Tint

[sputnik]

Spring is short here and the weather is already turning summery.

I'm thinking of window tinting to try to reduce heat and protect the battery. I have never had windows tinted before, but did a thread search and have a couple of questions:

1. Is tint always applied as a film? It's not sprayed onto the glass, right? If film is the standard method, what is the best way to prevent unsightly bubbles?

2. Should I contact the DOT to find out the legal % of tint allowed?

3. What exactly are "ceramic" tints? It sounds like they are non-reflective but provide the best heat reduction.

4. Can a tinting film be removed without damaging the glass or leaving a residue?

Thanks very much for "shedding some light" on my questions.

[ghillie]

Kathleen

I can't answer all your questions (coming from so far away) but I have tinting and am very happy with it. It is a product called Onyx made by Madico Inc (45 Industrial Parkway Woburn MA 01801). Apparently it has metal in it (I don't know how they do it) but it is claimed to almost eliminate UV and certainly reduces radiant heat coming into the cabin and cuts my use of the airconditioner.

Make sure you get a good installer, especially with the Insight because the side windows curve in more than one direction so that the film needs to be shrunk a bit around the curve (using a small heat gun or hair dryer) on the outside of the window before it is permanently applied on the inside.

Also make sure that the installer takes the door trim off to properly install the film. Some installers cheat and cut away the rubber door trim to fit the film in at door level.

Also make sure that the film extends right to the top of the rear hatchback glass over the dots. The film will not stick perfectly to the glass between the dots (although it should stay in place) and it looks fine - much better than leaving the dots uncovered.

Good luck - Ghillie

[Insightful Trekker]

Hi Sputnik,

Yes, Spring in in the air here in east Tennessee too

Trees are budding, flowers are blooming, my first 90 MPG commute leg of the year

Most any tint shop should know your states legal limits for tint so I won't speculate as to your specific requirements. The mirrorized tint that ghille recomends is the way to go. Much better at blocking heat. Tinting the rear hatch will have the greatest effect. But side window tint and vent shades (so you can keep the windows cracked open to keep the batteries happy) will be part of the complete solution.

When the time comes the film can be removed. But extra care is required on any rear glass that has a defogger grid. Even a hairline scratch across a grid line will kill that line. For most tints an ammonia solution and a bit of force in one corner will allow it to be carefully peeled off in one piece.

I know I've shed some light for you. But I hope I can block some heat too <VBG>

HTH!

[originalbadbob]

Hi Kathleen,
My car had pretty dark tint on it when I got it. It is illegal in my state to have it this dark, but I will wait until I get t ticket on it before I have it removed and different tint put back on (expensive).
From the dark tint in the sunlight, you would be surprised how much heat is absorbed by the dark tint. It may help, but I think the dark tint is for looks only. I bought a covercraft weathershield car cover for those intense hot days and a duster so it won't scratch the paint, but I'll probably end up getting the reflective tint eventually.
I went to the local stereo place to get a band across the top of the windshield because on the way to work, the sun comes in right over the rear view mirror, and they just farm the work out. The tint guy gave me his card and said he would be able to do it much cheaper if I call him direct. He suggested the reflective tint because the darker the tint is the more heat you feel when you run your hand across it.
Go with the reflective.
robert

[trunkout]

15% mirror....no limits in Missouri!

apllied (3M) by film...spray is too expensive and so is ceramic based....

ask around....find someone with a good tint job and ask around.....word of mouth (and no visible bubbles) are your best bet....IMHO

[LoNOx 1]

Originally Posted by sputnik

1. Is tint always applied as a film? It's not sprayed onto the glass, right? If film is the standard method, what is the best way to prevent unsightly bubbles?

2. Should I contact the DOT to find out the legal % of tint allowed?

4. Can a tinting film be removed without damaging the glass or leaving a residue?

I see you're from "way down south".
If that is Georgia, I can check and see what my sticker says. My car came from Georgia and it has an approved sticker in the window. The shop near Atlanta that applied the tint did a PERFECT job. No bubbles, dirt or flaws of any sort. He also had a 6" strip applied across the top of the front window.

[originalbadbob]

4. Can a tinting film be removed without damaging the glass or leaving a residue?

Yes the tint can be removed without a residue, but it is a pain. The tint comes off pretty easy, but getting the residue off takes quite a bit of elbow grease. Use a razor blade on the smooth parts of the glass. Goo Gone on the black bumps with a lot of rubbing.
robert

[LoNOx 1]

I haven't tried it but ammonia is supposed to release the film. The info that came with the car said "do NOT use window cleaners only clear water to clean the interior of the film.

[originalbadbob]

At the auto parts stores there are a number of cleaners that are safe for use with film tints. I was under the impression that the ammonia caused it to fog.
If it releases the film, then it might be easier to replace than I thought.
Thanks,
robert

[LoNOx 1]

Originally Posted by originalbadbob

At the auto parts stores there are a number of cleaners that are safe for use with film tints. I was under the impression that the ammonia caused it to fog.

I have purchased tint for a truck from [url
http://www.tintdude.com[/url] on eBay.
Good seller with directions tools, and 3m tint.
He has removal directions as well at http://www.tintdude.com/remove.html

USUAL DISCLAIMER:Not associated etc.