Automotive - Questions and Answers

1. How long does it take to have tint installed on my car?
The process generally takes 1 - 2 hours depending on the difficulty of the car, cleanliness, and the number of windows. Window tinting is not a race, we take our time to offer quality installations. We have over 15 years of experience and offer the same quality of work to each customer.

2. What do I use to clean my tinted windows?
While most films can only use ammonia free products, 3M Films are designed to be able to use windex on the film without hurting the film
which means one less thing to worry about. Any household window cleaner and a soft cloth will work fine.

3. Why do I see little bubbles or patchiness soon after installation?
This is very normal. We use a lot of water to activate the adhesive and to allow us to move the film around and position it for a perfect installation. Although we squeegee out as much of the water as possible, some small amount remains between the glass and the film. As this water evaporates through the film you may see some little bubbles or foggy patches. These should go away within a few days but could last a month or so if we are applying a premium all metal film and get very little sunshine to aid in the evaporation process. Never poke, prod, or pop these bubbles, they will go away on their own.

4. Can window film ever be removed?
Yes, Window Film can be removed at any time after the installation. As tint professionals we know all the tips and tricks on proper tint removal. Please call us if you require a removal. It is a very tough and messy job, not recommended for beginners.

5. Will the tint fade or turn purple?
All tint fades with time. If you would like a long lasting film try 3M cs nano carbon Film. 3M cs nano Carbon film is a non-reflective non metallized film and contains no dyes so it never changes color and will not interfere with cell phone reception or any of your cars electronics like a metallized film will. It also comes with a nation wide manufacturer's lifetime warranty.

6. Does Window Film go on the inside or the outside?
Automotive Window Film goes on the inside surface thus keeping it out of the elements.

7. Why do I see bubbled or purple tint on cars?
The tint is either very old or of poor quality. Most older films, even the top quality brands, will discolor and turn purple. When this is accompanied by bubbles then the film used was a cheap brand. The bubbles are a result of a failure in the adhesive system causing the tint to literally lift from the glass. If our tint ever bubbles, we will replace it at no additional cost to you, but we guarantee that this will never happen.

8. How durable is tinting?
Window film is protected by a hard scratch-resistant coating that can withstand everyday use and kids. The key word however is "resistant", this does not mean "scratch-proof". Even glass will scratch, so be careful when loading and unloading objects with sharp edges, boxes, sporting equipment, and also when releasing your seatbelt, this can easily make small nicks that are not covered by warranty.

9. What is dyed-film, hybrid film, full metallized film, and the difference?
A dyed film is just as it says. The polyester is dyed in a submersion process that is absorbed into the porous material. This is the most effective way to ensure good color and life of color. Another way is the dyed adhesive process where the adhesive is colored prior to the application to the clear polyester. Metallized films are created by a process called sputtering. This is an advanced process that uses a rod of desired metal such as nickel, stainless steel, copper, aluminum and others that is literally converted into a molten form and "sputtered" on the surface of the film by charging the metal and the film with opposing ions allowing the metal to penetrate and uniformly bond to the film. Hybrid films is a bonding together of a dyed film and a full metallized film.

10. What is the difference between after-market tinting and factory tinted windows?
Some truck and sport utility vehicles come from the manufacturer with glass that has been darkened using an electrical process called "deep dipping". This "factory tinted" glass is a dark shade but does not protect the interior of your car from the sun’s heat or damaging UV rays as well as after market window tinting. Major film manufacturers have formulated tinting materials to closely match the factory tinted glass allowing the front door windows of some truck and SUV's have window tint with a legal matching shade. It is also possible to apply after market window tinting over factory tinted glass to make the windows darker and to improve performance. In other words, "factory tint" means the dye is actually in the glass, it can never be removed. "Aftermarket tint" is a transparent paper with an adhesive side that bonds to the glass, it can be removed.

11. Will the tint damage my rear defroster?
No it will not. We tint right over top of it. The defrosters can be used right away without affecting the tint.

Commercial/Residential - Questions and Answers

1 Does window film stop fading?
Ultra violet, visible light and heat make up approximately ninety percent of fabric fading. A window film with a visible light transmission of 15% stops almost 80% of fabric fading while a window film with a visible light transmission of 60% stops approximately 60% of fabric fading by confining the amount Ultra violet, visible light and heat entering through the window.

2. Will the application of window film help my cooling costs in the summer?
Yes. Window films are designed to reject up to 82% of the sun's total solar energy. This means that the more glass you cover that receives direct sunlight, the more heat you will prevent from entering the room. Remember, the film blocks solar heat and does not affect the ambient air temperature.

3. Will the application of window film help reduce my heating costs in the winter?
Our window films are designed to reduce solar energy. Proper insulation and airtight windows and doors best reduce heating costs. Because window film is an insulating product, a side effect is the re-radiation of some heat escaping through the glass, but it is not sold or designed to reduce heating costs.

4. Do window films provide extra protection if a window is broken?
If a window that has had window film applied to it is broken, the film can help prevent the glass from falling into the room. In the event of broken glass, window film will limit injury and damage to people and property. Even if a window breaks, the window film will keep out the weather until the glass can be replaced. The thicker the film the better it is. In fact safety/security films have proven tested standards.

5. What is the life span of window film?
The effective life span of window film depends on the types of film, glass, and climate. There are documented cases of film lasting 12 to 22 years or more in some instances. This should not, however, be assumed to be the normal expected life. In Canada, most professional grade window films should last over ten years. Most window film warranties are for at least ten years.

6. Isn't Window Film Expensive?
The average installation costs less than most other window treatments. Actually, your investment in window film will return dividends in the form of reduced air conditioning and heating costs, and protection against costly fading.

7. Can window film be applied to all kinds of glass including double-pane?
Window film can be applied to most clear or tinted windows including insulated glass, however, some restrictions and limitations may apply. Window films are designed for application to glass only.

8. How will window films affect my plants?
Medium and light density films may slow the growth of common household plants for the first several weeks while the plant adjusts to the presence of the film. Following the films application, plants usually require less watering and this may result in a healthier plant overall. Most plants will thrive, with window film, because they won't "burn" on sunny days.