How to Maintain Car Window Tinting

Maintenance Tips & Tricks
Car window tint is an affordable way to spice up your vehicle.  It’s simple and you drive out in style.  That said without the right care, window tinting can end up bubbling and/or breaking down over time.
If you have recently had window tinting installed on your car, these tips are for you!  Following these tips can add years to the lifespan of your car’s tint.

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Expert Window Tint Cleaning Method
Ensure you wait for the Window Tint to Curate
Before cleaning the windows, ensure the tints have cured.  Your friendly window tint installer should give you an expected window (no pun intended) where the tint should cure.  Climate and wear/tear can affect these times, but the average time is between 10 and 20 days.


Wait a Week to Roll Down Windows
Do not roll down the windows in your care for 7-10 days after tint is installed.  As the tints haven’t fully cured, window roll downs can damage the tint’s finish.

Use the Best Products
Though car tints have a scratch-free coating, this is meant to protect the window from wear & tear.  This does not necessarily protect against the sharp or heavy objects.  Before cleaning the tints, ensure you only use gentle products that don’t leave scratches or scrapes.  Spokane Window Tinting recommendations:

• Clean rubber squeegees
• Rags of cotton
• Microfiber wiping cloth
• Window cleaning fabric
• Warm water with soap

Do not clean with the following:

• Scrapers or razors
• Steel sponges
• Vinegar
• Scrubbing pad
• Products with ammonia

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How to Clean Your Car’s Tinted Windows

• Spray cleaner sparingly
• Wipe down with a clean, microfiber cloth
• Rotate the cloth regularly to ensure you are wiping with a clean cloth
• Starting from the top, use a rubber squeegee to rub down the glass until dry
• Use a cloth to wipe off any cleaning residue from the windows

Cleaning Adhesive
To properly clean off residual glue or adhesive from tape or sticks, you will want to have a clean cotton cloth.  Dab that cloth with acetone.  This should remove the adhesive without damaging the window tint.  Finally, wipe the window down after cleaning.

Removing Bubbling
To Avoid Air Bubbles in your tint:

• Choose a high quality tinting film (3M is preferable)
• Let a professional install your windows
• Clean and maintain diligently

Sometimes it’s unavoidable to prevent bubbling to your windows.  Bubbles from your tint installation should disappear within two weeks of your window tint job.  If the tint doesn’t go away, follow these protocols:

1. Apply heat to the part of the window with air bubbles (can use a hair dryer or space heater).
2. Fill a spray bottle with tap water and mist the window until it’s moist.
3. Use a straight pin to poke a tiny hole in each bubble.
4. Ensure the windows are damp and still warm.
5. Using a card or small edge, smooth out bubbles.  The key here is to smooth toward the edge closest to the bubbles while moving slowly & consistently.
6. Dry the window with a gentle, non-lint cloth and give the window an inspection to see if the air bubbles are gone!

 
Increasing the longevity of your car window tint is something the every day car owner has the ability to do. Keep in mind these tips and strategies after you drive home with sleek new windows!
As always, for your next car tinting job call:

Spokane Window Tinting: (509) 992-1282

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