TINT 101 - YOUR TINTING HANDBOOK
tint 101 - tinting explained
CERAMIC TINT VS REGULAR TINT…
THE DEBATE OF THE CENTURY!
Ceramic tint and regular tint both offer distinct benefits, but which one is right for your vehicle? While both block harmful UV rays and improve your car's aesthetics, the real difference lies in the details. Ceramic tint is unmatched in heat rejection, providing up to 85% heat reduction, superior infrared protection, and a longer lifespan. Regular tint may be more cost-effective, but ceramic tint truly elevates your driving experience.
Ceramic tint may be a higher investment upfront, but it's a one-time cost that pays off with long-lasting performance, superior heat rejection, and enhanced driving comfort.
FEEL THE DIFFERENCE!
Infrared/Heat Rejection vs. UV Ray Protection: What’s the Difference?
It’s common for people to mix up infrared/heat rejection with UV ray protection, but they’re two separate things. Let’s break it down:
The sun emits different kinds of energy, including UV rays and infrared heat, both of which impact your car. Here's what you need to know:
UV Rays: Think of UV rays as the “silent” threat—they’re always present, whether it's sunny or cloudy. These rays can cause long-term damage to your car’s interior and your skin. Both ceramic and regular tint effectively block 99% of UV rays, acting like sunscreen for your car, ensuring protection from harmful exposure year-round.
Heat Rejection: This is where ceramic tint truly excels. While UV rays are always present, heat becomes a real issue during the summer months. The heat you feel in your car comes from infrared rays, which are responsible for that intense warmth. Ceramic tint blocks up to 85% of this infrared heat, ensuring a much cooler and more comfortable ride. This doesn’t just affect your comfort—less heat means less strain on your AC, which can lead to better fuel efficiency. It’s a win-win situation!
Infrared Rays: These invisible rays are the primary cause of your car heating up under the sun. By blocking infrared rays, ceramic tints significantly reduce the temperature inside your car, providing superior heat rejection compared to regular tints.
To summarize:
UV Protection is essential year-round, protecting you and your car from invisible yet harmful rays.
Heat Rejection becomes crucial during warmer months, and ceramic tints deliver unmatched results in keeping your car cooler by blocking infrared heat.
Maintenance Tips: Prolong the Life of Your Tint
Proper care and maintenance of your window tint can greatly enhance your experience and extend the life of the film. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:
Avoid Rolling Down Windows in Extreme Cold: During winter, make sure your car's interior is warm before rolling down the windows. Since tint is applied as a film, its adhesive can become more brittle in freezing temperatures, increasing the chance of damage.
Gentle Cleaning Only: To maintain the quality of your tint, use only soft microfiber cloths and ammonia-free cleaning products. Avoid abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, as they can scratch or degrade the tint.
Be Patient Post-Installation: After getting your windows tinted, avoid rolling them down for 2-5 days to allow the adhesive to fully cure. If installed in colder conditions, curing time might take a little longer. If you have any concerns during the curing process, feel free to contact us for guidance.
Understanding VLT (Visible Light Transmission)
When selecting the best tint shade for your vehicle, you'll notice percentages representing the different levels of tint. These percentages refer to VLT or Visible Light Transmission, which measures the amount of light that passes through the tint. A lower VLT percentage means a darker tint and less light entering your vehicle.
5% VLT: Known as "limo tint," this is the darkest option, allowing only 5% of light to pass through, providing maximum privacy and shade.
15-35% VLT: These shades offer a balance between privacy and visibility, giving your vehicle a sleek, stylish look while still offering significant heat and glare reduction.
50-80% VLT: Light tints that are almost clear, like the AIR 80, offering maximum visibility with significant heat and UV protection.
***Please note heat rejection is only offered with our ceramic film.
TINTING LAWS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Tint laws can vary depending on where you live, but the great news is that tinting your back windows is legal in most areas. This gives you flexibility in selecting the perfect shade without worrying about compliance for your rear windows.
However, it's important to check your local regulations when it comes to front windows and windshields.
For peace of mind, always review the specific tinting laws in your region before making a decision!
Please note, the customer is responsible for ensuring their vehicle complies with all local tinting regulations.
Happy Tinting!
Interested in Learning How to Tint?
After spending over 5 years perfecting the art of window tinting, we’re excited to now offer 1-on-1 classes for anyone looking to learn this valuable skill. Our hands-on, personalized sessions provide you with direct guidance, ensuring you get real-world experience in tinting.
To jumpstart your journey, each student will also receive a bonus tinting kit, equipped with the tools you need to begin practicing right away.
Unlock the possibilities that learning to tint can bring—reach out today to explore how we can help you get started!