INSTALLATION (choosing the right window tinter)

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We've all seen cars driving down the road with bubbles in their window tint, or with peeling tint. And here's the bad news: most of those people didn't try to install the window film themselves. They paid for a poor-quality installation. At Solar Control, we know that in the end, high quality, experienced installation labor is the key to successful window tinting.

So, if you can't come to Solar Control, here are some questions to ask before you choose where to have your car windows tinted.

1. How long has the company been in business under the same name and same ownership? Do they have a city business license they can show you that states the date they went into business in your area? Many shops go out of business each year and just change their name and move down the street to avoid having to redo bad work!

2. How long has the installer who is going to be doing the actual labor on your vehicle been in the business? A minimum of five to seven years of experience is a must, or pass on them.

3. Do they have a physical shop and location so you can come down and look at their workmanship? If they are a mobile tinter, pass on them as well. You wouldn't paint a black car in the driveway of your home, so why do you think you can get a dust-free job in the same place? Two days after the initial installation, when all of the moisture dries up from the water, you will have a dirt, dust, hair infested, creased tint job.

4. What type of warranty do they give? Is it in writing? Is it a manufacturer's full written warranty? For how long? What DOESN'T it cover and what are the RESTRICTIONS listed on the invoice? Some tint shops put a sticker on the outside of your windows. If you remove their sticker, you void the entire warranty. You must read their written warranty in full. Only choose a manufacturer's full lifetime written warranty on LABOR and MATERIALS, including removal of the old defective film, and make sure you get the warranty card that the manufacturer gives them with all the information written down on it. (manufacturer's name, the film roll numbers, type of film being used, the color and type of film being installed, where on the vehicle and the full retail price you paid).

5. Is all the work done inside of their shop or outside in the parking lot? If they do it outside, pass on them.

6. What manufacturers of window film do they carry? Do they carry a complete line of films, including a high-performance bronze-colored film? If they don't carry bronze, pass on them. There are 95-plus films to choose from, so go for the choices.

7. Are they a current member of the IWFA (International Window Film Association)? If they are, then this is a good point, as they had to sign an ethical standards agreement to join the IWFA.

8. Will they tint your front two roll-down windows with an illegally dark film if you want them to? If they say yes to this, then pass on them as well. None of the window tinting film manufacturers gives any warranty on illegally tinted windows. [Note: Remember that what is legal varies by state. Click here for more information.] These companies are doomed to go out of business in time, as soon as the IWFA finds out about them and notifies the film manufacturer of their illegal operation. Plus, Federal Motor Vehicle (FMVSS) fines are $1,000 per vehicle for the installer if they are caught, which could ultimately hurt them financially and/or put them out of business.

9. Go take a look at the actual workmanship at their shop.

10. Do they do all the back windows in one piece of film with no seams, splices, darts, relief line cuts? If they don't do it in one piece, then pass on them.

11. Does all the film on the side doors go to the top edge of the glass and also go to the side edges of each piece of glass? If it doesn't, pass on them.

12. Is their shop a dust-free, air conditioned, well lighted, clean and neat shop? If it isn't, pass on them.

13. Do they have all the films they carry physical display panels?

14. Do they remove all of the door panels to perform the installation, or do they just jam the inside door rubber down with a plastic tool to cut time?

15. Do they remove the package tray from the back window? This is a very important item if you want a neat, clean, dust-free job.

16. Do they remove the rear speakers from the back window area before they tint the rear window, or do they leave them in and let the water hit the inside of the speakers and thus possibly ruin them down the road?

17. Can they eliminate the 'white area' at the top of the dot matrix area of the back window, or after the film dries will the dot matrix look like the film has not stuck properly to this area? Good shops know how to deal with this problem.

At Solar Control, we pass this test with flying colors. But if you live out of the area, be sure that the shop you choose conforms to the same high standards.

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