Use these aftercare for residential and commercial window tinting tips to make sure your windows stay protected longer. Window Films have been developed and improved so that you may enjoy the sun without experiencing the full effects of its harmful rays. As with all products containing an adhesive system, drying time is necessary to achieve the proper bond to the window. During this process, some changes and imperfections may be observed. So that you will understand these differences, we would like to note some of them for you. These are normal and should be expected. Drying time will be approximately 30-60 days depending on the time of year. Please do not wash your windows during this period. They may look smeary; this is normal due to the mounting soapy solution.
· Any haziness you may see is water under the film. You will see less and less of this as the days-weeks pass. The film may look different next week than it looks today as it dries.
· A milky appearance might be experienced, but it too disappears during the drying period.
· All trapped water bubbles will dry out, but a few small particles or points may be apparent when dry. Remember, we are not working in a dust-free environment at your home or commercial building, and it is impossible to eliminate all dust and contaminants airborne and otherwise.
Quality Control & Imperfections
Your satisfaction is our number one priority, and we take every pre-caution within our control to ensure the cleanest possible install. We use reverse-osmosis triple purified water for all of our installs. We also use top-quality .5-micron filters on all of our sprayers to further minimize the possibility of any contaminants. To improve chances of a dust free install, it is best to allow us to work in an enclosed, quality-controlled environment during the install to keep dust at an absolute minimum. Despite all of these measures, due to the nature of window film, weather conditions, various glass imperfections, and other variables out of our control, we cannot completely prevent the possibility of dirt and airborne dust from creating minor imperfections on your installation. Pre-existing scratches, holes, or metal deposits in your glass may also be more noticeable after your windows are tinted. To reduce these imperfections, we highly recommend thoroughly cleaning your windows (inside and out) before your window film installation. This helps us provide the highest-quality installation possible. Alternatively, tint your windows right after buying them (or right after you’ve gotten them cleaned). The newer the windows, the fewer imperfections.
It is also best for you to have all window coverings and drapes removed temporarily prior to the install to prevent dust particles from contaminating the glass.
Please note that pre-existing silver streaks, also known as “metal rubs” may also become more apparent after your installation. These imperfections occur when metal objects like household objects and ladders touch or bump into your glass.
Bubbles and Particles
These points, generally seen from the outside, are very tiny and are inherent in the use of a pressure-sensitive adhesive system. An adhesive of this type is used because it is the only one that will withstand high humidity, rain, and window condensation. You will normally see these particles only if you get quite close to the glass, which is something we ordinarily do not do. They will not affect the film’s performance.
Caulking and Cleaning Window Film
The 1/16- 1/8″ (3 mm) border you may notice is to allow trapped water to escape from your application. Please feel free to caulk if needed to hide light gap after film has completely dried for 30+ days. Cleaning should be done using normal household window cleaners or any non-abrasive window cleaning solution and wiping with a soft towel or squeegee. Paper towels or natural sponges should not be used.
NOTE: Sometimes what seems to be a defect in the film is, in fact, an imperfection in the glass. It is quite natural that one should look closely at a new purchase, but at times we observe things that were always there but never noticed. A good rule to follow is to look at the installation from six feet away. This is the way we normally look through a window and the way in which you should observe your Window Film — looking through it, not at it. Remember, we are not working in a dust-free environment, so small particles of dust may be noticeable up close.
Film Dry-Out Time
During the installation process, we can remove as much as 90% of the mounting solution, although a small amount will remain. Trapped installation moisture can cause small water bubbles and/or a slightly cloudy appearance, this is normal and should be expected. Do not attempt to pierce a water bubble during the dry-out period. Water bubbles and a cloudy look will eventually dissipate. Attempting to pierce a water bubble to drain moisture will damage your film. This damage is not covered by the warranty.
Climate Conditions & Dry-Out Time
Cold and non-sunny weather conditions can lengthen the dry-out time. Warm weather and direct sunlight exposure will accelerate the dry-out time. If slow drying occurs, do not become alarmed. The trapped moisture will dry out completely. Film type selection and climate conditions will determine the dry-out period you experience. Thicker films and less than perfect drying climate will lengthen the dry-out period. Dry-out times can vary from a few days to as much as 3 months. Safety and security films will always have a longer dry-out period due to the increased thickness of the film.
Cleaning Your Window Film
Do not clean the film for 30 days after installation. This will help secure proper curing of the special mounting adhesive to the glass. Most glass cleaners will work well, although a good cleaning solution for window film is 1⁄2 ounce of liquid dish soap added to 1 quart of fresh water. We do not suggest ammonia-based cleaners.
A soft, clean microfiber cloth is recommended for washing the window film, followed by another clean, soft cloth or soft rubber squeegee for drying. To avoid scratching the film, do not use bristle brushes, sponges, paper towels, or any cleaning materials that may have been contaminated with dirt particles. Some brands of paper towels are coarse enough to put fine scratches in the film, even films with 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.
Are Scratches and Chips Covered By the Warranty?
Avoid touching your windows or allowing household objects to bump into them as it can cause scratches and chips. This is not covered in your warranty. Your warranty covers bubbling, peeling, and de-lamination when proper aftercare is adhered to. Customer damage, scratches, and metal rubs are not covered by your warranty, nor can we ever guarantee a 100% contaminant free install.