Automotive Window Tint

No – Madico automotive window films are professionally installed by dealers who are knowledgeable in the nuances of individual vehicles and are highly skilled in current installation techniques to assure a quality installation every time. Dealers can also help you discover the right automotive window film for your performance needs and closely match any existing factory-tinted glass on your vehicle.

Window film can help keep shattered glass together, reducing the chance of injury in the event of an accident or attempted smash & grab.

Absolutely. For both automotive and architectural film, the useful life of window film can depend on the film type and the glass type. For buildings, window construction, building orientation, and geographical location come into play. Most residential and automotive applications are covered by a lifetime warranty for as long as you own your house or car. Most commercial installations receive either a 10- or 15-year warranty. The warranty coverage offered by Madico^® is based on extensive internal testing and our years of experience in the field. To learn more, contact your dealer.

The cleaning process for a filmed window very similar to cleaning ordinary windows. Before cleaning though, make sure that the tint has fully cured. Generally, we recommend waiting 30 days after the film has been installed before its first cleaning. When cleaning, follow this procedure:

1. Use any normal glass cleaning solution which contains no abrasive materials. Typical off-the-shelf glass cleaners are acceptable.
2. After spraying the cleaning solution on the window, use a soft clean cloth, soft paper towel, or clean synthetic sponge to wipe it off. Normal scrubbing with these materials is fine, but make sure not to scrub aggressively with anything abrasive.
3. To finish, use a soft cloth or squeegee for drying the window, and avoid any cleaning tools that may scratch the tint.

There are vast differences in the construction properties of automotive and architectural film. Automotive window film is designed to absorb solar energy, which means a car can actually grow warmer inside as the car sits idle. The magic of creating interior comfort happens as the window's absorbed heat radiates as the car drives down the road.

Architectural window film, of course, is used on stationary structures. If one tried to install automotive window film architecturally, you can imagine how the solar-absorbing auto film would prove detrimental to a home or office environment. It's for this reason that architectural flat glass is designed to reflect heat. In fact, if you were to try putting solar-energy-absorbing auto film onto flat glass, there's a good chance heat buildup would cause the glass to break.

There are other differences. For example, automotive film is designed to be heat formed during installation, allowing the installer to shape the film as needed around the curvature of a vehicle’s windows. Architectural film uses a different adhesive than automotive film. It is formulated to give an installer more control when positioning film on large glass surfaces.

When the sun hits glass that's not protected with window film, a significant amount of the sun's energy—about 90%—is transmitted through the glass. That's where the heat comes from. To counteract that, installing window film on glass will block up to 80% of the sun's energy. That means a whole lot less heat is getting through to you. The exact amount of heat absorption and reflectance of the film will depend on the type of film your professional installer recommends for your specific needs. Dyed films do not have metal and are considered non-reflective, and while they absorb solar energy, they're not as effective at solar control because of their non-reflective property. On the contrary, metalized and nano-ceramic films provide solar absorption and reflectance—and much more solar control—with nano-ceramic film offering the highest levels of solar protection. These films block up to 99% of the sun's harmful UV rays.

Solar radiation, also known as solar energy, is made up of three parts: visible light, which we can see, ultraviolet rays, which we can't see, and infrared rays, which we experience as heat. When solar radiation hits glass, window film blocks damaging UV rays and manages the light and heat that transmits through the glass. The amount is dependent upon the kind of window film installed.

All Madico^® window films are installed by professional Madico window film dealers. The installation process begins with the dealer thoroughly cleaning your windows to remove even the smallest dirt particles. A piece of film is cut roughly to the size of your window—whether for an automotive installation or a window installation for home or commercial property. The installer then removes a protective release liner and sprays an application solution on the film’s adhesive to activate it. The application solution is also sprayed on the window to which the film will be applied. Then the film is installed on the glass, and the installer squeegees all the application solution out from between the glass and film. The installer will also do some final edge trimming to ensure the film fits perfectly.

This depends on the film type, glass type, window construction, orientation, and geographical location of the building.

All Madico^® architectural window films are covered by a warranty for some specified time. Most residential and automotive applications are covered by a lifetime warranty as long as you own the house or car. Most commercial installations receive either a 10- or 15-year warranty. There are some specialty films that have different terms; for example, exterior films are warranted for five years on vertical glass, two years on sloped glass; and decorative films usually have seven-year coverage.

The warranty coverage is based on extensive internal testing and our years of experience in the field. It is common that we see films that last well beyond their warranties, sometimes as long as 15-20 years.

Madico automotive window films longevity depends on some specific variables as well, like product type and quality, the climate the car has to bear, and the amount of direct sunlight the car is exposed to. The good news is, Madico automotive window films are manufactured using high quality dyes, adhesives, and laminates and are covered by a lifetime warranty for as long as you own the vehicle.

The cost of automotive window film depends on many factors. Your local Madico^® dealer will provide you with both a consultation and an estimate to address your individual needs. Visit our dealer directory to find an authorized Madico dealer near you.

All Madico dealers are highly trained, experienced professionals. The process can take anywhere from 45 minutes to a few hours depending on how many windows are being tinted and if any old window film is being removed. Your dealer will be able to advise you on the required amount of time needed when making your appointment.

Automotive window tint film is always applied on the inside of your vehicle's glass. Windshield protection film is installed on the outside of your vehicle’s windshield.

Window films have many benefits, depending on your choice of film.

For residences and buildings, tinted window films, also called solar control films, can do the following:

• Significantly reduce solar heat gain (up to 86%) and temperature inside a building
• Reduce air conditioning costs in summer and heating costs in winter
• Extend the life of HVAC systems by reducing maintenance and strain on the system
• Decrease a building’s environmental emissions
• Increase occupant comfort
• Reduce up to 95% of annoying glare to improve visibility inside, especially for computer and TV screens
• Allows natural light in without the glare, reducing the need for artificial lighting
• Provide daytime privacy
• Block up to 99% of damaging UV radiation, protecting furniture, carpets, woodwork, and other interior furnishings from fading
• Improve building aesthetics and accent windows
• Increase shatter resistance
• May help in attaining LEED credits towards certification

Automotive window films:

• Improve personal safety by blocking up to 99% of harmful UV rays
• Improve occupants' comfort due to maximum heat and glare reduction
• Offer extreme IR rejection—up to 92%
• Reduce fading of interiors
• Help hold shattered glass together in the event of an accident
• Accent the look of automobiles

Safety & security films are comprised of thicker polyester and stronger, more assertive adhesives. They hold shattered glass in place to offer protection from threats like:

• Burglary and vandalism attempts—the film's thickness helps make treated glass harder to break or rupture
• Graffiti—anti-graffiti film protects buildings from taggers and artists
• Wind-borne debris
• Natural disasters
• Bomb blasts

There are three types of window film (in automotive, referred to as window tint). Non-reflective or dyed film that absorbs the sun's energy—providing heat reduction for automobiles. Reflective or metalized film that both reflects and takes in solar energy for architectural applications. And nano-ceramic film, which utilizes molecular science to engineer nanoparticles (which measure 1 billionth of a meter) to identify and absorb vast amounts of infrared heat, practically all the UV radiation, and varying degrees of visible light

While we're aware that many installers have perfected their own methods to install window film, the following information is a popular way professionals install car window film on most vehicles.

• Step 1: Move the vehicle into the tinting bay, an area that is free from airborne contaminants to help ensure a clean installation.
• Step 2: Clean the windows by removing dirt, debris, fingerprints ad any old window film.
• Step 3: Measure and cut a piece of film that is close to the size of the window being tinted.
• Step 4: The film is then heat-shaped to the exact size and shape of the window to ensure a perfect fit.
• Step 5: The film is then fitted to the interior of the window using a special adhesive activation solution. All solution is squeegeed out from under the film and starts the curing process.
• Step 6: The dealer will inspect the installation job to make sure no contamination has occurred and that the edges are trimmed correctly.
• Step 7: Cure time - Once the tint job is complete, do NOT roll down the vehicle’s windows or attempt to clean the windows for at least three days. Depending on weather conditions and the film type, it can take up to three weeks for the film to fully cure. During this time, small water bubbles and/or a hazy appearance may appear. This is normal and will disappear as the film cures. Once the cure time is over, you can gently clean your windows.

The term ceramic is frequently used when nitrate and oxide coatings are used in window film construction. During the coating process, nitrogen and/or oxygen are introduced into the sputtering chamber in conjunction with a negative electrical charge and argon gas. By introducing these gases, the target metal is transformed into a non-metallic ceramic. The appearance of the coating changes drastically and is less reflective in appearance compared to a metalized coating. Hence the term ceramic, as the coating is no longer metal with metal properties and appearance.

The terms nanotechnology and nano-particle are used quite frequently in today’s discussions of advanced window film technology. Nanotechnology is a term meaning anything that is 100 nanometers or less in size. Many different substances can be broken down to nano-sized particles. In relation to window film, these particles are dispersed in one of the polymer coatings to control solar energy.

Nanotechnology is one of the premier sciences in the world today. From biotech to aerospace, the implementation of nanotechnology has exponentially advanced many industries including window film. In the window film world, we refer to some of these particle as nano-ceramics.

The advanced nano-ceramic coatings that Madico^® offers selectively interfere with light. Being selective, the coating allows the visible light to transmit while blocking the infrared light. Each of these components have an impact on heat gain.

Madico scientists can engineer nanoparticles or nanoceramics (which measure 1 billionth of a meter) to identify and absorb vast amounts of infrared energy, 99% or greater of the ultraviolet light, and varying degrees of visible light. It’s why we can refer to films such as our Black Pearl^® Nano-Ceramic as spectrally selective.

Window film or window tint, is a self-adhesive polyester film generally made of PET, Polyethylene Teraphthalate, 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 with an adhesive, and have a scratch-resistant coating on the outer surface to protect the film. So basically, window film is comprised of three components: the polymer film, coatings with adhesives, and outer protective coating.

Madico^® offers many types of window films. Some are tinted with metals, dyes, or pigments to reduce the visible light transmitted through the glass, and block heat coming through from the sun. Others are clear and feature multiple layers of PET to offer protection from shattering glass. There are even decorative window films that can replicate the look of frosted glass or etched patterns.

An SPF number lets you know how effective sunscreen will be. The higher the number, the more effective it is.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, to block 97 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. Translated to window gets a little scientific.

SPF is a measure from 280 nm (or nanometers) to 400 nm of how much ultraviolet light is transmitted. A basic way to calculate the SPF of a product is to divide 100 by the UV transmission, for example 100/0.5 transmission = 200 SPF. This isn’t exactly accurate as SPF goes up to 400 nm, but it provides an estimate. Every film has a different SPF reading since each film is slightly different up to 400 nm.

For example, a clear film such as CL 800 by Madico^® would have an SPF of 236 while a dark film like Sunscape^® Starlite 8 by Madico would be 2,723. A film such as UV Gard by Madico, which is designed for UV protection, has a SPF of 1937 since it blocks further into the visible spectrum than a CL 800 type of film.

Those are some pretty huge numbers compared to that 30 SPF you put on yourself. SPF numbers are officially determined according to established testing protocols. No claims can be made about actual SPF numbers without having these tests performed by a qualified laboratory.

Madico^® window films are available through our extensive dealer network nationally and internationally. Our films are manufactured at our facility in Tampa Bay, Florida, and distributed through eight service centers across North America. Internationally, Madico has distributors all over the world including in Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa.

To find a window film or window tint dealer near your in North America check our dealer locator here.

To find an international distributor please visit our window film distribution page.

Madico^® provides its dealers with swatch samples of automotive window film in a wide range of shades and colors to facilitate customer selection. Our professional dealers' role is to assist you in making a final selection. The one mandatory contribution they will make will be to ensure your final selection is in accordance with the state/province laws in which your vehicle is registered. So, in addition to reviewing our automotive window film products on this website, we highly recommend visiting our dealer directory to find a local authorized Madico dealer to spend time with to help make your window film selection.

All window films by Madico are engineered and manufactured with the highest quality standards and, when professionally installed, are backed by factory warranties.