Question 1

Why is it important to tint the entire vehicle including the windshield / panoramic roof?

Accepted Answer

Tinting every window, including the windshield, with ceramic tint is crucial to maximizing its benefits and ensuring optimal performance. By applying it uniformly to all windows, including the windshield, regardless of the tint shade chosen, you create a comprehensive barrier against solar radiation and heat buildup, enhancing the overall comfort of your vehicle's interior. Without tinting the full car including windshield, you simply can not expect proper heat rejection as you are leaving big openings for heat to pour through!
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we often will use this analogy. Imagine your buying a top of the line Samsung refrigerator or in this case dual layer ceramic tint. You are buying the best because you want the best the industry has to offer. Now leave your new $4000 refrigerator open... or your windshield un-tinted, you have now have a problem with the product. The same can be said when it comes to only tinting the front half of your vehicle when it has been equipped from the factory with privacy glass. 
​
When it comes to factory privacy glass, it's important to note that its primary purpose is to provide a level of privacy by darkening the windows. However, this does not necessarily equate to UV protection or heat rejection. Factory privacy glass is often designed to meet aesthetic preferences rather than providing protection. 
​
In Summary, while we will never push or upsell clients into buying windshield tint... there is a reason as to why they are so highly recommended. Even a clear ceramic film on the windshield offers noticeably cooler internal temperatures!
​
Interested in seeing what clear window tint looks like?
Check out the shade comparison chart.(https://www.dublinwindowtint.com/tint) (%70)

Now what about panoramic roofs?

They are found on just about every modern vehicle and EV...
When given the choice between tint and protection film the answer isnt always clear.
Here is the very brief run down...

At the end of the day a unprotected panoramic roof can be nearly as detrimental as a un-tinted windshield...
You are allowing a massive opening for heat and UV to pour in through. Window Tint is installed inside the vehicle.
Ceramic Window Tint works by trapping the heat inside the window film itself. Since this film is installed inside the vehicle that means it is also trapping heat inside the glass, and ALOT of heat if we are talking about dual layer nano ceramic films such as what we exclusively work with. The problem is that you ultimately risk cracking your massive multi-thousand dollar panoramic roof. A quick google search will claim this is just a myth, but first hand experience over a decade says otherwise! These claims that your roof wont crack assumes there is no rapid temperature change such as a car wash on a 100+ degree day, and there are zero flaws inside your glass. While glass manufacturing has come a very long way over the decades imperfections still exist especially common on teslas.
When high performing ceramic films are installed on roofs and windshields, there is a very labor intensive shrinking and installation process (roughly $200-$500) and you still ultimately run the risk of your roofs cracking depending on the exact vehicle model and conditions.

Glass Protection Film AKA GPF on the other hand is installed on the outside of the vehicle hence "protection film". 
Our Glass Armour Ceramic Protection Film comes with roughly 60% IR Rejection similar to many ceramic films. This means your getting similar performance to many ceramic tint brands, however unlike window tint, this film is trapping heat on the surface of the glass. This eliminates the glass cracking problem as you are no longer trapping all that heat INSIDE of the glass, instead all the heat rejection is happening on the exterior of the glass itself. This is a simple solution that not only costs less than ceramic tint, with most GPF installations coming in around $150-$200, but also adds a whole new level of protection protecting your beautiful vehicle and investment!

Question 2

What is Privacy Glass? Isn't my rear half already tinted?

Accepted Answer

^ "tHe ReAr HaLf Of My CaR iS aLrEaDy TiNtEd" is probably the most hated statement from any tint shop whether they admit it or not.
All joking aside, our family here at Dublin Window Tint don't actually care or get annoyed by this question... its not your fault nobody explains this stuff!
So lets take a second and explain the difference between Window Tint & OEM Privacy Glass

Dual-layer ceramic window film and factory privacy glass serve completely different purposes in vehicles. Factory privacy glass is tinted glass that comes standard on many vehicles, particularly on rear windows, to provide privacy and a darker appearance. This is done through the inclusion of carbon particles in the glass window manufacturing process. It is primarily designed to obscure visibility into the vehicle without significant heat reduction or UV protection capabilities. 
Sooooooooo its just for looks...

In contrast, dual-layer ceramic window film is an aftermarket marvel that transforms your driving experience with its cutting-edge technology and unmatched benefits. Unlike factory privacy glass, this advanced film is engineered with two layers of ceramic particles, which masterfully block infrared light and 99% of harmful UV rays. The result? A dramatic reduction in interior heat, turning your vehicle into a cool oasis even on the hottest days. Say goodbye to the sweltering sun and hello to enhanced comfort and safety. Beyond keeping the heat at bay, this film significantly reduces glare, ensuring crystal-clear visibility and a more comfortable drive. Plus, its protective qualities extend to your vehicle’s interior, preventing sun damage to your upholstery and dashboard. Dual-layer ceramic window film is not just a tint—it's a high-performance upgrade that elevates your vehicle’s comfort, protection, and style.

Question 3

How does Ceramic Window Tint keep my car cooler?

Accepted Answer

-  How Dual Layer Ceramic Window Tint Keeps Your Car Cooler

1. Heat Reduction:
By blocking a significant portion of infrared radiation, dual layer ceramic window tint reduces the amount of heat that enters the vehicle. This leads to a cooler interior, especially during hot weather. The reduction in heat ingress means that the car's air conditioning system doesn't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature, resulting in increased energy efficiency and fuel savings.

2. Reflecting Solar Energy:
The ceramic particles in the tint not only absorb but also reflect solar energy away from the vehicle. This dual action (absorption and reflection) is more effective than other types of tints that might only absorb or reflect heat. The reflection of solar energy back outside the vehicle minimizes the heat load on the car’s interior, this leads us into our next topic.

3. Reducing Heat Build-Up:
The film acts as an insulator, reducing the rate at which heat builds up inside the car. This is particularly beneficial when the car is parked in direct sunlight. With less heat entering through the windows, the overall temperature inside the vehicle remains lower compared to a car without window tint or with a less effective tint.

-  Thermodynamics and Gradual Warming of the Car

-  1. Principle of Thermodynamics:
Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with heat transfer and energy conversion. According to the second law of thermodynamics, heat naturally flows from a region of higher temperature to a region of lower temperature. In the context of a car, this means that heat from the hot exterior environment will gradually transfer to the cooler interior, even with window tint applied.

-  2. Gradual Warming:
While dual layer ceramic window tint significantly reduces the rate of heat transfer, it does not eliminate it entirely. Over time, the heat from the outside environment will penetrate the car through other means such as the roof, metal body panels, and even through the tinted windows to some extent. The car's interior will gradually warm up, especially if the car remains parked in the sun for extended periods. Even with a high performing film with 70% - 91% TSER, nature always wins!

-  3. Equilibrium State:
Eventually, the car's interior will reach a thermal equilibrium with the external environment if left in the sun for a long enough period. This means that the temperature inside the car will stabilize and match the outside temperature. However, the presence of the ceramic tint will delay this process, keeping the car cooler for a longer period compared to an untinted car. Tests have shown vehicle interiors to stay on average 10-15 Degrees cooler comapred to non-tinted vehicles.

-  4. Mitigating Heat Build-Up:
To further mitigate heat build-up, car owners can use additional measures such as sunshades for the windshield, parking in shaded areas, and using reflective covers for the car's body. These measures, combined with dual layer ceramic window tint, provide the most effective way to keep the car’s interior cool.

-  Conclusion

Dual layer ceramic window tint works by utilizing advanced ceramic materials to block and reflect infrared and UV radiation, significantly reducing the heat that enters a vehicle. This results in a cooler interior, improved comfort, and protection for the car's occupants and interior materials. Despite its effectiveness, the principles of thermodynamics ensure that over time, heat will gradually infiltrate the car, leading to an eventual warming of the interior. Nonetheless, ceramic tint slows this process, offering a more comfortable, cooler, and energy-efficient driving experience.

Question 4

What is it like driving with windshield tint?

Accepted Answer

There is a short answer and a long answer!

Short Answer - It is thee best decision you could possibly make for comfort and protection.
Long Answer - Window tint shades on a windshield can significantly impact nighttime visibility based on their darkness levels. 
Lighter tint shades, such as those %70 or %50 , may reduce glare from headlights and streetlights, potentially enhancing visibility by minimizing the harshness of bright lights.
Moderate shades such as %35 offer optimal glare reduction, and dramatically increase driver comfort with very minimal nighttime visibility loss.
However, excessively dark tint can impede nighttime visibility by reducing the amount of light that enters the vehicle, making it challenging to distinguish objects, pedestrians, or potential hazards on the road. Striking the right balance is crucial; moderately tinted windows can provide a compromise between reducing glare and maintaining sufficient visibility during nighttime driving.

NOTE THAT OUR IPHONE CAMERA SENSOR DOES NOT ABSORB AS MUCH LIGHT AS THE HUMAN EYE!
THIS MEAN THE FOOTAGE IS DRAMATICALLY DARKER THAN REAL LIFE, HOWEVER THE POINT OF THIS VIDEO IS TO SHOWCASE HOW EVEN DARK WINDOW TINT IS STILL SAFE TO DRIVE WITH AT NIGHT.
https://video.wixstatic.com/video/891b34_7b340b5e5c1f435aaa72081d941ffe80/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Question 5

How long does does it take to tint my car?

Accepted Answer

These are just estimates and vary for each vehicle.

Pair of windows - 40 Minutes
Windshield - 1HR
Full Car - 2Hrs

Question 6

What are these weird bubbles after install?

Accepted Answer

Window Tint is a wet apply film meaning there will be a thin layer of water between your film and the glass for a few hours. After 30 minutes this water goes from being evenly spread out to bunching together into water pockets. These water pockets often thought to be bubbles are what some clients see upon pickup.

ALL WATER WILL COMPLETELY EVAPORATE WITHIN THE 1 - 3 DAY AVG DRY OUT PERIOD.
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/891b34_5a6b74c0078a41cca18f85c6f93a1bd0~mv2.jpg

Question 7

What do you charge for removals?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to removals on pre-existing tint we make it super simple!
If your car has quality window tint already installed then it typically takes around 10-15 minutes to remove the film on the full car! 
However if your film is old, discolored, bubbling, or on a window with defrosters it can take significantly longer.

Question 8

Do you file edges?

Accepted Answer

No.

We will ONLY use cutting edge precut patterns from our extensive database. This ensures a perfect fit for your specific vehicle without ever having to touch the glass with a blade protecting your investment. With that being said no database is ever perfect and it is 100% normal to have a small gap, 0.5-1.5mm's from the edge of window.  This tiny gap is known as a Micro-Edge (See photo attached below)

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/891b34_a75b7291096d4b1f9a3443226b7575c9~mv2.jpg

Question 9

New Cars vs. Old Cars. (Lets talk dirt)

Accepted Answer

As a vehicle ages, several factors contribute to the gradual deterioration of its components, including gaskets and glass surfaces. Gaskets, which are typically made of rubber or other flexible materials, are subjected to constant thermal cycling, exposure to various chemicals, and environmental elements. Over time, these factors cause the gaskets to harden, crack, and lose their sealing efficiency. This deterioration is a natural consequence of the material's breakdown due to heat, pressure, and exposure to oils, coolants, and other fluids. As a bonus factor, if the vehicle being tinted has felt in the gaskets... that felt will create even more micro dust particles which are near impossible to fully cover and stop from causing imperfections in your tint job.

As a result of these cumulative effects, an older car, even after 3-4 years, will never achieve the same level of cleanliness and flawlessness as a new vehicle. So next time your 2018 accord has minor dust particles in the rear glass, just remember that no matter how much we try and how much experience we may have... we arent miracle workers. We treat all cars the exact same, glass is glass, however a newer well maintained car will almost always come out cleaner than a car that has been driven, enjoyed, taken on family trips, beach days, and taxi'd the kids to and from school in. At the end of the day its just a car, bring us whatever you may have, and we will do our absolute best to give you the gorgeous results you deserve!

Question 10

What is the difference between TSER & IR Rejection.

Accepted Answer

Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER)
TSER measures how much of the total solar energy (including UV, visible light, and infrared) is blocked by a window tint. It's expressed as a percentage. The higher the TSER, the more effectively the tint prevents the sun's energy from entering the car, keeping it cooler overall.

Infrared (IR) Rejection
IR Rejection specifically measures how well the window tint blocks infrared radiation, which is the part of sunlight that carries heat. It's also expressed as a percentage. Higher IR Rejection means more heat is blocked, which helps keep the car cooler by targeting the main source of heat.

In summary:
 • TSER looks at the overall solar energy blocked (UV, visible light, and infrared).
 • IR Rejection focuses specifically on blocking infrared heat.
 • 
Both help keep your car cooler, but TSER gives a more comprehensive and accurate view at how much heat you really are blocking out, while IR Rejection zooms in on the heat aspect.

Question 11

Why does the front and rear half of my vehicle look different even with the same VLT %?

Accepted Answer

Differences Between Clear Glass and Factory Privacy Glass

Clear Glass:
Clear glass, often found on the front windows of a vehicle, is designed to provide maximum visibility. This glass is usually transparent with no tint or %70 applied at the factory. Its main purpose is to ensure that the driver and front passenger have a clear view of the road and surroundings, which is crucial for safety.

- Visibility: Clear glass offers excellent visibility both during the day and at night.
- UV Protection: While some clear glass may come with a basic UV coating, it doesn't provide significant protection from sunlight and heat compared to tinted glass.
- Appearance: Clear glass often has a neutral look and does not alter the color of the view through the window, however in some vehicles it can have a "warmer" or "colder" look to them. For example Porsches, and Toyota's can have a warmer hue.

Factory Privacy Glass:
Factory privacy glass, typically found on the rear windows of a vehicle, is designed for privacy and style. This glass is tinted during the manufacturing process to reduce visibility from the outside, providing passengers with more privacy.

- Privacy: The primary function of privacy glass is to obscure the view into the vehicle from the outside, making it harder for people to see inside.

Color Hue Differences and Tint Matching Challenges

One of the challenges with factory privacy glass is that it often has a different color hue compared to clear glass. This difference in hue can create a noticeable contrast when trying to match tint across the front and rear windows. For example lets say a client wanted to match their vehicles %20 privacy glass, and requested a %20 window film to be installed on the front pair. The front pair can match perfectly, or in some circumstances the front may look warmer than the rear. Ultimately it comes down to a per vehicle basis.

Color Hue Differences:
Factory privacy glass can have various color hues, such as brown, green, gray, or most commonly SLIGHTLY purplish/blue depending on the manufacturer. These hues are a result of the materials and processes used during the tinting of the glass at the factory.

- Appearance: Even if the same film is used on both clear and privacy glass, the final appearance can differ. The film on the clear glass may look slightly different because it doesn’t have the same base hue as the privacy glass.
- Uniformity: Achieving uniformity in appearance is challenging because the color of the privacy glass can affect how the tint film looks once applied. For instance, a ceramic window film on blue-hued privacy glass will look different from the same film on neutral clear glass.
- Professional Expertise: Matching tint perfectly often requires professional expertise. Professionals can recommend the best film type and shade to use in order to minimize the visual differences and create a cohesive look.

In summary, matching film isnt as easy as just comparing VLT %'s.

Question 12

How many days till these darn water bubbles go away!

Accepted Answer

When we apply window tint, we use a solution to help position the film correctly. This solution, usually a mix of water and soap, creates a barrier that allows us to adjust the tint before it adheres permanently to the glass. Once the film is in place, the water needs to evaporate for the tint to fully cure and adhere properly.

How Water Evaporates from Window Tint:

1. Evaporation Process: Evaporation is the process by which water molecules transition from a liquid state to a gas state. This occurs when water molecules absorb enough energy to break free from the liquid surface and disperse into the air as vapor.

2. Heat and Airflow: Several factors influence the rate of evaporation, including temperature and airflow. Higher temperatures provide more energy for the water molecules, accelerating the evaporation process. Additionally, increased airflow helps carry away the water vapor, speeding up drying.

3. Time and Patience: Even in varying weather conditions, water will eventually evaporate. While we can’t control the weather, we can assure you that the process of curing, or drying, is inevitable. It's a matter of basic science – given time, water will always evaporate.

Why We Can’t Control the Weather:

Here at the shop, we strive to provide the best service possible. However, we must acknowledge that weather conditions are beyond our control. Factors such as humidity, temperature, and sunlight exposure can affect the drying time. Despite this, it’s important to note that these variables only influence the speed of the process, not the outcome.

Guarantee of a Perfect Cure:

Rest assured, in the history of window tinting, there has never been a tint job that didn’t eventually cure out. This is because the fundamental principles of evaporation and adhesion are consistent. Given enough time, all the water will evaporate, leaving your tint perfectly cured. This is basic science – an inevitable and reliable process.

So, while we may ask for a bit of patience during different weather conditions, you can trust that your window tint will fully cure, resulting in a flawless finish every time.

Question 13

Why is my vehicle not staying cooler with Ceramic Window Film?

Accepted Answer

It is very rare however, typically when we hear things such as "why isnt my car staying cooler", there are a few things we like to ask such as... 
"Did you tint the Full Car + Windshield?", "Do you have a panoramic roof and is it tinted?", and "What size is your vehicle?
People often overlook the science behind ceramic window films and expect a magic solution to heat, then complain when their tesla or other large SUV isn't staying cooler when the massive panoramic roof, or windshield aren't tinted, allowing heat to pour into the cabin!

Big SUVs tend to be warmer than small coupes when both are tinted with the same dual-layer ceramic window film. Firstly, despite the differences in cabin sizes, SUVs and sedans often share the same AC compressor and blower motor specifications, meaning the larger interior space of an SUV requires more effort to cool effectively. This results in less efficient cooling in SUVs compared to the more compact coupes. Additionally, SUVs often have more taller windows and sometimes moon roofs, which, despite the factory tinting, allow more sunlight and heat to penetrate into the vehicle. The larger surface area of windows in SUVs means more heat absorption, which the AC system struggles to counterbalance. Even with the pinnacle of heat rejection window films, the larger volume of air and increased glass surface area in an SUV contribute to it being warmer than a small coupe under similar conditions.

MORAL OF THE STORY IS THE DIFFERENCE IS THERE!
HOWEVER YOU MAY HAVE HAD UNREALISTIC EXPECTATION...

Coupes and Sedans will of course experience the biggest difference, however even large SUV's will stay noticeably cooler when all windows are tinted! We dont preach to clients the importance of tinting all windows for the sake of profit... we do it so when you leave our shop, you do so noticeably cooler!

Question 14

Why are there water streaks on my vehicle... shouldn't you clean it up!?

Accepted Answer

Why We Don’t Wipe Up Water Marks...
Recently we have had one unhappy customer who accused us of damaging his vehicle in numerous way. Scratching doors, swirls marks, and even a dent in the fender! After addressing and dismissing each claim with camera footage and explaining our tools and work methods, we came to an understanding and moved on with our day. However this taught us an important lesson on where some of our websites FAQ was slacking. So with that being said here is our down to earth logical reasoning on why we don't wipe up your vehicles paint.

We prioritize both the quality of our tinting services and the care of your vehicle. Here are the key reasons we do not wipe up water marks after tinting:

1. Vehicle Condition: If you bring in a dirty car, you'll leave with a dirty car. If you bring in a freshly washed, clean car, you'll leave with a clean car. We maintain the condition of your vehicle as it arrives to ensure there are no discrepancies in cleanliness. Nothing is more irritating then dropping of your new car, freshly washed, and the dealership or service shop returns it with finger prints, oil smear, and drips down the side! So we will go above and beyond to make sure a vehicle leaves in the same condition if not better than how it arrived!

2. Avoiding Scratches and Swirls: When a car isn’t freshly washed or has been exposed to dust and particulates for a few days, wiping it down can lead to noticeable scratches and swirls in the paint. This rule is applied regardless of the vehicles paint color, however this is especially important for those with darker paint colors. By avoiding unnecessary wiping, we protect your vehicle’s paint from potential damage caused by dust and debris.

3. Car Wash Service: If you want your car to leave spotless and clean, we offer a flat rate $50 car wash fee. While we'd love to offer this service for free, it involves time... which costs money, materials... which cost money, and labor... which costs money that we can't provide without compensation. It’s simply not feasible to offer this service for free as it would be a bad business decision.

To ensure your vehicle remains in the best condition:

- Bring a Clean Car: By bringing us a clean car, you ensure it leaves just as clean, free from any water marks or additional dust.
  
- Opt for Our Car Wash Service: If you prefer, you can opt for our car wash service, ensuring your vehicle leaves spotless and pristine.

Thank you for understanding our policy. We are dedicated to providing excellent tinting services while also maintaining the integrity of your vehicle’s appearance. Bring us a clean car, and we’ll send you home with one!