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Window Tinting and Installation FAQ

Below are common questions that we receive regarding window tinting and installation in the Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, areas. If you do not see your question here, please feel free to give us a call or make an appointment to visit our shop. Our friendly staff is here for you.

Q: Where are you located?
A: We are located on Southeast 82nd Avenue, directly across from the Clackamas Town Center and behind Stereo King. Call us today to book your appointment. 503-659-TINT

Q: What is window tinting, exactly?
A: Window tinting is the application of a polyester-based, multilayered film that adheres to the interior surface of automobile windows for solar control.

Q: Why should I get my windows tinted?
A: Some of the many benefits to window tinting include the ability to block heat and ultraviolet radiation, reduce glare, enhance the aesthetics of a vehicle and provide privacy. Window films also add a safety component in the event of an accident, as they prevent glass shards from flying around by holding broken glass together.

Q: Can I still have my windows tinted if I have a rear window defroster?
A: Yes, neither thing will affect the other.

Q: Are there any legal restrictions for window tinting?
A: Every state has different laws regarding what they will permit on their roads.  In Oregon, window tinting is completely legal as long as the material has a light transmittance of 50% or greater, AND the combined light transmittance once applied to your vehicle’s glass does not exceed 35%.  There are no restrictions on the light transmittance of the windows in the rear section of multi-purpose vehicles (trucks, vans, SUVs).

Q: What is a window film with X% light transmittance?
A: This number is a measurement of how much light passes through the material. Darker materials have lower numbers, meaning that less light is passing through.

Q: Is your tint the same as “factory tinted”?
A: After-market window films and factory-tinted glass may look very similar; however, they are not the same. Factory tinted glass is a pigment that is put into the glass during the manufacturing process – it is simply colored glass. As such, it is not engineered to do the things that window films can do, such as block heat and UV rays.

Q: Can I operate my windows after having window film applied? 
A: Window films are applied with adhesives, and like all adhesives, they need time to “set”. Until the adhesive sets, it is best not to subject it to unnecessary stress, so you should not operate your windows for 48 hours after the film is applied.

Q: What should my tinted windows be cleaned with?
A: Window tinting does not require any special cleaners; however, it is important to avoid glass cleaners that contain ammonia, as repeated applications of ammonia can damage the film over time. Use a non-abrasive, soft cloth, and do not scrape the tint with any kind of blade.

Q: I just had my windows tinted. Why do they look blotchy?
A: After the solar control window film is freshly applied, it appears hazy and streaky because there are trace amounts of moisture still remaining between the film and the glass. This is normal and temporary. How long it takes for this moisture to dissipate depends on the temperature and the humidity, but it always goes away eventually.

Q: How long does the process of window tinting take?
A: It depends on the vehicle and the complexity of your particular project, but the average vehicle can be completed in just a few hours.

Q: I am interested in getting my vehicle’s windows tinted. How soon can I book an appointment?
A: It is best to give us a call a few days in advance to secure a date and time that works best for you. Our schedule is always fluctuating, but summer is generally our busiest time. For more information, please fill out our contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!

Call us today at 503-659-8468 to find out more about window tinting!