achieve your aims and enjoy all the necessary
benefits regarding tinting.
Legal Considerations
Transport legislation itself keeps drivers safe from accidents. The legal laws in different countries or states depend on the tinting percentage of vehicle windows. Knowing and learning the penalties and exemptions under window tint laws is vital.
Laws And Regulations Regarding Window Tinting
The state’s law primarily regulates vehicle window tinting. These applicable regulations are in each state’s vehicle or traffic codes.
Hence, your state’s vehicle code might consider vehicle window tinting to include the following;
- Heat-shrinking a tinting sheet of film to the car’s windshield or window, possibly inside the glass.
- Shade bands, that said, the horizontal strip of the tint at the top of any vehicle’s windshield that meets with the roof.
- Sunscreen devices affixed temporarily inside the surface of the windshield, side, or rear windows.
Most state laws on window tinting concern the level of light transmittance. These laws also capture the luminous reflectance for the vehicle’s safety.
Additionally, most state vehicle codes
specify that no window should have one-way or opaque, or mirrored material.
Read on to learn more!
Consequences Of Non-Compliance
Whether for legitimate health reasons or otherwise, you must consider the laws in the state first.
However, in any complex situation, you might speak with an attorney handling traffic law matters.
Other than that, law enforcement agencies might pull you over again and again for illegal tinting. On that, you might be charged or fined for breaking the law.
Be sure to weigh the cons and pros of having a dark window tint on your vehicle.
Maintenance And Care
Maintenance and care are essential to how lasting the window tint will be.
How To Properly Care For Window-Tinted Windows
Check out the step-by-step guide to properly care for the tinted windows;
- Use dish soap with warm water to clean the window tint.
- You could use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the window tint in a direction.
- With the help of Mr. Clean, sponge and water, wipe to sparkling clean.
Potential Issues And How To Address Them
Suppose you are maintaining and caring for the window tint; you might encounter issues such as peeling, scratches, discolor and damage to the window.
When cleaning the window tint, you should be able to avoid the edges of the tint. Doing this would prevent the peeling off of the window tint. Ensure no ammonia or harsh chemical liquid is used to prevent color fading.
Gently work on the windows to avoid damaging them.
Recommendations For Selecting A Professional Window Tinting Service.
On the off chance that you want a professional window tinting service, below are what you should consider;
- Quality and Reputation: To enjoy excellent services, you should try to find a highly reputable company or professional. Similarly, know the quality of services they render through their customer review section on their website.
- Cost Of Service: To make a better decision, compare the cost of services of several professional tinting companies. Get a professional window tinting service that suits your budget. Endeavor not to be fooled by cheap companies that wouldn’t render quality services.
- Years Of Experience: An experienced professional or company would always be quick to complete window tinting work with excellent results. Avoid giving tinting jobs to inexperienced companies if you want your installed tints to last longer.
- Location Of Operation: Employ the services of a professional window tinting company within your state or country. Remember, state or country laws differ regarding car window tinting percentages.
- Service Warranty: In a situation where your tinted work peeled out after 3 days. If there is no service warranty, you would have to pay out of your pocket to replace and repair the window film. Ensure you get a company with a good service warranty.
- Insurance And Licensing: Working with an insured company is highly recommended. If for any damage to your vehicle’s window, the insurance will compensate you for the damage caused by the company. Additionally, check the licensing of any company before employing its services.
FAQ:
How Much Does It Cost To Tint Car Windows Professionally?
Tinting a car professionally ranges from $50 to $1000 as regards the choice of material and the number and size of windows. Similarly, it could also cost $300 on average.
What Is The Darkest You Can Legally Tint Your Windows In The US?
Generally, the darkest you can legally tint your window is 50% VLT for the US driver’s and passenger’s front windows.
Similarly, the rear passenger and side windows have a limit of 35% VLT.
Remember that the state’s laws vary as regards window tinting. Hence, you can go darker depending on your state’s regulations.
What Is The Darkest You Can Legally Tint Your Windows In Australia?
A 35% window tint is the darkest that is legal across all states and territories in Australia. Additionally, the Australian regulations, laws, and guides have accepted 35% and 50% VLT to be legally suitable for vehicle windows with no previous tint.
How Much Does It Cost To Tint Car Windows UK?
The cost of tinting windows and their installers varies across several countries and states. The cost of a professional windows tint in the UK would range from £100 to £400 on average. This average cost range depends on the factors below;
- Brand and model of your vehicle
- The number of windows
- The level of darkness you want to tint
- The quality of the tinting film
What Is the Best Window Tint?
The best window tint is ceramic window tint.
It is the best because its features, such as durability, quality, resistance to UV rays/heat, and privacy level, are more significant than others. One advantage it has over the others is that its visibility at night is superior if compared, in any case.
How Much Does It Cost To Tint Car Windows In Florida?
Most of the time, the cost of a job determines the quality. So, in Florida, the cost to tint car windows ranges from $99 to $1220.
Is 20 Percent Tint Too Dark?
Generally, 20% tint is the maximum amount permitted by law. For instance, if you live in states where the legal limit is 35% for the front windows and 25% for the rear side windows. Then your 20% tint is considered too dark.
In order words, the law of your state would determine if your tint is too dark.
Ensure to check the legality of window tint in your residence.
What Is 70% Window Tint Look Like?
The 70% window tint looks like a bluish hue. A window tinted at 70% in most vehicle parts would be unnoticeable once you install it. Although when closely compared side by side with a non-tinted window, the difference becomes apparent.
Conclusion
Finally, professional window tinting is a way to customize the look of any vehicle. It protects the car from the adverse effects of heat and UV rays. Not only does window tint provide a stylish finish, but it helps to minimize energy bills in using the AC.
To this end, the tint cools the vehicle’s interior, reducing fuel consumption. A professional installation requires minimal effort. If you want to install window tints in your car, ensure you get the services of experienced personnel or a reputable company.
Doing this will enhance compliance with your state or country’s regulations on the percentage of tinting film. Also, consider your budget when planning such a venture.
Do well to share this insightful write-up with others!
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