Deciding to finally have your car windows tinted is one of the best favors you did for yourself. Aside from making your ride classier on the exterior, you also protect the ones you ride with—from the harmful UV rays to the added perils of road accidents.

Whether you are planning to have it professionally tinted or trying to learn how to do it yourself, all the information about car tinting may be overwhelming. But, proper research is important before reaching an informed decision. Remember, removing window tints are harder than installing it.

To make sure that you get the best results, here are Top Tips for Successful Car Tinting:

Choosing the Right Tint Film

There are many kinds of tint films available for you to choose from:

Dyed Window Film – made by placing a layer of dye between an adhesive layer and a protective polyester top coating. The adhesive layer sticks to the window glass, while the top coating protects the film and prevents scrapes and scratches.

Advantages:

block from five to fifty percent of the light from entering your vehicle.

produces the darkest effect

non-reflective.

does not block radio waves, won’t interfere with an in-glass antenna.

reduces fading from sunlight.

blocks unwanted glare headlights and other bright lights.

Disadvantages:

When installed incorrectly, dyed film can have an unattractive bubbled appearance.

does not block as much heat as other products.

The layers can separate from each other

Prone to purpling and fading

Metalized Window Film – film consists of several layers: base layer (adhesive that sticks the film to the window; a film that blocks UV rays, a metalized film that reflects heat and darkens your windows and finally a protective layer to prevent scratches)

Advantages:

blocks out 10-40% of the light, heat and glare

excellent at blocking UV rays

does not fade over time and is extremely durable

Disadvantages:

Can interfere with radio technology, cell phone signal and tire-pressure monitoring system

Has a very shiny appearance due to the metal content.

Costs more because metal is more expensive to produce

Hybrid Tinting Film – offers the advantages of dyed and metalized films without their respective disadvantages. It consists of 4 layers: adhesive, a dyed film, a metalized film, and protective top coat.

Advantages:

Blocks heat, glare and UV rays

Reduced fading probability

doesn’t interfere with cell phones and radio signals.

Not reflective

Less expensive

Ceramic Film – a newer alternative, this type consists of an adhesive layer bonded to a thin ceramic layer and protected by a top coat.

Advantages

very effective at blocking heat, UV rays and light glare

does not fade

allows radio signals to pass through

isn’t as reflective as metalized options.

Disadvantages

Very costly, most expensive option

Aside from film types, you also need to think about the darkness percentage of your tint, which is stated in the law. In the UK, the front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through and the front side windows must let at least 70% of light through.

Choosing the best tinting company

From the many companies in your area that offer professional window tinting, which one would you trust your car with? Just like with the car tint film, you need to do a lot of research before deciding. It is important that you Determine How Long the Business Has Been in the Area, with an untarnished reputation and credibility. You also need to inquire about the types of window films and warranties that they carry: the colour and darkness.

Consider options too. Don’t hesitate to ask for price quotations and compare the companies’ rates.

Learning to DIY it

Many people think that they can save some money when they opt to tint their car windows on their own, but how hard it is really?

The truth is it is not easy. Window tinting is a tedious and meticulous and painstaking that requires a lot of time, care, and attention. There is little margin for error and getting it wrong just means spending more.

Many stores sell tinting DIY kits, and if you are a little adventurous and a fast learner, maybe you can give it a go. Just keep in mind to consider DIY tips online and take your time.

Although DIY car tinting is an option for everyone, it is not really advisable. The chances of ruining it, spending more and having a difficult time is higher, compared to the comfort and convenience of just leaving it to the professionals.

Preparing your car before tinting

Many people don’t know it but when it comes to car tinting, cleaning is a key component. Before the big tinting day, clean your window both inside and outside. Use a solution of warm water and gentle soap. A few drops of dishwashing soap or baby soap will work fine. Spray the glass and then scrape the water off with a fresh razor blade, taking care not to scratch the glass.

What to do post-tinting

After the tint installation, car owners may find that there is some moisture remaining between the film and the glass after installation which causes a hazy, streaky, blotchy appearance. Don’t panic! It is just normal as it usually takes several days for the adhesive/film to completely cure or completely dry. The remaining moisture will evaporate through the film; depending on the type of film, this process may take a couple of days, or even a couple of months.

It is also recommended that car owners wait a week before cleaning the inside of the window where the film was installed, and not to roll down the windows or at least 24 hours after the window film installation. This allows the film to cure and adhere to the glass before the window is moved.

After a full week, use a window cleaner without ammonia and a soft cloth or rubber squeegee. Never scrape the film with any type of blade or clean your tinted windows with anything abrasive, as it will scratch the film.

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