Car Tinting FAQ
Car Window Tinting Basics
Window tint is a multi-layered film that is applied to your car windows to reduce heat, harmful UV rays and glare. The film is first cut to size, your windows are then cleaned thoroughly, and finally the film itself is applied. The film has a backing layer that is removed, exposing the adhesive that bonds the film to the window. A water-based solution is used to help application, allowing the film to be gently moved into position before a squeegee is used to expel the majority of water left between the film and the glass. The film is applied to the inside surface.
Darkest Legal Tint: What does “darkest legal” mean?
Window tints are defined in darkness by a percentage, and the lower the percentage, the darker the film is. The percentage determines how much light is allowed through the film. Darkest legal films are called “T35” films or “35%” and therefore they keep 65% of the light out. Express Tinting has 12 of these films to choose from – the darkest allowed by our state laws. Keep in mind also that your darkest legal tint will appear darker at night or when the rear of the car is facing the sun; and will look lighter when the front windscreen is facing the sun, as the light will stream unopposed into the car, making the interior lighter. More information: Street Legal Tint
What warranty do you offer?
Express Tinting offers a LIFETIME WARRANTY on all our films. The warranty covers materials and workmanship to the original purchaser for as long as they own the vehicle.
Windscreen Tinting: Can you tint my windscreen?
Federal law states clearly that no film, regardless of its properties, shall be applied to a windscreen under any circumstances due to safety concerns.
Do you tint right to the edges?
Yes! All windows are tinted right to the top of the glass and to below the line of the door trim – no gaps at all.
Do you tint rear screens in one piece?
Yes, we pride ourselves on our ability to tint rear screens in one piece. Although this can sometimes be a challenge, it is rare for us to have to do it any other way.
Do you take the door trims off?
To ensure a quality finish, the door trims must be removed to allow the film to extend past the rubbers found at the base of your door windows. This is an industry standard and should be done on every job to get a perfect, gapless finish.
Is window tint scratch resistant?
Yes. The scratch-resistant surface protects against abrasion during installation, normal wear and tear and cleaning during the normal lifespan of the product.
Do you use a “T35” sticker?
No, not now. Some time ago it was law to include a T35 sticker under every piece of film applied to your car’s windows. The law has since been changed.
How long does it take to tint a car?
This will vary, but the average expectation is 1/2 hour to 2 hours for a sedan.
I have antennas in my windows. Will the tint interfere with the signal?
Where you have antennas embedded in the glass, we use a special non-metalised film on those windows and use a colour-stable carbon film instead. This ensures good reception through the window tint.
Will my demister bars be affected?
No. They will work as they always have done.
My car has tint on it. Can I tint over it? (window tint removal)
Generally, we will remove the existing tint before the new film is applied to your windows. This window tint removal is time consuming and will normally cost more to do, so if you’re going to get an online quote, be sure to mention it. When the old tint is removed from the rear screen, we use a steaming method to reduce the chance of damaging your demister bars; however, we cannot guarantee removal of films from demister bars, as it is sometimes impossible to do so.
What do I need to know after my car has been tinted?
You must leave your windows up for 24 hours. You may notice a streaky effect, and even what looks like bubbles in the windows. This is quite normal, as there is still water between the glass and the film which needs to dry out before the adhesive cures totally. Curing will usually occur within 2 days, but in cooler weather it can take up to a week. Clean the film with a soft cloth and do not use Windex or any other ammonia-based products.
I have been offered a tint for my car that rejects over 80% of heat. Why can’t you offer the same?
In September 2008 we were informed by WFAANZ (Window Film Association of Australia and New Zealand www.wfaanz.org.au) about some tinting businesses offering outlandish heat-rejection properties for their films. The fact is that TSER ratings (Total Solar Energy Rejection) are an industry standard for measuring heat reflection benefits by using automotive films. The maximum heat-rejection figure available is around the 60% mark. Some have claimed this figure to be in the 80–90% range, but are not referring to the TSER heat rating but instead the IR rejection. We feel it would be ethically irresponsible to quote these percentages, when it’s obviously a ploy to fudge figures to create sales.
Home and Office Tinting FAQ
Will I be able to see out at night, and can people see in?
Once a window film has been applied to your windows, you will always be able to see towards the greater light source. For example, if the sun is out it will most likely be the greater light source, so you will see out perfectly and nobody will be able to see in; but at night time, if you have lights on inside the house and it’s dark outside, you will be able to see in because your house lights will be the greater light source. Window films are great for daytime privacy and heat and glare rejection.
Will a film appear reflective on the outside?
Yes, as a window film will enhance the natural reflective qualities of the glass.
What warranty do you offer?
Express Tinting offers a LIFETIME WARRANTY on all our films. The warranty covers materials and workmanship to the original purchaser for as long as they own the vehicle.
Will it make the room too dark?
In short, the answer is no. You will be advised by our trained staff as to what film to use for personal requirements. We have many different grades of films to suit all applications, so it’s just a matter of finding yours.
My windows are factory tinted. Can I still tint my windows?
Yes. This will let you take advantage of the heat, glare and UV advantages, but there are specific films that need to be used on factory-tinted glass. Our staff will explain your options upon enquiry.
Will it strengthen the glass?
We have special security films designed for strength, but the normal films used in most applications don’t strengthen the glass as much but do keep the glass together if it’s broken. All the shards are kept bound together by the film.
Will it stop UV fading?
Once fading has begun, it’s impossible to stop it. It’s a chemical reaction that simply cannot be stopped, even if the items are kept in the dark. Therefore, tinting can’t stop fading unless the items behind the tint are added after the film has been applied.
Will window tint adhere to Perspex?
No. Unlike glass, Perspex will change size as temperature changes. A tinted piece of Perspex will last only a few days before showing imperfections, as the window film will not stretch the same way.
Is window tint scratch resistant?
Yes. The scratch-resistant surface protects against abrasion during installation, normal wear and tear and cleaning during the normal lifespan of the product.
Can textured glass be tinted?
No. Glass needs to be perfectly flat to ensure a quality finish. A non-flat surface would result in unsightly air pockets between the film and the glass.
Will tinting my windows help stop noise?
No. Window films have no noise-reduction properties at all. The only way to decrease noise through a window is to explore double-glazing options.