FAQs

1.  Does the film go on the outside or inside of the car?
The film is shaped and cut on the outside of the car and then applied on the inside of the car.  The film would not last very long if it was applied on the outside of the car.
2. How long does the tinting process take?
It varies depending the the car but it normally takes one and a half hours for one installer to finish one car.  Half that time if two installers are working on the car.  SUV’s and minivans take a little longer time.
3. Will the tint affect the defroster lines?
The tint will not affect the defroster lines.  The defroster can be used immediately after installation.
4. How should I clean my tinted windows? 
Use a mild liquid soap mixed in a water bottle using a soft cloth to wipe.  Automotive stores also carry cleaners that say “OK” for tint.  Try not to use any ammonia products to clean the tint which includes Windex because it can deteriorate the clear coat on the film.  Any product can be used on the outside of the window because the film is installed on the inside.
5. How soon can I roll down my windows after being tinted?
The windows can be rolled down after two to three days depending on the weather.  In the summer, two days and in the winter, three days.
6. Will metallized film cause signal interference for the radio, GPS, cell phones, and tire pressure sensors? 
The best thing to do is refer to your owner’s manual for the car. The signal interference varies from car to car.  From my experience, the signal interference is minimal on most newer cars.  Tint Zone does carry non-metallized film.
7. Is the rear window tint done in one or more pieces?
Tint Zone does all the rear windows in one piece.
8. Is it legal to tint your windows?
The laws are different from state to state.  In California, it is legal to tint the back half of the car as dark as you’d like but the legal limit for the frontside (driver and passenger) and windshield is 70% VLT.  The end result must be 70% VLT after the windows have been tinted because the auto glass itself does have a slight shade to it.
9. What is VLT? 
VLT is visible light transmittance.   This is a measurement of visible light transmitting the through the glazing system.  The darker the film, the lower VLT is and vice versa.
10. Can the front windshield be tinted?
Yes, legally the end VLT after tinting should be 70% or higher.  Normally, windshields are tinted with UV clear film (blocks out UV rays only).
11. Does window film protect against UV rays?
Yes.  All films used by Tint Zone block out at least 98% to 99% of UV rays.
12. Do I need to make an appointment?
An appointment is not needed but it is best to make an appointment to reduce wait time.
13. What is a ceramic film?
Ceramic film is basically metal base film where the metal has been stripped of its conductivity so, therefore, it has the heat rejection properties of a metallized film without the signal interference.  Most ceramic films are priced considerably higher than a regular metallized film.
14. Can I tint my home windows?
Yes.  Commercial and Residential windows are tinted with architectural film which is thicker and more durable than automotive film.  Architectural films can reject up to 80% of total solar energy.  Tinted windows will reduce energy costs and reduce damage to carpet, furniture, paintings, etc. caused by UV rays, heat, and visible light.  Added benefits are overall comfort and glare reduction.
15. How much does a tint ticket cost?
It varies, depending on the issueing officer.  Most tickets issued by California Sherrifs and Highway Patrol officers are a “fix a ticket” whereby you must get the film removed on the two frontside only (windshield also, if the VLT percentage is lower than 70%) and than taken to a Sheriff’s or a Highway Patrol office whereby the ticket will be signed and stamped to verify removal of the film.  Local city police tend to add a fine on top of the “fix a ticket”.   The Sherrif’s department will usually charge a $15 administration fee, whereas, the Highway Patrol usually has no fee to sign off the ticket.
16. Where can I get my tint ticket signed off at?
Refer to FAQ #15.
17. What is fading? 
Certain films will actually get lighter in shading as time passes.  So a limo film can actually turn clear as time passes.
18. What is color change?
Most films will not fade but actually change color, usually to a purpleish color.  High Performance (metallized) films will take much longer to change color than a purely dyed only film.  New technology in extruded films also resist color change and fading without it being metallized.
19. What causes a film to bubble?
All films will eventually start bubbling sooner or later depending on the quality of the film.  The sun will eventually dryout the glue making it lose its adhesive properties.  Tiny bubbles may also form, caused by dust or lint under the film, contaminated during the tinting process.  If there is excessive contamination, the film should be reinstalled by the tint shop.
20. What are dot matrixes?
Dot matrixes are dots that usually line the outer edge of rear windows, non roll-up windows, and dots that line the top portion of a rear window.  These dots are there to provide shading in that portion of the window.  Film will not stick to the matrixes in a uniform manner in the regular tint process.   There are differing techniques implemented by tint installers to create a more uniform look on the matrixes.  Ask your dealer what technique they utilize to resolve this problem.  Each technique has it’s own pros and cons.