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Automotive Window Film Questions

Why do I see cars on the road with bubbles in the tint?

The film installed was of poor quality product resulting in adhesive failure and improper installation by an inexperienced person.
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What do I clean the window film with?

The window film can be cleaned with any non-abrasive glass cleaner, we recommend "Plexus".
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Does the film go on the inside or outside the glass?

The film is always applied on the inside of the glass.
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Will my car be cooler when I get in on a hot day?

To some degree, yes. But for the most part, it's going to still be hot because of the lack of ventilation in a closed vehicle. The real difference you feel is when your A/C is running and is able to keep up with the extreme ambient temperature outside and the heat of the sun is bearable when it hits your skin.
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Why do prices vary so much between some tint shops?

The old saying, "You get what you pay for", holds very true in this business. The quality of the film and installation can vary as much as the price.
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Will I have any trouble seeing out, especially at night?

No. As long as your tint is within the law and you have no pre-existing night vision problems. We do caution people when choosing our darkest film (limo tint) that visibility can be reduced in unlit areas backing up.
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How long do you need my car for?

It varies on the type of vehicle, but we like to allow 2 to 3.5 hours for a complete installation.
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Do I have to leave my windows up after the film is installed?

Yes. We recommend 2-3 days, depending on the climate at the time.
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Will my windows be cloudy or bubbly right after the installation?

Yes, slightly. A thin layer of water will be trapped under the film until it evaporates. This usually takes only 2-3 days in warm, sunny weather.
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What does the Lifetime Warranty cover?

This is all clearly stated on the warranty you will receive, but basically it covers bubbling, peeling, delaminating, demetalizing, cracking and extreme discoloration. The only things not covered are scratches and damage to the film from improper cleaning and care. Any film requiring replacement under warranty will be done at no cost for labor or material to the customer.
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Is my warranty still in force if I move to another city or state?

Absolutely. Your warranty is a nationwide contract from the manufacturer that is honored at any authorized "Suntek Film" dealer in any of the 50 states. If you have any questions, just call the toll free number on your warranty form.
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Residential Window Film Questions

Will Window Film Really Stop Fading Of Fabrics?

There are six factors affecting fabric fading:

  • Ultraviolet Light
  • Visible Light
  • Heat and Humidity
  • Chemical Vapors (including ozone)
  • Age of Fabric
  • Dye Fastness

Clear single pane glass (1/8" to 1/4") will reject 23-28% of the ultraviolet light from the sun. Insulated glass is slightly better, rejecting 36-41%. Window films installed on glass reject 95-99% of solar ultraviolet light. Different types of clear glass and window systems will reject 13-29% of the solar heat. With window films, 80% solar heat rejection can be obtained. No window film can eliminate fading. It can, however, offer maximum protection from fading due to solar ultraviolet light and solar heat.
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How Long Will Film Last?

All of our residential films offer a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacture. Commercial films are warranted for a period of ten years.
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How Should I Clean My Windows After Film Is Applied?

Windows with film applied are easily cleaned without damage to their appearance as long as a few common-sense guidelines are followed:

  • Use a soft clean cloth, soft paper towel, or clean synthetic sponge.
  • Use a soft cloth or squeegee for drying the window.
  • Use any normal glass cleaning solution, which contains no abrasive materials.

The availability of scratch resistant coatings as a standard feature of quality films has virtually eliminated the need for extra special precautions in cleaning.
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Will Window Film Kill My House Plants?

In most cases if a houseplant is already receiving adequate light the use of window film will not harm it. New growth or flowering may be retarded, and, for a few days, a plant may go into a state of shock while it adjusts to the light change. If a particular plant normally wilts by the end of a sunny day, it will actually thrive better with film installed. Although there are some obvious guidelines in determining what, if any, effect window film will have on a plant (for instance, dark green plants need less light than lighter colored ones), there is one sample test which can be done prior to film installation: merely move the plant to an area with less sunlight for a few days. In addition, most nurseries or local agriculture agencies can advise you whether a particular plant needs closer to maximal or minimal light.
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Can Window Film Be Used On Low E Windows?

Whether window film should be used on low E windows and how much you will benefit depends on three factors:

  • Type of low E surface used on glass.
  • Location of low E surface in the window system.
  • The desired amount of heat gain reduction, heat loss reduction, or other film benefits.

 There are two basic types of low E surfaces on glass. One of these is a conductive coating put on glass as it is being made. It gives some heat loss reduction, but does little to reduce heat gain into a building. The second type is a more complex system of multiple layers of metals and conductive coatings deposited on glass after it has been made. This type of low E glass gives heat reductions of 30% to 50% in addition to reducing heat loss. Obviously there will be more heat gain reduction using film on the first type. If there is any question about the type you may have, ask your glass company or the window manufacturer to send you the specific information about your glass.
The location of the low E surface in your window system is also very important in deciding whether film should be used. If the low E coating is on the room-side surface of the innermost pane of glass, the use of window film may reduce or eliminate the heat loss reduction of the glass itself. This may be more than offset by the heat gain reduction/heat loss reduction properties of the films to be used. Most low E window systems, however, consist of double pane windows where the low E surface faces the air space between the panes. In this case, film can be installed without eliminating the heat loss reduction benefit of the low E glass. The type of window film you choose for low E glass depends entirely on your desired benefit -whether you want to reduce heat gain, control glare, prevent heat loss, reduce fading or enhance the safety of your windows and glass doors. Carefully consider all these benefits before making a final decision.
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Will Window Films Cause Glass To Break?

Glass breaks when stressed. There are five types of stress, which may cause glass breakage:

  • Thermal Stress--from absorption of solar radiation.
  • Tensile Stress--from the weight of the glass itself.
  • Mechanical Flexing Stress--from wind.
  • Impact Stress--from flying objects, hail, baseballs.
  • Twisting Stress--from building or window frame sagging or settling.

The first type, thermal stress, is the only one which film may affect. The use of window films will increase the thermal stress on sunlit glass. However, there are also other factors which will increase thermal stress such as: partial shading of windows from overhangs, tightly fitting drapes or blinds, signs or decals on windows, heating and cooling vents directed at glass. In addition, different types of glass (annealed versus tempered, clear versus tinted) have different solar absorption rates and will withstand different degrees of thermal stress.
The window film manufacturers have recommended film-to-glass tables for use by factory-trained dealer installers. If a consumer is ever in doubt, he/she should request a copy of such guidelines. Listed are some glass types or conditions where the use of a solar control (not clear safety) type of window film is not recommended without extreme caution.

  • SINGLE PANE GLASS LARGER THAN 100 SQUARE FEET.
  • DOUBLE PANE GLASS LARGER THAN 40 SQUARE FEET.
  • CLEAR GLASS THICKER THAN 3/8 INCH.
  • TINTED GLASS THICKER THAN 1/4 INCH.
  • WINDOW FRAMING SYSTEMS OF CONCRETE, SOLID ALUMINUM, OR SOLID STEEL.
  • GLASS WHERE SEALANT OR GLAZING COMPOUND HAS HARDENED.
  • VISIBLY CHIPPED, CRACKED OR OTHERWISE DAMAGED GLASS.
  • REFLECTIVE, WIRED, TEXTURED, OR PATTERNED GLASS.
  • TRIPLE PANE GLASS.
  • LAMINATED GLASS WINDOWS.

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Safety/Security Film Questions

What is the origin of safety film?

Safety film was developed in the early 1970s for the British government for use in the UK, Ireland and Europe, as a protective device to lessen injuries as a result of random terrorist bombing activities. Shock waves caused by such bombs would break nearby glass windows causing thousand of jagged pieces of glass to be hurled in a deadly fashion, creating serious human injuries and loss of life, and substantial property damage.
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What is glass fragment retention or anti shatter film?

These are two names that the US Government give to what is referred to generally as safety film. These names were developed by the US army corps of engineers to describe the nature of safety film and its ability to hold glass together in the event it is broken.
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How is safety film made?

Safety film is manufactured from single or multiple layers of tough, durable polyester film laminated together in a variety of constructions. One side of the film is coated with an extremely powerful adhesive formula that is applied to the interior surface of the glass, whilst the exterior (room facing) side is protected with a special scratch-resistant coating.
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How is safety film used?

In addition to its original use as a protective device against flying or falling glass from bomb blasts, safety film is useful in protecting against the perils of nature such as earthquakes, hurricanes and other severe windstorms. Safety film also provides security against industrial explosions and crime such as burglary, forced entry, rioting, looting and vandalism. Equally important, safety film can provide protection against accidental glass breakage from thrown objects, or from children and adults walking into glass doors and windows. Reports of serious glass-related injuries in the U.S. can exceed 150,000 annually.
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How does safety film protect against burglary and forced entry?

Studies by the US Small Business Administration indicate that 64% of all commercial burglaries involve the breaking of glass in windows of doors. Intruders use an array of tools or weapons to gain entry: pipes, crowbars, baseball bats, axes, bricks, rocks, etc. Through its ability to offer significant resistance to attempts of penetration, safety film provides a level of protection and security. It is also an excellent deterrent to smash and grab activities. Unlike shutters, Safety film also offers the advantage of "after-hours" viewing of goods, 24 hour protection, as well as saving the bother of daily lowering and raising of the shutters. Furthermore Safety Film is maintenance free.
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Clear Bra Questions

What brand of material do you use?

We use Xpel paint protection film exclusively
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How thick is it?

The invisible mask is 8 mil thick.
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Is it noticeable?

Slightly noticeable, but almost invisible. Alternatives are: Leather bras Bug shields Rock chips .
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Can you see the clear bra on the vehicle?

The shield is clear and almost invisible on the vehicle. If you are standing within 2 feet of the vehicle you will probably see it; but from 5 feet or more, it will not be noticeable.
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How long does it take to install??

Install time varies from vehicle to vehicle, but typical install takes about 4-6 hours for a complete front end.
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I found a "pre cut kit" for my car on the Internet, can I install this myself?

Paint protection kits are widely available on the internet. They are often marketed as "Do it Yourself" The fact of the matter is installing paint protection is a skilled trade and very difficult by nature. I would not recommend someone to do it themselves without having some form of training; the material is expensive and is not reusable after a failed install attempt. It is well worth the money to have a professional do it.
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Do you use "kits"?

We exclusively Xpel patterns. XPEL has forged the cutting-edge of automotive protection technology. The Company's state-of-the-art Design Team develops industry-best products for the ultimate in vehicular protection.
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Can the invisible mask be removed?

Yes, but is rarely needed. The only reason I have removed bras in the past is in the event of a front-end collision. If your vehicle is in an accident and blending is required by the body shop, removal is necessary.
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Does the XPEL paint protection film require special care?

Not really, regular washing fine and we recommend using XPEL Film Sealant. XPEL Film Sealant is an acrylic polymer product that is purpose-made for protecting any aliphatic urethane paint protection film. Attaching itself at a molecular level, the sealant forms a hardened barrier when exposed to UV light. By sealing off the pores in the film, the sealant will reduce absorption of pollutants, tar, and pollen; as well as staining due acid rain, hard water and bugs by 90%. Because this product is engineered specifically for Aliphatic Polyurethane, it is much more durable on Paint Protection Film than other waxes and polishes. Apply XPEL Film Sealant monthly for maximum protection.
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Will the paint fade differently under the clear shield?

No, as long as you maintain your car's paint and finish. The film and clear coat layers contain UV protectants to counteract harmful ultraviolet rays that can cause yellowing or fading.
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Can I go through a carwash?

Yes, after 48 hours, you can wash and wax your car as you normally would.
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Does the paint protection film come in colors?

No, the invisible bra is clear.
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Will Paint Protection Film harm the painted surface if the film is removed?

If the film is properly applied to a fully cured painted vehicle, it can be removed, usually in one piece, without damaging paint surfaces beneath the film.
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Can the Film be applied over a vehicle that has had the paint touched up?

We recommend that any repainted surfaces on your vehicle be professionally painted and fully cured before applying paint protection film. If you have touched up scratches or chips with a tube of "touch-up" paint and then apply paint protection film over it, the film will protect that area until it is removed. If the paint protection film is removed, it is possible that the area around the non-professional touch-up paint could peel off.
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Will the paint smear if the Film is applied over a newly painted vehicle?

The paint on a newly painted vehicle must be cured according to manufacturer's recommendations. Your body shop should be able to provide you with this information.
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Can I cover the whole vehicle with Paint Protection Film?

It is possible, but the application would be difficult and expensive. This product is really intended for the most vulnerable areas of the vehicle, bumpers, hoods, grilles, and headlights/fog lights.
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Can Paint Protection Film be applied over graphics?

The clear film will not interfere with vinyl or painted graphics and is designed to match the gloss levels of today's automotive factory clear coat paint systems, providing virtually invisible protection. However, if the Paint Protection Film is removed, damage may occur to the underlying graphic during the removal process.
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What is the XPEL Professional Paint Protection Film warranty?

XPEL Technologies Corp. warrants XPEL Protection Film to be free of any manufacturing or workmanship defects for seven (7) years from the date of purchase. The warranty does not cover damage to XPEL Protection Film caused by erroneous application, accidents or collisions, intentional misuse or ordinary wear, nor damage, dents or chips to the protected surface or film caused by impact of rocks or any other debris. XPEL will replace any film that does not meet this warranty. The replacement of damaged film is the exclusive remedy; liability does not extend to any other damages, incidental, consequential or otherwise.
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