What to expect when getting your windows tinted

What to expect when getting your windows tinted

What Are The Benefits of Window Tinting?

  • Protects skin from harmful UV rays (Some films block infrared rays, ask your professional about these options)

  • Holds glass in place in the event of an accident or broken window

  • Provides privacy & gives a sleek appearance! No more of that, “driving around in a fish bowl” feeling.

  • Reduces heat & glare

You’ve never had your windows tinted, and you’re not sure where to start. Here’s a few tips from your professionals here at Midwest Tinting.

  • Find a reputable company: look at online reviews, and how long they have been in business

  • Ask questions when calling around.

    •Ask what type of film they use
    •Is there a warranty available?
    •If you work or travel a lot in your vehicle, you might consider finding out if there is an option to upgrade to a ceramic film, which rejects more heat.
    • Certain car models or vehicles with curvature, larger glass or special features may take longer and require more attention to detail. Make sure your technician is experienced! Cars such as the Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen Bugs, older Corvettes and many old school cars have larger glass with difficult curvature.

  • Everyone can try tinting but only a pro can bring out that unique elegance. Professional tinting will definitely cost a little more but it’s worth that extra charge. Many of the techniques required for a perfect tint installation are learned over time with repetition and repeated practice.

    **You’ll also want to note if your car is already tinted or not, as this will affect the cost.

 

Installation can range from 30 minutes up to 3 hours. You are welcome to wait in our lobby or drop off. Once checked in, one of our trained sales associates will assist you in picking out your film level and percentage. If removal of current film is necessary, we will go over those options and time range upon seeing the vehicle.
Care Instructions:
Do not roll your windows up/down for 2-3 days (3 – 5 days during cold weather). Bubbling is normal as it is part of the curing process. Can take up to 2 weeks to completely cure depending on weather and how your vehicle is stored while not being operated. Do not use ammonia or vinegar-based cleaners on your window film. This means NO windex. Doing so can cause deterioration and fading of your film, voiding warranty.

 

How Can I tell If My Car Is Already Tinted?

How can you tell if your car is aftermarket film, or tinted by the factory? If it is bubbling, peeling, delaminated, or discolored, that is an aftermarket tint. Failing films will need to be removed before anyone can install new, warranted film. If there is no visibly failing film, you can usually roll your window down, and feel where the edge of the film meets the top of the glass. Sometimes you can even see where it has faded over the years.

Window Film Removal Can Be Costly, Can I do It Myself?

You can remove window film yourself, but if a lot of adhesive or glue is left on the glass, and in the seals, most companies will still charge for removal. Removing film from the back window is what requires the most effort, because of the defrost lines. If not done correctly, the tint could come off in layers, and cost you even more in the long run. There is always a chance the defrosters could be damaged in the removal process, as some films and adhesives are much stronger. Removing tint can take up to 4 – 5 hours to complete, and is usually best left to a professional who is familiar with the proper removal techniques.

What Causes Window Film To Fail?

Window film absorbs radiation, and the sun’s rays can break down the dyes and adhesives in the film as the years progress. The older a vehicle is, the more likely an out-of-date film was used. Beware of cheap films, or films with no warranty, as in some cases, the failure of the film can only take a few years. Therefore, emphasizing the importance of finding out what kind of warranty is available, when getting quotes for tinting your car.

How Long Will It Take to Tint my Car?

To tint just the front two doors, can take about 45 mins. to an hour. A coupe, sedan, or truck can be completed in roughly an hour and a half to two hours. SUV’s, Vans, and specialty vehicles may take just a little longer. Certain car models with older seals, difficult curvature, or special features may take longer as well. Consult with your tint professional about your specific vehicle.
What is the legal limit for window tint?
In the state of Kansas, the legal limit is 35% on the sides and the back-glass. In Missouri, there is no legal limit for the back half, but the front two driver and passenger windows must remain at 35%. We have some customers who say they drive in both states, and don’t want to risk getting a ticket. In order to be legal, you must abide by the tinting laws in the state your vehicle is registered to. For tint laws in other surrounding states, see the chart pictured to the right.

What is the legal limit for window tint?

In the state of Kansas, the legal limit is 35% on the sides and the back-glass. In Missouri, there is no legal limit for the back half, but the front two driver and passenger windows must remain at 35%. We have some customers who say they drive in both states, and don’t want to risk getting a ticket. In order to be legal, you must abide by the tinting laws in the state your vehicle is registered to. For tint laws in other surrounding states, see the chart pictured to the right.

Factory Tinted Glass

Vans, trucks, SUV’s, and some crossovers are usually tinted on the back half, with no color on the front two, driver and passenger windows. It’s factory dyed glass, meaning the glass itself is already colored (most manufactures put 20% on the back). When calling around for quotes, you’ll have to decide if you want just the front two doors tinted, or if you’d like to do overlay the factory tint and make the back darker. The legal limit for the front windows varies by state. Aftermarket tint is a film that is applied on the inside of the glass.

Visor Strip: Commonly Known as a “Brow”

The brow will usually have an arch to it, and that curvature follows the shape of the windshield. Because the glass is curved, the brow curves with it. If you don’t like the arched appearance, and want a straight brow, your tint professional should have access to a database which will cut the brow so that the line appears straight instead of curved.

DOT MATRIX

Dot matrix is a common boarder on automotive windows, it is a raised, painted surface with holes. Tint is not designed to be installed over raised, or non-glass surfaces. This area will have a lighter, or silver appearance and is not guaranteed to be consistent. On most vehicles, you won’t even notice it. However, certain makes & models have more than just a small boarder. For example, older Honda Accord coupes, and Nissan Altima coupes have a large dot matrix at the top of the rear window.

How Long Will It Take to Tint my Car?

To tint just the front two doors, can take about 45 mins. to an hour. A coupe, sedan, or truck can be completed in roughly an hour and a half to two hours. SUV’s, Vans, and specialty vehicles may take just a little longer. Certain car models with older seals, difficult curvature, or special features may take longer as well. Consult with your tint professional about your specific vehicle.
What is the legal limit for window tint?
In the state of Kansas, the legal limit is 35% on the sides and the back-glass. In Missouri, there is no legal limit for the back half, but the front two driver and passenger windows must remain at 35%. We have some customers who say they drive in both states, and don’t want to risk getting a ticket. In order to be legal, you must abide by the tinting laws in the state your vehicle is registered to. For tint laws in other surrounding states, see the chart pictured to the right.

What is the legal limit for window tint?

In the state of Kansas, the legal limit is 35% on the sides and the back-glass. In Missouri, there is no legal limit for the back half, but the front two driver and passenger windows must remain at 35%. We have some customers who say they drive in both states, and don’t want to risk getting a ticket. In order to be legal, you must abide by the tinting laws in the state your vehicle is registered to. For tint laws in other surrounding states, see the chart pictured to the right.

Factory Tinted Glass

Vans, trucks, SUV’s, and some crossovers are usually tinted on the back half, with no color on the front two, driver and passenger windows. It’s factory dyed glass, meaning the glass itself is already colored (most manufactures put 20% on the back). When calling around for quotes, you’ll have to decide if you want just the front two doors tinted, or if you’d like to do overlay the factory tint and make the back darker. The legal limit for the front windows varies by state. Aftermarket tint is a film that is applied on the inside of the glass.

Visor Strip: Commonly Known as a “Brow”

The brow will usually have an arch to it, and that curvature follows the shape of the windshield. Because the glass is curved, the brow curves with it. If you don’t like the arched appearance, and want a straight brow, your tint professional should have access to a database which will cut the brow so that the line appears straight instead of curved.

DOT MATRIX

Dot matrix is a common boarder on automotive windows, it is a raised, painted surface with holes. Tint is not designed to be installed over raised, or non-glass surfaces. This area will have a lighter, or silver appearance and is not guaranteed to be consistent. On most vehicles, you won’t even notice it. However, certain makes & models have more than just a small boarder. For example, older Honda Accord coupes, and Nissan Altima coupes have a large dot matrix at the top of the rear window.

Existing Flaws in Glass

If you have any scratches, abrasions, or nicks on the glass, they will appear more noticeable after being tinted. They could look like a hair, bubble, or crease once a film is placed on the glass.

What to Expect After Your Windows Have Been Tinted:

  • Do not roll the windows down for 3-5 days in cold weather, or 2-3 days in warm weather.

  • You will notice a streaky, watery, hazy, or bubbling appearance, it’s just water and moisture trying to work its way out of the thick material. Give it two weeks for all the water & moisture to evaporate.

  • Do NOT poke, push, or press on any bubble while film cures.

  • Be careful of seatbelt nicks, ring or key scratches. Window tint has a scratch resistant coating, however, sharp or metal objects can cause abrasions.

  • Do not clean your window tint with products containing ammonia or vinegar.

  • Streaking on doors can occur, we only use dawn dish soap and water. Simply wiping the door panel should remove remaining dirt.

For inquiries, quotes, and scheduling give your experts at Midwest Tinting a call. We’re eager to answer your questions and make sure all your auto customization needs are met! With 45 years in business, 3 convenient locations, and top of the line products, you don’t want to go anywhere else. Did you know we do more than just tinting? Check out our other services:

  • Ceramic Coating

  • Xpel Paint Protection

  • Car Wraps

  • Custom Vinyl Stripes & Accents

  • Factory Stripe Kits

  • Chrome Delete

  • Custom Decals

  • Smoked Headlights & Tail Lights

  • Commercial Window Tinting

  • Residential Window Tinting

  • RV, Big Rig, Tow Truck & Semi Window Tinting