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The Ultimate Guide to Window Tint: Installation, Removal, and Costs

Discover the ultimate guide to window tinting, from tint installation to removal. Learn about your window tint options and costs, and why window tint should be done by a professional.

Tint

Professional window tinting is a highly versatile service that can really transform both the aesthetic and function of your vehicle, home, or commercial property. Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that have the biggest effect: just a thin film applied to the surface of your windows ends up making a world of difference in heat rejection, temperature control, glare reduction, UV protection, privacy level, energy efficiency, and more. When applied properly by a team of professionals, your window tint will secure you all of those benefits for years to come (and will do so in compliance with local laws and regulations). We know that this is especially important in the sunny Henderson area. In this article, we’ll go over the “what,” “how,” and “why” of window tint like the kind we offer here at Team Acme. 

What Is Window Tint and Why Is It Essential for Your Vehicle?

Window tinting is a process that involves applying a thin, shaded film (the window tint product) on the inside of a window (whether it be a car, a home window, a storefront window, etc.). There are two popular types of window tint: carbon tint, which is a film embedded with carbon particles; and ceramic tint, which is embedded with micro particles of ceramic (sometimes called nano-ceramic technology). Though other tint options exist, such as dyed tint and metalized tint, carbon and ceramic are the most common, most effective choices on the market. 

All windows can benefit from some type and level of window tint, but we especially see tremendous value for windows in Nevada. With a high number of warm, sunny days and high UV levels throughout the year, homes and vehicles in the Henderson area will benefit from the application of window tint (especially when it comes to energy efficiency and your comfort). 

Benefits of Window Tint

  1. UV Protection: The UV protection offered by carbon and ceramic tints helps to protect your skin from UV damage (important for individuals who are often driving long periods of time in sunny areas) and protect items on the interior of the window (whether a car interior or home decor and furniture items) from color fading and other potential damage caused by prolonged sun exposure. 
  2. Heat Rejection: Carbon and ceramic window tints generally offer between 40%-60% total heat rejection, and some ceramic tints can even offer 97% rejection of infrared heat. This helps greatly with temperature control!
  3. Privacy: Because most tints will make your windows darker, they’re a great option for anyone looking for a little more privacy in their vehicle or home. Most tints provide decreased visibility from the outside in, while maintaining clarity and visibility from the inside out. 
  4. Tech Compatibility: When it comes to carbon and ceramic tints specifically, you don’t need to worry about the contents of the tint interfering with the function of any car electronics or tech. This makes them great options compared to metalized tint. 
  5. Aesthetics: Many tint customers agree that a window tint enhances the aesthetics of their vehicle and improves the appearance of their car on the roads. 

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Remove Window Tint Safely

While window tint proves to be durable and can last several years when applied professionally and taken care of properly, it is possible for tint to become outdated, damaged, or bubbly, leading the owner of the tint to want it replaced. Window tint removal requires following a careful process in order to avoid damaging the glass of the window, and professionals like our experts here at Team Acme are well-equipped with the right knowledge and tools to seamlessly complete that process. 

First, A technician will begin the process by finding the edge of the window tint film on the window and using a thin tool to lift the edge from the glass. 

Second, a heat gun is used to slowly break down the tint adhesive for easier removal from the surface of the window. (This is key, as peeling the tint away cold will leave a residue on the window, prolonging and complicating the removal process, and it could even scuff or damage the glass.)

Third, the technician will clean the window glass to ensure that it returns to its original clarity without damaging or scratching the glass. 

Keep in mind that for the safety and integrity of your windows, it’s always better to trust a professional team to both install and remove your window tint, even if it wasn’t originally installed by them. This will ensure that your vehicle or building stays clean, protected, and is handled in compliance with the legal limitations in your area.

Professional Insights on How to Tint Car Windows Effectively

There truly is a right and wrong way to apply window tint to a car window, and the professionals know the right way that will ensure long-lasting, good-looking results on your vehicle. A professional technician might follow a process like this when tinting your car windows:

  1. Consultation and Vehicle Inspection: The technician will discuss your tint goals with you, examine the current condition of your vehicle’s windows, and recommend tint options for your specific situation.
  2. Window Preparation: Both the exterior and interior of your windows will be cleaned thoroughly, including the removal of any previous tint or adhesive from older jobs. 
  3. Measuring and Cutting Tint Film: Each window receiving a tint application will be measured precisely, and then the tint film will be cut (most often using a computerized cutting system for extreme accuracy) slightly larger than the measurements your technician took. 
  4. Interior Preparation: The door panels, rubber seals, and other door pieces that might get in the way will be removed if necessary, and your tech will double-check that the interior of each window is clean and dust-free.
  5. Window Tint Application: The windows and tint film will be sprayed with a slip solution, and the cut film will be positioned in place on the window’s interior. As it is applied, squeegees are used to remove air bubbles and smooth the film.
  6. Heat Shrinking and Trimming: The technician will use a heat gun to shrink the window tint film around any curved areas of the windows, ensuring it’s a perfect fit to the specific contours of your vehicle. Excess film around the edges will be trimmed off carefully.
  7. Quality Check: Your car will be inspected for any imperfections or bubbles in the trim, and adjustments will be made to improve the application if necessary.
  8. Curing and Care: The tint will need to cure for the proper amount of time (varying based on tint type and application) and your technician will provide you with instructions to maintain your tint and care for it properly.

As you can see, professional technicians follow a specific process using specialized tools, all designed for the best result on your vehicle. It’s important to consider the improved longevity, appearance, and effectiveness of professionally-applied tint as compared to DIY applications when deciding where to have your tint done. At Team Acme, we pride ourselves on our expert application service of high-quality tint, and we recommend our SunTek CeramicIR window tint for the best results. 

Understanding How Much to Tint Car Windows: Costs and Options

Factors Affecting Window Tint Cost

There are a variety of factors that have an impact on the cost of tinting your car windows. When making the decision to get tint, consider that your answers to the following could affect your window tint cost:

Different Tint Options and Pricing

There are five main types of window tint film, though at Team Acme we recommend only two of them for most customers based on quality and effectiveness. Here are the five types of window tint film from lowest to highest financial investment:

  1. Dyed film: The most affordable is dyed film, which is a film that holds a layer of dye between the adhesive layer and topcoat and is less effective at heat rejection. We generally don’t recommend dyed film, as it fades over time. 
  2. Carbon film: Carbon tint film is embedded with carbon particles, can be incredibly effective at blocking infrared light, and also tends to maintain its color and performance longer than dyed or metalized film. We highly recommend carbon film as a more affordable window tint option for our customers. 
  3. Metalized film: At a mid-range price point, metalized film contains tiny particles of metal embedded in the film which reflect light and heat and create a mirrored appearance on windows. We generally don’t recommend metalized film because it may interfere with cell reception and GPS function.
  4. Hybrid film: Hybrid films are a combination of metalized and dyed window tint, designed to give consumers a balance between affordable cost and effective performance. 
  5. Ceramic film: At the highest price point, ceramic film contains embedded ceramic particles, offers top-of-the-line performance in UV protection and heat rejection, doesn’t interfere with electronic signals, and is long-lasting and durable. At Team Acme, ceramic window tint film is our preferred and most-recommended tint option. 

Understanding Window Tint Percentages

Window tints are assigned percentages that communicate how much light can pass through that level of tint. For instance, a 20% tint allows 20% of the light to pass through, while blocking the remaining 80%. Generally, the higher a tint percentage, the darker a window appears. Standard tint levels that you’ll see on the roads include 50%, 35%, 20%, and 5% (also known as limo tint). 

In Nevada, window tint law states that :

The Benefits of Getting Your Windows Tinted by Professionals

When we say that we highly recommend having your tint done by professionals, it’s not just because we want your business (though we would love to help you tint your vehicle if you’re in the Henderson area). There truly are a handful of advantages to your vehicle that make the additional cost well worth it. Professional tinting providers tend to use higher-quality products (like our SunTek ceramic films) that lead to better and longer-lasting benefits. You’ll get to enjoy those benefits for the duration of the tint, but you’re also securing a nicer vehicle for anyone who might purchase your car in the future, because the interior elements have been better protected from UV damage and the windows have been handled with care. This can often lead to higher resale value for your vehicle! 

Professional techs also adhere to an expert application process that leads to a more seamless vehicle appearance than DIY. Your car’s windows will look smooth and free of bubbles or debris. As professional tint technicians, we can also help to ensure that your tint meets local legal requirements, so you can enjoy your new tint without worrying about being on the roads. 

Additionally, professional tint application extends beyond use on vehicles. At Team Acme, we also specialize in tinting commercial windows – a much more difficult process to DIY. If you’re a business in the Henderson area looking to up the aesthetics and energy efficiency of your storefront, we recommend taking it to the professionals and getting a quote today. 

Conclusion

Window tint, when applied and handled correctly, really can have a big effect on your windows’ UV protection, heat rejection, privacy, and appearance. Those benefits are hugely important for Nevada drivers and the condition of their vehicles. So, if you’ve decided it’s finally time for a professional tint installation (whether it’s your first ever tint or you’re replacing an old job), reach out to us today! Our technicians are waiting and ready to help you with window tint, window tint removal, window replacement, and storefront window tinting – we are committed to quality service and ensuring that you get to enjoy the benefits of window tint to their fullest potential. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of window tint are available for cars and buildings?

A: There are 5 types of tint available for cars: dyed, metalized, hybrid, carbon, and ceramic. We recommend using carbon or ceramic tints on your car windows. For buildings, while there are some different options for security or decorative needs, dyed, metallic, and ceramic tint are also popular options. 

Q: Is it legal to have a windshield tint, and what are the regulations?

A: No, it isn’t legal to have a tinted windshield in the state of Nevada. Aside from the AS-1 line at the top of your windshield (that bit of blue or dotted tinting at the top of stock windshields), you’re prohibited from having any non-reflective tints on the front of your vehicle.

Q: How long does it take to install or remove window tint?

A: While it depends on the amount of windows you’re having tinted and their size, a general installation takes between 2 and 4 hours. Ceramic tints may take longer than carbon tints due to a slightly more complex installation process. Removal time will vary based on several factors as well, but generally takes between 1 to 4 hours for a full car. 

Q: Can I tint my car windows myself, or should I hire a professional?

A: While there are DIY kits and tutorials available to tint your own windows, we strongly recommend hiring a professional to do window tint and removal. Professionals have proper training, workspace, and tools to be able to ensure the durability and quality of your tint. 

Q: What are the benefits of using ceramic tint over other types?

A: Ceramic tint provides superior heat rejection, UV protection, and clarity compared to other tint types, and doesn’t interfere with electronic signals. It also boasts great longevity and durability!

Location & Hours

680 Professional Ave, Henderson, NV 89015

Store Hours:
Monday-Friday
8am-5pm

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