Car Tint Film

Everything You Need to Know About Car Window Tinting Film

There’s no denying that car window tinting adds a touch of elegance to your vehicle. It makes an otherwise plain car stylish and sharp, and also comes with safety features. However, before you have your vehicle tinted, there are several factors that you need to consider to ensure that you get the right option based on your unique needs.

If you’re thinking of getting your car tinted and are looking for more details, QW Tinting has compiled a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision. This includes the main car window tinting film types, the benefits of having your car window tinted, and insights into the most frequently asked questions. Welcome to the ultimate guide of car window tinting films!

What Are the Main Types of Car Window Tint Films?

There are 5 main types of car window tinting films. Explore each film type below.

    1. Ceramic Window Tint – This type of window tint is one of the most costly options on the market, but it’s worth every dollar you spend. Ceramic window tint is made from non-conductive and microscopic ceramic particles combined with an adhesive and extra protective layer.
      Installing ceramic window tint film on your car won’t interfere with cell phones and radio functionality. This tint also has impressive sun and UV protection and heat rejection properties.
    1. Metalized Window Tint – This type of window tint is made from tiny metal particles that are invisible to the eye. It is multilayer, has a very recognizable shiny appearance, and has high reflection qualities. Metalized window tint is very strong and has anti-shatter properties that prevent your window from breaking into tiny pieces after impact. It also has high UV rays and heat resistance. However, you should note that the metal layer often interferes with GPS and mobile phone transmission. It could also impact your radio reception.
    1. Dyed Window Tint – Dyed window tint is very popular, primarily due to its affordability. It’s made from one or more layers of non-reflective dye and comes with a top coating that provides some level of anti-scratch resistance. This type of window tint film, however, doesn’t last long compared to other alternatives and fades over time, mostly due to UV light damage.
    1. Carbon Window Tint – Carbon window tints have some metallic and dyed tint features. It offers high heat-blocking and UV resistance capabilities and is highly durable thanks to the fade-resistant qualities of the carbon molecules. This type of window tint also allows cell phone and GPS signals to penetrate your car.
    1. Clear Window Tint – If you’re not a fan of dark tints, you’ll definitely enjoy clear window tints. This type of tint upgrades your car windows without darkening your vehicle’s interior. It’s mainly designed to offer maximum UV ray protection.

Benefits of Getting Your Car Windows Tinted

Car window tinting does more than add aesthetic appeal to your vehicle. It also has additional benefits, such as extending the life of your car, enhancing comfort, and increasing safety.

Here are the main reasons you should consider tinting your car windows.

  • Safety: Window tints have anti-shatter properties that prevent the glass from breaking into tiny pieces after impact. This ensures that the glass stays together after an accident, ultimately protecting you from injuries caused by small pieces of glass. Dark window tints also prevent thieves from seeing the contents of your car.
  • Skin protection: Repeated sun exposure is very harmful and can cause skin damage. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, up to 90% of skin cancer cases are caused by exposure to UV rays. Most auto window tint films have UV protection that shields you from the sun’s rays. This means that you won’t have to worry about sunburns on your morning and evening commute.
  • Aesthetics: Tinted car windows look stylish, elegant, and cool. When the tinting is professionally done, it gives your vehicle an irresistible air of mystery.
  • Privacy: This is highly dependent on the level of tint that you go for. While clear window films don’t offer much in the way of privacy, dark window tints prevent nosy people and thieves from viewing what’s inside your car.
  • Heat reduction: Car window tints prevent some of the heat from penetrating your vehicle. This feature especially comes in handy during summer or when there’s a lot of direct sunlight, by preventing your car from being unbearably hot.
  • Fade resistance: Auto window tinting protects your car’s upholstery from direct sunlight, thereby keeping it in excellent condition for a long time. This is especially helpful if your vehicle has a dark interior.

How the Tinting Process Works in 5 Steps

Even though car models are unique, the window tint installation process is often the same. Here’s a step-by-step guide into the tinting process.

Step 1: Dusting
Car windows are prone to collecting dust. Therefore, the first thing the technician does is clean it off using a soft microfiber cloth. This ensures that there are no contaminants wedged between the glass and adhesive, which could cause the formation of air bubbles.

Step 2: Preparation of the Tinting Environment
After dusting the car, the professional installers use soapy water to get rid of stubborn debris. They also clean the area around the trunk or hood, the door, and right below the window. This step is crucial, as tint film sticks much better to clean windows.

Step 3: Measuring and Cutting
Once the car windows are dry, the technician moves on to measuring and cutting. This step involves laying out the tint film on the window’s exterior before making precise cuts based on the shape of your window.

Technicians typically use a heat gun to contour the film to the curve of your glass once the entire window is covered and the excess cuts are trimmed. The gun emits low heat, so it doesn’t damage your vehicle in any way.

Step 4: Installation
The technician only commences the installation process when they are certain that the film is well-shaped and properly sized. They activate the adhesive on the tint film by spraying a soapy solution on it and the window, removing the film liner, and applying the film.

To ensure that the film is secure, the technician uses a squeegee to get rid of any excess solution and plastic scrapers to remove the bubbles. They may also use a heat gun at this stage to ensure the film contours to the glass.

Step 5: Inspection
Finally, the technician inspects their work to ensure that the tint job is free from any blemishes. Typically, it takes around 3 days for the adhesive to cure. Thus, the technician should advise you to refrain from rolling your car windows down during this time.

Carbon vs. Ceramic Window Tint

Carbon and ceramic car window tinting films are two of the best options on the market. The carbon tint film is made from carbon molecules, while the ceramic window tint is made from microscopic ceramic particles.

Both tint films have exceptional UV ray protection and high durability. Plus, they don’t interfere with electronic devices. While ceramic window tint is more expensive, it offers better protection and glare properties. It also has improved anti-shatter capabilities.

FAQs About Car Window Tinting Films

What’s the Best Car Window Tint Film Type?

There are many different types of car window tinting films, and the best option for you depends on your priorities and preferences.

Typically, ceramic window tints are considered the best option based on qualities such as durability, UV protection, heat resistance, safety, anti-shattering properties, and sun fading protection. You should, however, make your decision based on your preferences and budget.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Car Window Tinting?

Car window tinting offers many benefits, including:

  • Enhanced safety and security
  • Cooler interior temperatures
  • UV protection
  • Interior fade resistance
  • Sleeker car appearance
  • Increased privacy

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to auto window tinting. For example:

  • Tints can reduce your outside visibility
  • Some states prohibit certain levels of tinting

How Much Does Car Window Tinting Cost?

The prices vary based on the type of car window tint film you choose and your vehicle’s model. For instance, at QW Tinting, a Single Cab Truck is charged $129, while an SUV or Wagon will cost you $229. It also costs more for a ceramic upgrade. View our price list or contact us today to get pricing for your vehicle.

What Are the Car Window Tinting Laws in Ohio?

All states have varying car window tinting laws. In Ohio, the front side windows are only allowed 50 percent VLT, or Visible Light Transmission. However, Ohio allows any level of tint for the backside and rear windows. Additionally, you can only install non-reflective tint on the top 5 inches of the windshield. Failure to abide by these laws results in a misdemeanor with a fine of about $120.

Is Carbon Tint Better Than Regular Tint?

Yes. It doesn’t have any metallic content, so it won’t interfere with radio, GPS, and cell phone transmission. It also has a matte finish effect which upgrades the appearance of your car.

Enjoy the Benefits of Car Window Tinting Today!

The benefits of car window tinting far outweigh the cons. Automotive window tint films protect you from harmful UV rays, keep your car cool during hot seasons, enhance safety, and give your vehicle aesthetic appeal. They also increase the durability of your vehicle, protect your car upholstery from fading and enhance your privacy.

Call QW Tinting at 859-344-8288 or complete our online form to schedule your car window tinting appointment.