When it comes to tinting the car windows, the first thing we think about is the time, how long it will take. Nowadays, we can no longer afford to waste time.
We are all in a hurry. Why? Because no matter how much we have at our disposal, it is not enough. Car owners know this all too well, they are in a continuous movement.
However, the vehicle needs constant improvement. And what is the most important aspect? Exactly, painting the windows.
We want it to be as short a process as possible, qualitative work, and affordable price.
Besides, these films not only protect both the driver and passengers from UV rays during the summer season but also provide a more pleasing appearance of the car.
Contents
Why Should I Need Car Tinting?
This is a very good question. The answer is quite simple. There are many reasons why you should do this: UV protection, heat reduction and prevent fading or damage inside the car, reduced glare, and more pleasant visual aesthetics.
Which Tinting Paper is Good For Car Use?
Most window films are good due to the benefits they offer, but the best choice is carbon. For example, LEXEN 2Ply Premium Carbon Tint Film.
Why this? Because it’s high caliber and simple to cut and warm contract. It delivers an overly spotless look, and there are no preliminaries of any sort.
In What Season Tinting Needs Most?
In the summer season, the biggest need for your car windows is to be colored.
Why? Because these films can be used to their full potential during this period: UV protection, heat reduction, and prevention of damage to the materials from inside (especially the dashboard) due to high temperature.
Learn How Long Does it Take To Tint Car Windows
This is the most common question when it comes to anything: “how long does it take?”. Vehicle coloring is workmanship and requires persistence, aptitudes, and time to set up.
Furthermore, given that putting blacked-out windows on the car is a fairly complex process, its duration is influenced by several factors and can generally vary between 2 and 4 hours.
This procedure is influenced by:
- The number of windows
- The size of the windows
- The shape of the windows
- Car model (depending on this, the doors are dismantled on the inside or outside, and this may take some time)
- Removing old foils (if any)
Types of Tinting
After a long process of thinking, you have finally decided to implement tinted foils on your car windows. There are two methods of applying them:
- Choosing a car foil application professional company
- DIY option
It is up to you to decide how to proceed, but we recommend the second variant only for car enthusiasts or for those who know the field.
Types of Tinting Paper
There are 6 types of car tinting paper:
01. Dyed Window Tinting
Taking into account all the types of tint film, this is the cheapest. But this does not mean that it does not offer protection against UV rays and does not give opacity to the interior of your car.
Of all the existing shades, this is the darkest. Disadvantages include the fact that it fades over time and must be replaced periodically.
02. Metalized Window Tinting
Compared to the category listed above, metalized films have longer durability and do not wither in a short period. They have an increased resistance to scratches and shatter.
Like any other tinted foil, it reduces the heat inside the vehicle. Its biggest disadvantage, especially for mobile phone addicts, is that it disturbs the signal of smartphones and radio.
03. Carbon Window Tinting
Carbon window tint is the best choice for your car. Not only does it block sunlight and thus UV rays, but it also prevents the interior from heating up, thus giving a longer life to upholstery and plastic or chrome materials.
This type of foil does not fade and offers a matte finish to the car, which makes a major difference between a mundane and a sensational look.
04. Ceramic Window Tint
Ceramic shades of windows are also among the most qualitative products. When the customer wants coverage of more than 50%, additional costs are taken.
They have a 99% UV-blocking shield. Unlike the metalized model, it does not interfere with signals
05. Hybrid Window Tinting
The shades of hybrid windows are a combination of metallic and painted films. The purpose of creating them was to neutralize the negative aspects and highlight the positive ones.
This type of tint also offers protection against UV rays and provides the necessary amount of darkness to have the desired privacy in your vehicle.
For instance, titanium dim color is known for being not very obscure nor excessively reflexive.
06. Crystalline Window Tint
And last but not least, there is also an option for demanding owners. They want both to be protected against solar rays and to have clearer visibility of the road.
Crystalline tints are known for better protection against heat and do not interfere with the signal of the telephone or GPS because they do not have metal in their composition.
How To Do Tinting?
When it comes to performing this process, the most common method is the Wet Method. What does it mean? Take a piece of uncut foil, spray with soapy water, and apply on the window.
Then spread the foil with your hands, removing excess water. Then start heating the foil with the heat gun. After you see the film reacting to the heat, you can smooth the area with a towel or microfiber cloth.
Careful! This action is performed on narrow portions for optimal results. Next, smooth the surface with a plastic applicator (its shape should resemble a card).
Cut the film to shape and flatten any new air bubbles that appear with that tool, as new ones may appear after the cropping.
To apply the tint, move it up onto a center or axle, turn around the liner and turn it out onto the readied inward surface.
DIY
The DIY method is the most common among car lovers. But, if you are not in this category, don’t worry!
We have all the necessary information to enable you to arrange your vehicle as you wish.
What does this entail? You will be surprised. It means that you can tint the windows of the car by yourself.
Be careful! Before you begin, check the legal level of opacity to tint your windows.
It varies from country to country and we want to do everything perfectly. Isn’t that simple? All you need are a few tools, some patience, and the job is almost done!
Time
This whole operation can take somewhere in the range of two to four hours. The entire duration depends on the number of windows to be painted, the size and complexity of the shapes.
Dimension
You have gone through the hardest step; you have decided to tint the car windows. But what are you doing now? What dimensions do you need to buy?
After a thorough search, we found out the answer and we are here for you. The most recommended is a 40” and a 24” wide roll. Why that? Because it can cover each back window and most vehicle windows which are under 20″ wide.
Tools
To start working there are required a few instruments. Could it be easier than that? What do you need:
- Single-edged razor blade
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth
- Utility knife
- Scraper
- Knife
- Window cleaner
- Window tint film
Cost
The price of the tinting of automotive windows is influenced by 4 factors: the type of film used, the quality, the model of the vehicle, and the procedure of installing (choosing a professional service or DIY method).
Car window coloring may usually cost between $50 to $600 or all the more using usual, non-reflective color film and $100 to $800 or more when utilizing elite metallic, shaded, carbon, or ceramic tinting films.
In conclusion, several hundred dollars are needed to perform the process.
Steps of Car Window Tinting
Prepare Your Car
Vacuum out your vehicle to ensure no dust or residue end up on the window. After that, take any stickers off your windows. Make your work easier.
Clean The Windows
Wash windows only with soap and water. Do not use substances that contain ammonia because they will give them a shade of purple once the tinting is done.
Dry The Windows
You need a squeegee and a cotton cloth to keep no lint on the surface of the windows. You have to wash and dry the space underneath the window seals too.
Estimating and Cutting Your Film
Now you will measure and cut the film on the outside of the window. Before doing this, spray more water and soap mixture on the window. This will help the film briefly cling to the window while permitting you to slide it around into place.
Applying The Window Film
Since the film is estimated, you can strip off the liner. Ensure you splash the cement side of the film with more foamy water as you go. Continue working the squeegee over it to ensure nothing remains between the film and the window.
Dry The Window Film
Enclose your scraper by your microfiber cloth and run it over the film. On the off chance that there are any air pockets or air caught underneath the film, utilize a heat gun and a warmth card to push them to the base.
Do’s and Dont’s
- Wipe off residue and dust with a microfiber cloth
- Don’t utilize extreme power while cleaning
- Keep the car windows away from sharp objects
- Don’t wash the vehicle after tint application
- Don’t open the windows after tinting
Maintenance of Window Tinting
After a week, wash the car with a solution that does not contain ammonia. Do not open the windows for at least 3 days after installing the foils. Try not to clean windows with grating materials or cleaners.
Conclusion
Finally, the duration of the car window tinting process is not as long as it seems. Several factors must be taken into account, such as the type of vehicle, the chosen film model, the number of windows on which it is applied, the shape and complexity of the windows.
Indeed, it can take between 2 and 4 hours to finish the whole car, but there are also cases where if you have for example 2 coloring windows, it can take about 30 minutes.
But think about it… It’s worth sacrificing a few hours of your precious time to enjoy almost a lifetime of comfort, protection from the sun, and avoiding the heat from outside.
