Window Tinting in Fairfax, Virginia

1.) Where does the tint get applied, on the inside or the outside?

Window tint film is applied on the inside of the window, the film itself is fragile, weather and road conditions would destroy it over time, but on the interior of your vehicle, it is safe.

2.) I see window tint which has turned purple, and tint with bubbles, when will that happen to mine?

It should not happen to your window tint. bubbles are an indication that the film was installed improperly. Purple window tint is an indication that the film is of poor quality, and has been broken down by the sun's rays. A high-quality window film will stand the test of time - it will not change color or fade.

3.) I want tint that is legal everywhere - can I do that?

There is not a single national standard for window tint - in our area, for example, Virginia, Maryland, and the District all have laws that vary a bit from one another. The best advice is to look up the laws where you anticipate your vehicle will be, where it will be registered, and choose the level tint based on that locality.  If you need window tint for a medical condition, such as eyesight, or skin conditions, apply for a waiver through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. This will afford you more flexibility when choosing your film percentage.

4.) Will I fail my state safety inspection if my window tint is too dark?

It depends where you're having your vehicle inspected - it also depends where the film was applied - let me explain. In Virginia for example, a safety inspector will not inspect for the side windows but will inspect the windshield - if you've installed an "eyebrow" below the AS-1 line then you could fail. Same with the rear window, if you've covered the third brake light.  Other states, like New York, are more strict and do meter the side window to ensure compliance with tint values.

5.) I don't want my car to be so hot in the summertime, I should get dark window tint then, yes?

You don't need dark window tint to reduce the heat - ceramic window tint, that blocks infrared rays from the sun will accomplish that goal. In fact, if your only objective is to reduce how hot your car feels in the summertime then a ceramic window tint that is nearly clear will do the trick without changing the overall appearance of your vehicle.

6.) My neighbor told me window tint was illegal on the windshield - is that true?

Your neighbor is right some of the time - there are ways to install window tint on a windshield without breaking the law - let me explain. There are two ways folks install film on their windshield. First, they install film on the whole windshield - in order to be legal, it must be a very light film, nearly clear, depending on locality 70% - 80% VLT the reason for this is that a dark film would reflect light into oncoming traffic and cause a road hazard. The other way folks install window film on their windshields is an 'Eye-Brow" or strip across the top of the windshield. So long as that strip is not below the
AS-1 line (marks found on the edges of your windshield) then it's legal - and that strip can be as dark as you like, even 5% VLT - the purpose is to block the sun in your eyes during either a late afternoon or early morning drive.

7.) I bought a used car with dark window tint, can I just peel it off?

You can try, we don't recommend it. Usually what will happen is the adhesive will remain stuck to the window, which is then hard to remove. We recommend allowing us to use our tools, like our steamer, to relax the film and properly the film along with all the adhesive.

8.) How much does it cost to apply window tint to my car?

Cost for the application of window tint film depends on several factors, the type of film you choose, how many windows you're applying it to, and type of vehicle (some vehicles have more windows). To get an accurate quote for your make and model please call our shop or fill out our quote request form