Window tint is a thin film fitted by hand to glass that was never made with tint in mind. A few things about it are normal, and knowing them ahead of time saves worry. Here's what to expect from new tint on your car.
Haze and water pockets while it cures
Tint goes on with a water solution that dries out through the film over the next days. Until it does, the glass can look a little hazy or show small water pockets. That's normal and it clears on its own: usually 7 to 14 days in moderate weather, as little as 3 to 5 in summer sun, and up to 30 in cold, cloudy months. Full details: how long window tint takes to cure.
The black edge and the dots
Most car glass has a black band around its edge that breaks into a pattern of small black dots. Film can't sit perfectly flat over those raised dots, so the dotted strip can look silvery or speckled, especially with premium films, which are stiffer. We usually run the film over the dots to the solid black band, so the tint looks continuous to the edge; a little silvering on the dots is normal and isn't a defect. More here: why tint looks silvery around the edges.
A thin line at the top of roll-down windows
On windows that roll down, the film stops just short of the top edge, so the window can move up and down through its seals without catching and lifting the film. From some angles you can see that thin edge.
Defroster lines on the back glass
The thin heating lines on most rear windows stay visible through tint, and they keep working normally. The rear window is usually tinted with one piece of film shaped to the glass.
Factory privacy glass gets darker
Many SUVs, trucks and vans come with darker glass in the back from the factory. Film adds to that darkness, so a film on factory privacy glass ends up darker than the film's own percentage. We can show you how a shade will look on your car before we start.
Windshields, cameras and sensors
Many windshields have cameras, rain sensors and toll tags behind the glass. Tint is fitted around the areas those need to keep clear, and windshield tint follows your state's law. See our Indiana and Illinois tint law guides.
Tiny specks
Film is installed by hand, and the glass is cleaned before it goes on, but a very small speck of dust can still end up under it. A few tiny specks you have to look for are normal for any hand-installed film. If something catches your eye, tell us and we'll take a look.
Night driving
Darker shades cut more glare and heat, and they also let in less light at night. If you drive a lot after dark, a lighter shade on the front windows can be the better choice. We'll help you pick a shade that's legal and comfortable for how you drive.
Taking care of new tint
- Don't roll the windows down for 3 to 5 days, so the film can set at the edges.
- Don't clean the inside of the windows for at least 2 days.
- After that, clean with an ammonia-free glass cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth.
- Keep sharp things, like seat belt buckles, rings and ice scrapers, off the tinted side.
Your warranty
Our window tint comes with a lifetime warranty on film and labor. A specific warranty claim needs the team to inspect the vehicle. Questions about your tint? Call or text (219) 864-8858.