Capital City Glass Tinting

What do the percentages mean?

The percentage of darkness is called the Visible Light Transmittance or VLT. It determines how much visible light is transferred through the film, so the higher the percentage is the lighter the film will be. (5% blocks 95% of visible light, 80% blocks 20% of visible light, and so forth...) Options are abundant to make customization and accommodation easy.

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Does window tint go on the inside or outside?

Window film is almost always applied to the inside of the pane. Exterior film is used only in certain situations, but it is only recommended in special circumstances. Often times, the first thing you will see a professional do is lay the film on the outside of the glass on a vehicle. This is so the film can be custom cut/hand cut before application.

 

What is a plotter or computer cutter? Do you use one?

A plotter is a machine run by a computer program that will cut patterns for you. They are used in almost all applied adhesive fields including vinyl lettering and wraps and window tint and more.

In the tint field, a professional will cut the patterns by hand and ship them to the programming company who will then use a computer to copy the pattern into their system. Thus, providing anyone with their programming a precut pattern they need only to install. 

There are many benefits for a shop to use a plotter, but we choose NOT to utilize the technology. Many times there is a significant gap left on the top edge of the glass - the bevel - when rolling the windows down. This is exacerbated if the glass has been replaced with an aftermarket pane.

A tinter experienced in cutting by hand has the advantage of closer cuts to the bevel and can customize their cuts to accommodate for variables and install technique. It also gives said tinter the advantage of having the skills necessary to do projects others can't. This includes but not limited to classic cars, tractors, boats, and buildings.

 

Can you tint over existing tint?

Yes... And no. 

We can if it is privacy glass from the manufacturer or if it is newer film in good order. However, if the film is not one we have installed, we cannot warranty anything we install over the existing film due to a multitude of variables that accompany unknown films, like age and warranty. 

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Can you fix window tint that has been damaged?

No. Depending on the damage, it is almost always worth stripping the old film and replacing it. Don't worry, we completely understand; things happen. If it is something we've tinted then we will usually give a wholesale price on the replacement sheet.

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Will tinting my windows hinder my vision?

There are many variables to this that depend on how dark you choose to go, if we are tinting over tint, your current vision capabilities, and time of day, but it is easily possible to be functional without any hindrances. We encourage people to be sure they bring up any concerns when describing what they want out of their tint job to a professional. 

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Can window tint be installed during rainy or cold weather?

If there is a misconception tint shops everywhere wish would go away, the assumption that tinting in less than warm or sunny weather can cause premature peeling or bubbling would be it. While this may have been the case a couple of decades ago or with sub par films or install techniques, it is not applicable to most any professional. CCGT only asks for the client to wait 5-7 days to roll the window down compared to 2-3 in warmer weather (60+ degrees) and to expect a curing time of 30 days, which our manufacturer asks for during any season. 

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Can you tint anything? Can you tint my headlights/taillights, motorcycle shield, or face mask?

Yes, but it is at the complete discretion of the tinter. We have what we refer to as taillight tint available for many plexiglass or plastics projects, but there are many variables that must be taken into consideration including time and complexity.  It is also an exterior application in most cases that comes with none to a one year warranty and also at the tinters discretion. We are currently encouraging drivers to stay away from aftermarket taillight tinting since updated inspection laws now frown upon them.

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Why do I see tint jobs with bubbles in them? Will that happen to mine?

What you're seeing is most likely failed film that is cheap or old. All films eventually fail, but our automotive takes at least 15 YEARS to begin to fail or longer depending on storage and climate. So it could happen to yours, but not for a very long time. 

The warranty is non-transferable, but we offer it as a lifetime warranty film to the original buyer of the vehicle. If you still have your vehicle 15 years or more after we tint it and the structure fails, then we'll replace it or an authorized Llumar dealer anywhere in the country can. 

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How long does it take to install the tint, and can I wait on it there?

Times can vary depending on job size and/or type, window/vehicle condition, preexisting film removal, and more. You are more than welcome to wait on it, and we normally encourage it for shorter jobs. The choice is yours.

*Eyebrow/ Glare strip-                    20 - 30 minutes

*Driver and Passenger only-           20 - 30 minutes

*Most Sides + Back Glass-              2 - 3 hours 

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Should I have my car detailed before having window tint applied?

We ask that anything with heavy amounts of dust or mud be sprayed off first, if at all possible. We also request for the back seats of full installs to be cleared of excessive possessions and debris. There will be a $5 service charge for extreme clutter.

Car seats will be removed but will be placed back sideways or laying down. We WILL NOT buckle any back in due to liability purposes. 

A detail is not required, and in fact, urged to wait until after installation. If you do have it detailed before, please let us know on arrival so we can take the necessary precautions to be sure it looks the same when you leave.

 

When can I wash my vehicle after tinting it? What is safe to clean my windows with and when?

You can clean the outside and inside of your vehicle or building immediately after tinting it, as long as the tinted side of the pane is left untouched for 30-90 days depending on the project. When time comes to clean the window, it's important to remain AMMONIA FREE, so we recommend anything in an aerosol can or our application solution of 6-10 drops of dish soap and 2 tbsp of alcohol in a 32oz sprayer. We also recommend Bounty or Viva for paper towels or micro fiber and lint free microfibers made for glass cleaning. Makes for cost effective and safe cleaning. For more in-depth info on our process and solution, visit CCGT's Blog Spot.

 

Where is it best to store my vehicle after applying window film?

It is optimal for your vehicle to be out in the UV rays of the sun for the first 5 days and parked inside or under an awning only at night. It is not completely necessary, but the curing time is doubled if housed entirely with no exposure to sunlight.  

 

Is it safe on the window film to use my defrost? 

Yes it is, and immediately if needed. It can actually help the drying and curing process. 

 

Why is the film hazy and bubbling towards me from the inside after having it tinted? 

That is all part of the drying and curing phase of the process. Most of that will go away within 3-5 days, but some could stick around for up to 30 days depending on weather conditions and housing for most vehicles. 

Architectural takes 30-90 days to go through the processes since flat glass panes aren't normally exposed to the sun all day like a car can be. 

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What should I expect the dot and/or stripped matrix to look like after window tint is applied? 

Some vehicles have a matrix that slightly separates the film from the glass itself. It makes the film look silver compared to the rest of the tint. This is something we can't efficiently control unless you are willing to bring the vehicle back to us within a day or two when it has had a chance to thoroughly dry. 

Another option is for us to cover your upholstery, tape off the matrix, and thoroughly sand it down before install. We only do so by request and at an additional charge at the tinters discretion.

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What happens if my tint starts to peel, bubble, or fade?

Easy. Call us and let us know immediately. We do not want bad work out there, so please call us asap to get it taken care of. 

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If you have any further questions, then please feel free to contact us however best fits your needs no matter if you plan to do business with us, another professional or DIY. We are here to educate whoever wants to learn.

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