Tint Facts
Automotive Tint
5Star knows you want to enhance your ride but is window tint right for you?
Below are some of the most common questions we get about our auto window tinting service.
If you don’t see your concern, please contact us today and we will be happy to go over the automotive window tint process and address any questions or concerns you have.
What is window film?
Window film is a thin, multi-layered polyester material that incorporates the many different layers to control different properties, including Ultra-Violet (UV) light, heat, glare, and privacy. Window film comes in a variety of performance levels and shades.
What do the different levels of film mean?
Film percentages stand for light transmission or the amount of light that is allowed through the film. The lower the percentage, the darker the film.
Is the tint applied on the outside of the window?
No. In most cases, window film is installed on the inside of the glass. This allows for maximum durability. On vehicles, the window tint is hand-cut on the outside of the glass, then installed on the interior of the glass.
What should I use to clean my windows after I’ve had them tinted?
After window film installation, wait a week before cleaning the inside of the window where the film was installed. After a week, use a window cleaner without ammonia and a soft cloth or rubber squeegee. We recommend foam cleaners because they do not streak, and are usually ammonia-free. Never scrape the film with any type of blade or clean your tinted windows with anything abrasive, as it will scratch the film.
How long does it take to tint my vehicle?
The amount of time varies, depending on your type of vehicle. A complete car can take 2 to 4 hours. Full-sized trucks generally take between an hour and an hour and a half. A set of front doors usually only takes 30-45 minutes. If old aftermarket film has to be removed, that can add anywhere from 30 minutes to half a day.
Can I darken vehicle factory window tint?
Yes. As long as it is factory window tint, we can install window film directly on the glass. Factory window tint’s color is actually a pigment in the glass. Aftermarket window film also has many more solar benefits than factory window tint. Factory tint only rejects part of the UV rays, and only rejects a small amount of heat. Aftermarket window film rejects 99% of ultraviolet rays and up to 90% of heat, depending on the film level used. In addition to these benefits, darkening factory tinted glass will give you more privacy for storing your personal items in the back of the vehicle.
What is “One-Way Film”?
“One-Way Film” is based on lighting, not the film itself. The side that is the brightest is the side that you can see. During the day when it is bright outside, you can see outside. At night, if you have lights on inside and no lighting outside, then it reverses.
Can the front two doors be matched to the vehicle factory window tint?
Yes. However, having this level of window film on front doors is not legal in certain states. Vehicle factory window tint is usually 26%-15% film level. State laws limit the front door legal light transmission which can be lighter than the rear window of your factory tinted vehicle.
Can aftermarket window film be installed over factory window tint?
As long as it is factory window tint, which is a color in the glass, then after market window film can be installed directly on the glass. Aftermarket window film has many more solar benefits than factory window tint. Aftermarket window film rejects 99% of ultraviolet rays and up to 90% of heat, depending on the film level used. Plus, adding aftermarket tint over factory tint can give you more privacy for storing personal items in the back of a vehicle.
Can window film be applied to any surface?
No. The adhesive is meant to adhere to glass only. Window films should only be applied to glass surfaces that have a smooth finish. Plastics, Plexiglas, or Lexan contain too much oil for the film to adhere properly for a long period of time.
Tint Facts
Residential Tint
5Star knows you want to style your home but is window tint right for you?
Below are some of the most common questions we get about our residential window tinting service.
If you don’t see your concern, please contact us today and we will be happy to go over the home window tint process and address any questions or concerns you have.
What can I use to wash my tinted windows?
Use foaming glass cleaners like Glass Plus, or soap and water with a soft cotton cloth or paper towels. Avoid using anything abrasive.
How long will residential window film last?
Our residential window films carry manufacturer warranties against any type of cracking, peeling, discoloring, blistering, or delamination as well as defects in workmanship.
Will the film make my windows or room look dark?
No. Most films installed by 5Star can hardly be detected, but the difference can be felt.
Will the film reduce my heating and cooling costs?
Yes. In the winter, window film helps insulate the glass and keep heat in, reducing energy costs. In the summer, the film controls solar heat gain, thus reducing your cooling costs. On average, clients can expect to see a 15% reduction in energy costs once the window film is installed.
We have dual pane windows. Can they be tinted?
Yes! Dual-pane or thermal pane have two pieces about 1/2″ apart with gas sealed in-between and are very common in today’s buildings. Your windows can be tinted, but certain guidelines need to be followed because dual panes are more vulnerable to stress than single-pane windows.
Tint Facts
Commercial Tint
RAISING COMFORT… LOWERING COSTS
A comfortable employee is a productive one, and a satisfied tenant is a profitable one.
Below are some of the most common questions we get about our commercial window tinting service.
If you don’t see your concern, please contact us today and we will be happy to go over the home window tint process and address any questions or concerns you have.
What can I use to wash my tinted windows?
Use foaming glass cleaners like Glass Plus, or soap and water with a rubber squeegee, soft cotton cloth or paper towels. Avoid using anything abrasive.
How long will commercial window film last?
Our residential window films carry lifetime warranties against any type of cracking, peeling, discoloring, blistering, or delamination as well as defects in workmanship.
Because we believe so strongly in the value of tinting your windows, 5 Star is the only Chicagoland installer to offer a 15-year warranty on both our window tint and the labor.
Will the film make my windows or room look dark?
No. Most films installed by 5 Star can hardly be detected, but the difference can be felt.
Will the film reduce my heating and cooling costs?
Yes. In the winter, window film helps insulate the glass and keep heat in, reducing energy costs. In the summer, the film controls solar heat gain, thus reducing your cooling costs. On average, clients can expect to see a 15% reduction in energy costs once the window film is installed.
We have dual pane windows. Can they be tinted?
Yes! Dual-pane or thermal pane have two pieces about 1/2″ apart with gas sealed in-between and are very common in today’s buildings. Your windows can be tinted, but certain guidelines need to be followed because dual panes are more vulnerable to stress than single-pane windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paint Protection Film (PPF)
5Star knows you want to protect your ride but is paint protection (PPF) right for you?
Below are some of the most common questions we get about our paint protection (PPF) service.
If you don’t see your concern, please contact us today and we will be happy to go over the paint protection(PPF) process and address any questions or concerns you have.
What is paint protection film (which is also known as PPF)?
Paint Protection Film is a flexible, clear top coat that has exceptional stretch and is self-healing to eliminate minor scratches.
Where can I put clear paint protection film on my car?
Paint Protection Film (PPF) can be professionally installed anywhere you want to protect your car finish from scratches, chips, stains and other damaging elements. 5 Star paint protection film pro series protects:Â
- Rocker panels from sand and stones kicked up by tires
- Trunk ledges from golf clubs, luggage, and strollers
- Hoods, bumpers and mirror backs from flying gravel, bug damage and tar
- Door handle cavities and door edges from rings, keys, belt buckles and purses
- Full hoods, trunks and roofs from bird droppings and tree sap
What does self-healing paint protection film entail?
Innovative technology in the paint protection film causes minor scratches to disappear, which keeps the paint protection film and car’s finish looking new.Â
What is the warranty for paint protection film?
The 5 Star comprehensive warranty for paint protection film (PPF) is valid 10 years from the date of installation and covers against defects, yellowing, bubbling and cracking.
Is clear or matte paint protection film removable?
Yes. Paint protection film (PPF) is intended to be permanent, but it can be removed without damage to your car’s finish. 5 Star recommends that you visit us for removal should you choose to remove your PPF.
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