Ceramic window tints are a great way for you to show off your personal style while also protecting your vehicle from the sun’s harmful rays. With their exceptional heat rejection properties, longevity, and durability, ceramic window tints can keep your car both looking and feeling cool for years to come.
However, to make the most of your investment, it's essential to know the dos and don'ts that ensure a successful and long-lasting ceramic window tint experience.
Read on to learn the key elements of installing and maintaining your vehicle’s ceramic window tint.
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Don’t roll down the windows too soon.
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One of the easiest ways to damage a window tint is rolling the windows down before they are ready.
After installation, the ceramic window tint needs time to cure and adhere properly to the glass. The curing process usually takes about a week—depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity.
During this process, it is important to avoid rolling down your windows. This can disturb the adhesive and cause the tint to peel, bubble, or develop creases. Instead, allow the adhesive to fully set and bond with the glass before you decide to let in the breeze.
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Do know and understand the laws in your state.
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When it comes to tinting your vehicle's windows, it's crucial to have a good understanding of the laws and regulations specific to your state.
Each state has its own guidelines regarding permissible levels of window tint darkness—often expressed as the maximum visible light transmission (VLT) percentage. Lower VLT percentages indicate darker tints that allow less light to enter the vehicle. Higher VLT percentages refer to lighter tints that allow more light to pass through.
It’s important to understand what regulations apply to you and your vehicle before choosing the level of ceramic window tint to have applied to your vehicle.
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Do have your ceramic window tint professionally installed.
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While there are DIY ceramic window tint kits out there, it is always recommended to have your window tints applied by a professional.
With their experience, a professional can make sure your ceramic window tint is applied flawlessly—avoiding any bubbles, creases, or unevenness that could ruin the look. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle the delicate film, ensuring proper installation the first time and guaranteeing optimal performance and longevity. They can also give you access to professional grade window tints such as the Evolve window tint.Â
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Do clean and maintain your tinted windows properly.
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In between regular professional auto details—cleaning your windows with the proper supplies can help keep your ceramic window tint protected and looking like new.
It’s best to use a mild, non-ammonia-based cleaner specifically formulated for tinted windows. Ammonia-based cleaners can cause the film to degrade, discolor, or develop a hazy appearance over time. Opt for a microfiber cloth or a soft, lint-free cloth to gently clean the windows without scratching the film's surface.
While you may be tempted to start cleaning and maintaining your new ceramic window tints immediately after installation, you need to wait until the curing process is finished and the tint has had time to fully adhere to your windows. Otherwise, you run the risk of damaging the film.
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Don’t apply stickers or decals to your ceramic window tint.
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While it's common to want to personalize your vehicle’s appearance, it's best to avoid applying stickers or decals directly onto the tinted surface. The adhesive used in these products can cause damage to the film—leading to peeling, discoloration, or adhesive residue.
This doesn’t mean you can’t add a little flair to your vehicle! Instead of applying stickers or decals to your tint, place them on the interior of the window or choose static cling options that adhere without using adhesive.
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A ceramic window tint offers a host of benefits including heat reduction, UV protection, enhanced privacy, and a great look. By understanding the dos and don’ts of installing and maintaining your tint, you can make the most of your investment and enjoy the advantages of a ceramic window tint for years to come!
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