Residential Window Tinting in Bakersfield, California

Window film is a polyester film generally made of PET, or polyethylene terephthalate, the same polymer used to manufacture water bottles, for example. Most films are applied to the interior surface of a glass window in a home, commercial building, or car. They have a scratch-resistant coating on the outer surface to help protect the film. There are many types of window films. Some are clear and feature multiple layers of PET to help protect against shattering glass. Others are tinted with metals, dyes, or pigments to reduce the amount of visible light transmitted through the glass and reduce solar heat entering through the glass. There are even decorative window films that can replicate the appearance of frosted glass or etched designs.

Safety films are window films that provide a variety of benefits depending on the type of film you choose. They can help hold shattered glass in place, providing protection against threats such as burglary attempts, graffiti, wind-borne debris, and natural disasters.

The installation process starts with thoroughly cleaning your windows to remove even the smallest particles of dirt and debris. A piece of film is then cut roughly to the size of your window. The film’s release liner is removed, and an application solution is sprayed onto the film’s adhesive to activate it. The application solution is also sprayed onto the window. The film is then installed on the glass, and the installer squeegees the application solution from between the glass and film. The installer will also perform final trimming along the edges to ensure the film fits precisely.

When the installer squeegees out the application solution during installation, it is nearly impossible to remove every drop. Therefore, there is a drying time (cure time) for the film, during which the remaining application solution between the film and glass evaporates. During this time, the film is still performing at its full solar control and safety capabilities. However, it is common to see bubbles, haze, streaks, and other visual imperfections in the film as it cures. This is completely normal, and these imperfections will disappear as the film dries. The time required for the film to fully cure can vary significantly. If it is a dark solar control film installed on a south- or west-facing window in a hot climate during the summer, the film can be completely cured within a few days. However, if it is a heavy-gauge safety film installed on a north-facing window during the winter, it is not uncommon for the curing process to last more than a month. Remember that the film will perform as designed during the drying time. The bubbles and streaks are purely cosmetic.

The cleaning process for a filmed window is very similar to that for unfilmed glass. Before cleaning, however, make sure that the film has fully cured. Generally, we recommend waiting 30 days after installation before cleaning the windows. When cleaning, follow these steps: Use a soft, clean cloth, soft paper towel, or clean synthetic sponge. Gentle scrubbing with these materials is fine, but avoid scrubbing aggressively or using anything abrasive. Use any standard glass-cleaning solution that contains no abrasive materials. Typical off-the-shelf glass cleaners are acceptable. Use a soft cloth or squeegee to dry the window.

In most cases, if a plant is already receiving adequate light, the use of window film will not harm it. New growth or flowering may be slowed, and the plant may take a few days to adjust to the change in light. If a particular plant normally wilts by the end of a sunny day, it may actually thrive better with film installed. Although there are some general guidelines for determining what effect, if any, window film will have on a plant—for instance, dark green plants need less light than lighter-colored plants—there is a simple test that can be performed prior to film installation: simply move the plant to an area with less sunlight for a few days. In addition, most nurseries or local agricultural agencies can advise you whether a particular plant needs closer to maximum or minimum light.

Window film will significantly reduce the amount of fading on interior furnishings. It’s nearly impossible to eliminate all risk of fading though.

This depends on the film type, glass type, window construction, orientation and geographical location of the building. All of our films are covered by a warranty for some specified time. Most installations receive either a 10 or 15 year warranty.