Auto Tinting Frequently Asked Questions

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Questions About Automotive Window Tinting

How is tint applied to car windows?

All Window Patterns are computer-cut to the exact size and shape of the glass pieces.  No knives or blades ever touch your vehicle, insuring that no damage can occur.  For windows that are not removable, such as the rear window, we remove interior molding pieces, brake light fixtures, etc. in order to cover the glass entirely with the film.  Since the films adhesive is water activated, we only use water and a drop of mild soap during the installation process. No chemicals our ever used, also insuring that  nothing could damage your vehicle's interior.  Expensive precautions? Yes, but our customers are worth it!

The windows are meticulously cleaned and prepared for film application. The film is carefully placed and applied with the use of a soft rubber squeegee, removing all visible water (kind of like applying wallpaper).  It is then detailed and checked for any imperfections. Once finished, your car windows look like a factory tinted window.

What shades do we offer?

We stock from light to dark in all of the film types we carry. They are Super light, light, medium, dark and Privacy, providing 50%, 35%, 30%, 15% and 5% visible light transmittance. These films have been chosen because they offer the best match to the factory look, and come with a manufactures written lifetime warranty.

How long does it take to tint my car?

Obviously installation times vary on different types of cars, as do the prices. As an average, we would ask to have your vehicle for around 1 1/2 - 2 hours. We will never rush however and will always make sure that every installation passes our own high standards! Thus maintaining our good name, and hopefully receiving your approval and referrals.

Will I get any warranty on my window film and installation?

All our Llumar® automotive window films are supplied with a written lifetime warranty, backed by the manufacturer, covering material and labor which remains good to the original purchaser.  So even if you move to a different state, you're still covered.  Any Llumar Dealer in the nation can provide you with the covered warranty work at no charge to you.

Will the tint film bubble or peel?

No. The only time that you may see defects with a professional installation is if it has taken physical damage such as scratching with hard metal objects, which might likely damage the glass too anyways, or if the film has been cleaned incorrectly with something abrasive or ammonia.

The worst cases of bubbling, peeling or turning purple are seen on tint jobs, which were done with inferior craftsmanship or poor quality materials.

Will film being installed on my back window affect my Defroster lines?

The film will not interfere with your heated rear window. It will merely assist in heating a larger area of your window, and your heated rear elements will not interfere with the film.

What is the visibility like from the inside out?

Visibility is very good when looking through our film. Our Llumar®  films are made up of neutral tones, therefore when you look through these films you get true color perception (if you are looking at a white background it remains white). Colors are slightly distorted when looking through lower quality films.

There are however benefits with regard to film and visibility, as it will reduce glare such as the sun getting in your eyes and glare from headlights at night, therefore reducing eye strain and making driving more comfortable and safe.

How much privacy will it provide and how dark will certain films look on my car?

When choosing the shade of window film to be applied to your car, we will ask you what you are looking to achieve. You will need to look at what color interior and exterior you have, and the size and angles of the glass around your car. For example, if your car has a black interior and a white exterior then a medium shade film would look quite dark, whereas if your car has a light grey or white interior and a black exterior, then with a medium film it would look subtle. Whatever your requirements we will have the right option and advice for you.

Will there be any daylight lines or gaps when the window film is fitted?

NO! Our computer-cut patterns are a perfect fit, so you will never have any light gaps. The precise patterns even allow us to provide you with micro-borders on the top of your roll-up windows.

Inferior tint shops with low standards often take short cuts either by using an undersized piece of film leaving unsightly light gaps, or worse still, trimming back the inside edge of the rubber seal to ensure no light gaps, which compromises the security and condition of your car. (We prefer only to enhance it).

How should I clean my windows once my film has been applied?

Cleaning window film is in fact easier than cleaning glass, as the surface is much smoother. We recommend cleaning with a clean soft cloth, or clean paper towel for the best results. Any domestic window spray is fine. No cream abrasive or commercial cleaners containing ammonia should be used.

How long would it be before I can use my windows as normal?

Your up and down windows will require 3-5 days (manufactures suggestion) to cure before rolling them up & down. We recommend not cleaning your treated windows for up to 7 days. Do not apply suckers for at least 7 days. It is advised that you do not apply window stickers at all as this may cause damage upon the need of removal.

How long before my film is completely cured, dry and at its greatest strength?

The manufacturers advise a full 31 days of drying time before you should not expect to see any small amounts of water under the film, and for the film to be at its full strength. Obviously, this will very based on your State's climate.  All film is porous so in time it will dry from the inside out.

Can we re-tint a window with damaged film?

Film can be removed from your windows without causing any damage, we would however recommend that you have this done professionally to avoid any associated costly damage.  Any professional tint shop would have the correct tools and chemicals to remove such stubborn adhesives.  Re-tinting is now simply the same as starting fresh.

Should I try to install my own window film?

If you want a perfect job or are not good with your hands, I recommend that you allow us to provide you with our automotive tint services.  If you are a Do-It-Yourself type of person and good with your hands, we offer Do-It-Yourself Pre-cut Automotive Tint Kits.  Our kits are made from the exact quality Llumar® films that we install at our retail locations.  We also have available Tint Tools, Tint Tool Kits, Installation Instructions and Instruction videos ... to help make the  Auto Film installation process go as smoothly as possible.  Also check out our $9.95 window replacement guarantee.  What ever you decide, our over 20 years of experience will be here to answer any questions you may have.

Do you provide a mobile service?

Yes, we do offer Mobile Tinting. Although we recommend having your vehicle tinted indoors at our fully equipped, clean Retail Store to ensure the best quality finish. If mobile is the only way you can go, we will be happy to provide you with the very best mobile service in our industry. Our mobile installer is the very best around.