How long does it take to tint my windows?

Several factors determine how long a tint job takes—whether we have to remove an old film, how many windows we’re tinting and the size or complexity of those windows. For a full vehicle we typically ask for a full day, while tinting just the front two windows usually only takes a few hours. If there’s existing tint to remove, extra time will be needed to ensure the glass is clean and properly prepped for the new film.

What’s the difference between a tint kit and what you offer?

DIY tint kits can be tempting, but they often use lower‑quality film and require a lot of practice to install without bubbles, creases or dirt contamination. We use professional‑grade films and precise equipment, ensuring a clean, long‑lasting finish without the frustration. You also benefit from our experience in cutting, shrinking and fitting the film perfectly to your vehicle’s glass.

Do you apply tint on the inside or outside of the glass?

Automotive window film is always installed on the inside of the window. You might see film applied temporarily on the outside during cutting and shrinking, but the final installation happens inside the vehicle to protect the film from the elements and ensure better adhesion.

What are the tint laws in California?

California law allows a non‑reflective film along the top four inches of the windshieldtinting-laws.com. For front side windows, aftermarket films must allow more than 88 % of light through or at least 70 % visible‑light transmission (VLT) when combined with factory‑tinted glasstinting-laws.com. The rear side windows and rear window may be tinted to any darknesstinting-laws.com. California also prohibits red, amber or blue tint colors and requires dual side mirrors if the rear window is tintedtinting-laws.com. We use films that comply with these regulations and will guide you on legally‑acceptable shades.

How long will my window tint last?

The lifespan of your tint depends on the film quality and how you care for your vehicle. We use  premium films, which are backed by a lifetime warranty against bubbling, blistering, cracking, delamination, color change or adhesive. Proper care—such as avoiding abrasive cleaners and giving the film time to cure after installation—will help it last for many years.

Can you tint the front windshield?

Yes, but within legal limits. California allows non‑reflective tint on the top four inches of the windshieldtinting-laws.com. We typically use a 70–75 % VLT ceramic film for windshields; this retains clarity while reducing heat and UV transmission. If you’re mainly concerned about heat, we can also recommend a clear ceramic film that won’t darken your view.

What’s the difference between films (classic, carbon and ceramic)?

We offer three tiers of film:

• Classic (good): Offers privacy and glare reduction but little heat rejection.

• Carbon (better): Uses carbon particles to resist fading, offers a matte, non‑reflective finish and provides moderate heat and UV rejectionoctintsolutions.com. It’s a great mid‑range option.

• Ceramic (best): Uses nano‑ceramic particles, blocks up to 99 % of UV rays and a very high percentage of infrared heatoctintsolutions.com. It doesn’t interfere with electronics and provides the most noticeable reduction in cabin temperature. Ceramic film costs more but offers the best performance.

When can I roll down my windows after tinting?

To ensure the film properly cures and adheres, wait at least 24 hours before rolling your windows down. If the weather is cooler or rainy, waiting 48 hours is safer. Rolling down windows too soon can cause the film to shift, creating gaps or peeling edges.

Do you remove old tint before installing new film?

Yes. Any existing film has to be removed so the new film can adhere to clean glass. Removal time varies—sometimes the old tint peels off easily; other times it comes off in tiny pieces and leaves adhesive behind. We thoroughly clean the glass before installing your new film to ensure a flawless finish.

Should I try to install tint myself?

DIY kits are available and can be rewarding for hobbyists, but achieving a clean, long‑lasting result requires practice, proper tools and a dust‑free environment. Many customers who start with DIY kits eventually come to us to remove bubbles or replace peeling film. If you value quality, a professional installation is the way to go.

My glass has small chips—will that affect the tint?

Small chips or minor scratches won’t generally affect tint adhesion, but you might notice them more clearly once the film is on. Chips may create small dark spots when viewed through the film. For larger cracks or stone chips, we recommend repairing the glass before tinting.