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Questions and Answers about Window Tinting
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Q: What is window tinting? Is it a film or a Liquid?
A: The film is a coated polyester sheet that is applied to existing glass. Solar control films
use a very fine metal coating which filters the suns radiation including over 98% of the Ultraviolet light.
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Q: How does it stick on to the glass?
A: A clear adhesive is applied to the film during manufacture this is covered by a protective backing sheet.
The only chemical used in the installation is a mild detergent.
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Q: How do we tint car windows?
A: Your car will be stripped of all trims that are in the way and any windows within rubber seals would be removed.
This is done to ensure that the tint is across the entire surface of the glass. Patterns are then individually
made to size and shape on your car windows. The windows are meticulously cleaned and prepared for application.
The liner backing is then removed and the film is carefully placed and applied via use of a soft rubber sponge.
When all visible water is out from underneath the film, it is then checked for any imperfections. Once finished,
your car windows look like a factory tinted window – with no dust, dirt, hairs, creases or gaps.
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Q: How long does it take to tint my car?
A: Installation times vary on different types of car, as do the prices. As an average, we would ask to have your
vehicle for around 4-5 hours. We will however, ask for as long as it takes to complete the installation to our own
high standards! Thus maintaining our good name, and hopefully receiving your approval and referrals.
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Q: What shades do we offer?
A: There are four shades available using our primary metalized range of car window films. They are light, medium,
dark and limousine providing 50, 40, 21 and 5% visible light transmittance. We also offer a selection of polyester
dyed car window films to match factory solar glass on vehicles which have the rear windows factory tinted and clear
glass on the front two doors.
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Q: Will I get any warranty on my window film and installation?
A: All our high performance metalized car window films are supplied with a written lifetime warranty, backed by the
manufacturers, covering material and labour which remains good to the original purchaser.
Our polyester dyed auto window films are offered with a 3 year warranty, also backed by the manufacturers.
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Q: How do you clean it?
A: The silicon hardcoat finish reduces the need for cleaning and risk of scratching. 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 i.e. (Mr. Muscle, windowlene fast glass) is fine. No cream
abrasive or commercial cleaners containing the likes of ammonia should be used.
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Q: Will our film installations bubble & peel?
A: No. The only time that you may see defects in professional tints is if it has taken a hard knock, which of course would
also damage the glass on its own, or if the film has been cleaned incorrectly with something abrasive like ammonia.
The worst case of bubbling and peeling are seen on bad tint jobs, such as DIY's or mobile tint companies.
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Q: Will film being installed on my back window affect my heated rear screen?
A: The film will not interfere with your heated rear screen. It will merely assist in heating a larger area of your screen,
and your heated rear elements will not interfere with the film. To allow for the film to dry evenly we recommend that a heated screen is
not used for seven days after the window is tinted - thereafter it can be used as per the norm.
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Q: How long would the film last?
A: All of our metalized car window films are supplied with a written lifetime warranty, good to the original purchaser. This type of
film, in a mild British environment, should last forever. It is said that in extremely hot climates it should still last for 15-20 years.
Polyester dyed films are warranted for 3 years, and we should expect the quality types we use that have UV inhibitors within the adhesives,
should last 7-10 years in a British climate. The only drawback to dyed films is that they will discolour in time in the sun and UV rays. This
is delayed by the fact that our films have UV inhibitors within the adhesives.
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Q: What is the visibility like from the inside out?
A: This depends on the film chosen. Most safety films are absolutely clear but still provide a 98% plus Ultra Violet filter. The Solar control
films may affect light levels but as your eyes automatically adjust to different light levels, the degree is generally only 5 - 10%. The term for
the eyes adjusting is visual acuity and the actual percentage is noted on each sample. Metalized films are made up of neutral tones, therefore
when you look through these films you get true colour perception (if you are looking at a white background it remains white). Colours are slightly
distorted when looking through dyed 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 dazzle from headlights
at night, therefore reducing eye strain and making driving more comfortable and safe.
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Q: How much privacy will it provide and how dark will certain films look on my car?
A: 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 colour
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 and classy. Whatever your requirements we will have the right option and advice for you.
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Q: How durable is the window film?
A: All of our window films have a quality durable scratch resistant coating which is designed to cope with the day to day usage of your up and down windows
and cleaning ensuring that you use a clean cloth (no grit embedded which would scratch even untreated glass). Your film would not withstand anything heavy
or hard knocks for example, unsecured items in your car as with untreated glass.
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Q: Will there be any daylight lines or gaps when the window film is fitted?
A: When tinting your car windows, all trims, windows and rubbers are removed completely when required. For example, a rear door quarter light window with a
rubber seal would need to be removed to ensure access and no light gaps. There are often short cuts taken on these windows, either by using an undersize 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).
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Q: How long would it be before I can use my windows as normal?
A: Your up and down windows will require 3 days (manufactures suggestion) to cure before winding 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.
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Q: How long before my film is completely cured, dry and at its greatest strength?
A: 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, adding a varying amount of security to your car windows dependant on the spec of film you use. All film is porous so in time it will dry from the inside out.
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Q: Can we retint a window with damaged film?
A: Film can be removed from your car 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. Retinting your car is then obviously the same as starting afresh, the
only thing to bear in mind is that metalized film will not fade and discolour in time like dyed film, so you will get a better match on smashed and retinted windows by using
the superior metalized film in the beginning
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Q: Do we need to remove any windows or door trims?
A We will only remove door trims and windows when necessary. Any windows held in by rubber seals need to be removed to tint right to the edge of the glass, this method also
adds security. Door cards are removed if they are too tight to tuck without creasing the film and increasing the risk of dirt infection.
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Q: Should I try to install my own window film?
A From our own experience in learning to tint, we would advise you that it would cost thousands of pounds in film wastage and lot of hours spent with the need to be installing
film on a daily basis before reaching an acceptable standard, let alone our standards. There is also a high risk of causing damage to your car which would leave you punishing
yourself for days when you realise you have taken the most expensive option with results that you would not be satisfied with. (We are experienced in tinting many makes and
models of vehicles and we ensure you a first class finish).
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Q: Will we install film that has been purchased from an auto accessory retailer?
A: When we make our customer aware we purchase our film in bulk, therefore buying at a more competitive price. The film that they have purchased is more likely to be the inferior
single ply, and not the 2 ply polyester dyed type that we install. The 2 ply type has scratch resisting coatings and UV inhibitors within the adhesive thus reducing fading and
prolonging life expectancy. Only professionally installed films will be covered by a manufacturer warranty.
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Q: Do you provide a mobile service?
A: When tinting car windows you need the correct environment. We will only complete installations at our fully equipped, clinically clean workshop facility to ensure the best quality
finish. When you make a reservation with us, your installation will be completed on the date specified, with no complications such as unpredictable British weather conditions. We
have seen, stripped and retinted lots of mobile window tint attempts, due to dirt infections and creases caused by a light breeze which has taken and damaged the film. You could also
expect to have light gaps due to the fact there was not the facility to strip the necessary parts of the car, or worse they have modified your rubber seals and up and down window
seals to take unprofessional shortcuts.
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"...I had my wife's Suzuki tinted by Shropshire tints as they were the only company who convinced me they would really do a good job -
and they did!"
