FAQ's

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Below is a list of our frequently asked questions with answers. Click on the question for the answer. If you dont see a question similar to yours, please use the button below to ask your question and we will answer it as soon as possible.
What are the tint laws in Hawaii?

The laws vary depending on your vehicle type. Most sedans and wagons are classified as passenger vehicles and all the windows excluding the front windshield and sunroof must not be darker than 35% VLT with a 6% leeway. This means that technically you can have your windows tinted at 29% VLT, but we do not recommend tinting your windows to this percentage as your window can naturally darken over time causing you to fail your safety inspection or get a fine. This is the reason lawmakers give you a 6% leeway in the first place because they know the darkness of your windows can change over time. For trucks, vans, and suvs the passenger and driver door windows must adhere to the same standards. The back windows however have no limit on darkness. Front windshields on any vehicle cannot be darker than 70% and there is no leeway. Front windshield visor strips can be any darkness but cannot go past the AS1 marking or if there is no marking, then it cannot go past four inches from the top of the windshield. The current fine in Hawaii for failing to meet any of these rules is $297 per window. These laws may change at anytime so check with Hawaii State laws for the most updated rules and regulations. 

How do black dots and lines at the edge of a window on newer cars affect window tinting?

The black dots, or matrix patterns, as well as the lines at the top of some windows are made of a Teflon material that is applied at the factory. Purely cosmetic, they hide trim lines and edges on different styles of vehicles. The thickness of these Teflon-type areas makes them incredibly difficult when applying window tint. Window tint is designed to adhere directly to the glass. The black lines across the top of some windows can prevent window tint from sticking and cannot be covered. When black dots are encountered, the window tint sticks to the slightly raised dot. This can give, depending on the thickness of the material, a lighter or different look in the area of the black matrix dots. This poses no risk of peeling. In some rare cases, the dot pattern or lines usually put at the top of some windows are so thick that it makes it impossible for the tint to stick at all. 

What can I use to clean my tinted windows?

The outside of your windows can be cleaned right away with a normal glass cleaner but for the first few days to couple weeks you shouldn’t clean the inside of your windows. There is a higher chance of peeling the tint during this time period as the adhesive may not be fully dry. After the drying period you can clean your tinted windows with an ammonia free glass cleaner such as “World’s Best Glass Cleaner” , “Invisible Glass”, or any other glass cleaner that specifies it is safe to use on tint. We recommend using a clean microfiber towel to prevent any damage to your film while cleaning it. 

Does the tint go on the inside or the outside?

For vehicles the tint is installed on the inside for longevity. Some flat glass films for home and office can be installed on the outside but reduces the lifespan of the tint.

How long until I can roll my windows up and down?

We ask that you do not roll your windows up and down for a minimum of 1-2 days. Rolling your windows down before this time frame increases the chance of peeling down your tint.

How long does it take to tint my car?

Tinting an entire vehicle can vary depending on the make and model but most vehicles take approximately 1-3 hours.

How do black dots and lines at the edge of a window on newer cars affect window tinting?

The black dots, or matrix patterns, as well as the lines at the top of some windows are made of a Teflon material that is applied at the factory. Purely cosmetic, they hide trim lines and edges on different styles of vehicles. The thickness of these Teflon-type areas makes them incredibly difficult when applying window tint. Window tint is designed to adhere directly to the glass. The black lines across the top of some windows can prevent window tint from sticking and cannot be covered. When black dots are encountered, the window tint sticks to the slightly raised dot. This can give, depending on the thickness of the material, a lighter or different look in the area of the black matrix dots. This poses no risk of peeling. In some rare cases, the dot pattern or lines usually put at the top of some windows are so thick that it makes it impossible for the tint to stick at all.

What causes tint to turn purple and bubble up?

This can be caused by heat and uv rays over a long period of time. Lower quality films go through this process much sooner than higher quality films such as the ones we carry. All our films block up to 99% of the uv rays and over 75% of the heat which is why they are all covered under a limited lifetime warranty.

What can I use to clean my tinted windows?

The outside of your windows can be cleaned right away with a normal glass cleaner but for the first few days to couple weeks you shouldn’t clean the inside of your windows. There is a higher chance of peeling the tint during this time period as the adhesive may not be fully dry. After the drying period you can clean your tinted windows with an ammonia free glass cleaner such as “World’s Best Glass Cleaner” , “Invisible Glass”, or any other glass cleaner that specifies it is safe to use on tint. We recommend using a clean microfiber towel to prevent any damage to your film while cleaning it.

I just had my windows tinted and I noticed some bubbles. Is this normal?

Yes, this is completely normal and temporary. For the first few days after your windows are tinted they might appear cloudy, hazy, and you may see little water pockets forming underneath the film. This is very typical. When windows are tinted, the squeegee can only remove a certain amount of the water from between the film and the glass. As the film dries, the remaining water will form little pockets. Window film is a porous material that allows water to evaporate, so these water pockets will simply evaporate and go away by themselves as the film fully adheres to the glass. The amount of time before your new tint will be totally dry is determined by the amount of sunlight it gets. If it’s cloudy and overcast outside, it will take longer, if it’s hot and sunny, then the film dries very quickly. With the weather here in Hawaii this process typically can take a few days to a couple weeks depending on where you park your vehicle during the day.
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