Auto Tinting
Window Tinting
Accu Tint of Nashville & Southern TN
Nashville’s #1 Window Tinting Company
It’s undeniable that a car with dark, tinted windows has an attractive, sophisticated look to it. But window tinting has benefits far beyond the aesthetics it brings to your car. If you’ve been considering getting your car, home, or office windows tinted, you’ll learn all you need to know on this page, including the tinting process, the benefits of paint protection film, and so much more. At Accu Tint, our Nashville technicians bring the most professional and reliable service to Nashville, Mid Tennessee, and Southern Tennessee.
The Window Tinting Process
The process starts with selecting which film tint you want on your car.
When deciding on which tint percentage for your car, consider the aesthetics, how much light will be coming into the car during the day, think about how easy it will be to see out the windows at night, and of course, what’s legal in your state.
In Tennessee, at least 35 percent VLT (visible light transmitted) must be allowed through the side windows and the front and back windows.
Next, cleaning the outside of the windows.
This step is completed throughout the process and ensures the film is put on the windows without any trace of dust or dirt. The outside of the windows are washed in order to be able to see any dirt or bubbles when the tint is being placed on the inside. The tint is first applied on the outside so that the shrinking process can take place. The film is then removed and placed on the inside for a perfect fit.
Now, cutting the film.
This can be done both by hand or by machine. Many window tinting companies use a machine in order to keep the cut as accurate as possible; however, for older cars, or more detailed jobs, cutting by hand may be required. When a computer is used, it’s able to store measurements for specific makes and models of cars. All Accu Tint needs to do is look up your car to create a template.
Placing the film on a car’s windows isn’t quite as easy as it sounds. This is because car windows have a slight curvature to them. The film is placed on a wet and cleaned window and the edges are trimmed down. To ensure that the film matches the curve of the window, a heat gun is used so that the film shrinks to the shape of the window. The heat gun and a squeegee is used to remove any bubbles.
Cleaning the inside of the windows is another essential step. A thoroughly clean window makes the application process much smoother. Applying the film on the inside needs to be done quickly and takes skill and precision to ensure it’s done properly. A variety of tools, including squeegees and razor blades are used to apply the film smoothly to the glass and to remove any air bubbles.
Tips For Choosing a Window Tinting Company
There are a lot of options when it comes to choosing a window tinting company in Nashville, so when you’ve finally made the decision to make the call, how do you go about making the best decision for yourself, your car, and your budget? Even if you don’t use us for your window tinting needs (we hope you do), we want you to get the best services and the best finished product. So here are some tips to make your search as easy as possible.
Do Some Research
The more you know about the tinting process, various products, and range of tint percentage, the easier you will be able to make an informed decision. There’s a lot to know about this industry, so if you’re comfortable and familiar with the options, it will be easier to ask a potential company different questions. This will give you an opportunity to feel out a range of companies.
Quality of Tint
Deciding on the quality of tint can help you create a realistic budget. Think about how much you want to spend as well as how often you’re using the car. Top tier tints tend to be more durable and will last longer, they are more aesthetically pleasing, but they are more expensive. Going with a less expensive option, you may have to compromise on look or quality. If you want to avoid the very unattractive bubbly look, you may want to go with a higher quality window tint.
UV Reflecting Tints
One of the biggest benefits of window tinting is blocking the sun from heating your car and keeping your skin protected. This can be especially beneficial when facing the Nashville heat. UV reflecting window tints can block up to 99 percent of UV rays and will prevent heat from being trapped inside the car.
Visiting Potential Shops in Person
Visiting the shop will give you an idea of their process and the equipment they use. You’ll also be able to ask the technicians questions about the process, pricing, what their options are, and more. If the people you talk to aren’t able to answer your questions, consider going somewhere else. Someone who does have the answers available shows that they are more experienced and knowledgeable.
Types of Window Tint
When putting window tints on your car, you’ll obviously need to decide which type you want. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types.
- Dyed Film
This type is a good choice for anyone who is on a budget and still wants that sophisticated look of window tinting. Dyed films are made just like how they sound. The film contains a dyed layer, with no metal, and gives your car the privacy you want with great heat absorption qualities. The heat that is absorbed by the tint is transferred to the glass and then dissipates into the air.
- Metalized/Deposited Film
This type of tint has a thin layer of metal that will help give your car a beautiful reflective quality and also has heat and UV blocking properties. Making these films starts with coating a layer of metal onto polyester and then adding a clear laminate to protect the metal. An adhesive layer and scratch coat are then added to produce the final product. If you want a highly reflective look and a thicker film, this is a great option. Keep in mind, though, that this type of film can have some restrictions depending on the type of vehicle and can, in some cases, block GPS and radio signals.
- Sputtered Film
Similar to metalized film, sputtered window tinting is lighter and thinner, making it easier to apply. This type also has great versatility. Sputtered film isn’t the best option for blocking out heat, but is good at blocking UV radiation.
- Hybrid Film
A combination of both metal and dye films, this type has the benefits of both systems without some of the drawbacks. Hybrid films have both reflective qualities with the layer of metal and the dyed layer is great for its absorptive qualities. This option is a great choice when you want to get the most out of your money.
- Ceramic Film
More expensive than hybrid films, ceramic has a variety of benefits. The most advanced technology, ceramic films tend to keep their color and appearance for years, reflects heat, infrared light, and can block up to 99 percent of UV rays. This is especially beneficial because UV rays can do damage to your skin as well as the interior of your car. Ceramic films can do all of this at lighter shades, so it won’t get in the way of night driving (but may not offer as much privacy).
When choosing which type of film is best for you, take into consideration what qualities matter most to you. This could be the shade of tint and how much light it lets through, the reflectivity (shiny, matte, or a mirror quality), and how efficient the film is at blocking UV rays.
Window Tinting Maintenance
Regardless of the type of window tinting you choose, you will need to properly care for your windows to protect the film and to ensure that your warranty is still good (Accu Tint in Nashville offers a lifetime warranty on all work). Right after the tinting is installed, there will be a maintenance period while the film is setting on the glass. Here are some dos and don’ts of window tinting maintenance.
Roll Up Your Windows
If you’re a fan of driving with the windows down during the hot Nashville summers, you’ll want to stick with the AC for a week or two. Tinting films don’t cure right away to the glass, and depending on the type of film you chose, it can take between two days to a month to set completely. If you skip this step, the film could begin to peel.
Don't Use Harsh Chemicals
We mentioned this above, but it’s important enough to say again: don’t use ammonia-based cleaning solutions. Ammonia is abrasive and can cause the tint to wear down and will eventually do permanent damage to the film.
Do Wait to Clean the Windows
Consider going through the car wash before you have the window tinting completed. After the waiting period is over, use a soft, microfiber cloth or any non-abrasive towel to wipe the windows. Any cleaner will do as long as it does not have ammonia in it. If you want to be especially careful, look for specific window cleaners made for tinted windows.
Do Avoid Direct Sunlight When Washing
If you wash your car at home, try to time it correctly so there’s shade in the driveway or visit an indoor car wash. Washing the car in direct sunlight can cause it to dry unevenly, which can result in streaks and lines, sometimes permanently.
Don't Think the Tint is Invincible
Window tinting films are durable and there are optional scratch-resistant coatings, but they aren’t invincible. If you have kids or pets, watch what they’re doing with their nails. Also, watch out for sharp objects that you’re loading into the car, and be careful with your seatbelt buckle. If the metal buckle is tossed behind you and hits the window, it can scratch the film.
Don't Worry About Haze or Water Pockets
After the film is applied to the glass, the technician will use a squeegee to get out as much water as possible, but there will be some left. This can leave a hazy film or water pockets in the window tint. The water will eventually evaporate on its own and your window will look as beautiful as it did when you left the shop.
Benefits of Auto Window Tinting
If you haven’t given much thought to window tinting, it’s hard to miss these great benefits. But the minute you drive out of the shop with tinted windows, you’ll wish you had done it sooner.
Fade Reduction
Whether you have leather or cloth seats, the sun can affect the color of the material over the years. If you think you’ll sell your car one day, this can protect the resale value. Tinted windows can also help reduce glare on your car’s hood, helping with eye fatigue.
UV Ray Blockage
Along with wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun, window tinting can block up to 99 percent of the sun’s UV rays.
Solar Heat Rejection
Do you blast the AC to cool off from the Nashville heat? Window tinting can help reduce fuel consumption and help keep a comfortable environment within the car.
Shattered Glass Protection
We hope this doesn’t happen, but if an object hits your windshield, the film can help protect against the glass shattering.
Privacy
If you have a valuable stereo, or want to hang out in your car without passersby being able to see inside, window tinting can help increase the feeling of privacy.
Premier Nashville Window Tinting
We have developed our reputation one customer at a time, and we would like for you to be next. Our Nashville auto window tinting is next to none — Call today to schedule an appointment or click here to e-mail your request. In business since 1999, Accu Tint Inc offers window and vehicle tinting, and commercial glass coating in the Goodlettsville, TN area. Call us today.
