Window Tinting Columbus Ohio Frequently Asked Questions

Here we’ll answer all the common questions you might have about window tinting in Columbus, Ohio.

What is window tint?

Window tint is a thin laminate film sometimes infused with metals. Window tint comes in a variety of shades and colors to match the look and feel of any vehicle.

What are the benefits of window tinting in Columbus, Ohio?

• Heat Rejection– Window tint can make the interior of your car up to 60% cooler when sitting outside on a summer day.
• UV Protection– It keeps up to 99% of harmful UV rays out, protecting you against skin cancer.
• Privacy – Keep the valuables in your car out of sight from potential burglars. Tint makes it harder to see in your windows.
• Protect Upholstery– The sun’s rays not only heat your car’s interior but it leads to leather cracking and fading of upholstery. Ultraviolet rays are the main cause of both fade and deterioration. Window tint can screen out 99% of the damaging UV rays that can lead to cloth seats fading or leather seats cracking.
• Glass Break Protection– Window tinting adds a degree of shatter resistance to your window glass. These films bond to glass and help hold dangerous glass fragments in place if breakage occurs due to accident, natural disaster, or illegal entry.
• Aesthetic– Window tinting gives your vehicle a custom, sleek, & sophisticated look.
• Reduces Glare Day or Night– It can help prevent glare from the sun, snow, and headlights.
• Saves Gas– You won’t find yourself running the air conditioner as high or for as long, saving you money on gas.

How do I choose a shade?

Shades and percentages depend on visual transmission levels (VTL). These are shown through the use of percentages representing the percentage of visible light the film will allow through. The lower the percentage number, the dark the film. (5% is darker and allows less light through than 15%). All of our films come in a variety of different shades, and we have samples of all films and shades on display in our stores.

What are the legal window tinting in Columbus, Ohio restrictions?

• Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 5 inches of the windshield.
• Front Side windows: Must allow more than 50% of light in.
• Back Side windows: Any darkness can be used.
• Rear Window: Any darkness can be used.

Does Darker tint equal more heat rejection?

Nope.  Our ceramic film boasts an IR coating which blocks out the UV rays, visible light, and infrared heat no matter the shade. This allows it to not only reject greater amounts of heat, but also eliminates the need for the film to be really dark. These newer technology films come in the same shades as traditional films, as well as virtually clear shades as light as 80% & 90%.

Is the tint applied to the outside or inside of the glass?

Our window tint film is applied to the inside of your window.  We first lay the film on the outside of your window and use a heat gun to shrink the film to the size and curvature of your window.  We then take that film to the inside, where it’s actually applied and installed to stick.

Will having my back window tinted cause the defroster not to work?

Absolutely not. Tinting your back window will actually assist in defrosting your back window.

What will tint look like on the black dotted edge on my rear window?

Most cars have a black ceramic ‘frit’ edge on the rear window. These dots are thick and can sometimes prevent the film from fully adhering in between them. This results in a white/grayish looking strip in that area, but really isn’t very noticeable and doesn’t affect the quality of the tint or install.

Does old window tint need to be removed before new can be applied? And can you do it?

Yes and yes.  Old film has to be removed before we can install new.  (This does add additional cost and time to the install process). We can also remove window tint, even if you’re not getting new tint, maybe you want to change shades or maybe you bought a used car with tint and you don’t want it.

Why do some vehicles have a purple colored tint or have bubbles in the window?

Low quality window tint is very likely to deteriorate or “bubble” overtime. Low quality tint will also discolor from dark black/gray to that purple hue you sometimes see. We use Suntek Films which are high quality films and offer protection against changes in color.

How long do you have to wait to roll down windows after they have been tinted?

Your new tint will take 3 to 5 days to fully dry.  This allows the film to cure and adhere to the glass before the window is moved. To be safe, wait until then to roll your windows down.

I just had my windows tinted, why do they look hazy?

The moisture that remains between the film and the glass after installation can cause a hazy, streaky, blotchy appearance. It takes several days for the adhesive/film to completely cure. The remaining moisture will evaporate through the film; this process may take a couple of days, or even a couple of months. When the water evaporates completely, your windows should have excellent clarity. If after several days you still see it, we can always take a look and determine if there’s an issue that needs fixed.

What should I use to clean my windows after they’ve been tinted?

Clean with a soft, clean cloth and window film safe cleaner or plain water. Don’t use ammonia products! To avoid scratching the film, do not use bristle brushes, abrasive scrubbing sponges, or any cleaning materials that may have been contaminated with dirt particles, as is commonly the case when washing interior and exterior windows with the same cleaning materials. Some brands of paper towels are coarse enough to put fine scratches in the film, even films with scratch resistant, protective hard coat finish. While these scratches may be too thin to be seen at the beginning, they can damage the polished look of the film over time.

My tint is dry, but I see imperfections, why?

Some degree of dust contamination and/or minor imperfections are typically present in glass window and window tint film application.  Pre-existing flaws or scratches on the glass are also more noticeable after window tint is installed. We’re always happy to examine any imperfection and see if it’s normal or if there was an issue with the tint or installation.

What if I scratch my window tint?

Unfortunately, scratches happen, especially over time.  We can remove old tint and replace with new any time.  If you’re afraid this might happen to you, we do offer an extended No Fault Protection Plan at an additional cost. This warranty covers tint replacement in the event of seat belt chips, damage from pets or kids, damage from cargo, and even if you clean your tinted windows with the wrong solution or cloth.

Contact us today for more info on window tinting in Columbus, Ohio or for a free price quote! Trust us when it comes to professionally installing your window tint.