Many vehicle and property owners invest in window tinting Leicester to make their car, home, or commercial space more unique and functional. Window films can improve a vehicle or property’s aesthetics, boost its privacy, bolster safety and security, enhance ultraviolet (UV) protection, and reduce glare, among other benefits.
However, before investing in window tinting – whether DIY or professional – it is paramount to consider certain factors. This includes whether your window is suitable for window tint application.
Knowing the surfaces where window films can and cannot go will help you safeguard a smooth, long-lasting application as well as maximise its effectiveness and benefits.
Ideal Application Surfaces for Window Films
You can essentially apply window tints on standard windows of vehicles, residential properties, commercial buildings, and even institutional structures. Here are the ideal application surfaces for window films:
Smooth and Undamaged Glass
The key to a successful window film application is a smooth, clean, and undamaged glass surface, irrespective of whether it is installed on windows of vehicles or building structures. Window film adhesives require a flawless connection with the glass to guarantee a secure and aesthetically pleasing result. Any imperfections on the glass (i.e., scratches, chips, or dirt) can result in bubbles, tears, or uneven adhesion throughout the film.
Single-Pane Windows
Single-pane windows, which consist of a single layer of glass, are the most common application surface for window film. With just one layer of glass, they are more susceptible to heat gain and glare.
Window films applied to single-pane windows can substantially reduce these concerns, enhancing comfort and boosting energy efficiency.
Dual-Pane Windows with Hard Low-E Coating
Dual-pane windows are a unique type of window that offers a multitude of benefits, including improved insulation, reduced window condensation, and enhanced outdoor noise suppression. These consist of two panes of glass in a frame instead of one. When these are manufactured, a spacer is placed between the two panes and is typically filled with gas (usually argon, krypton, or xenon).
Although these essentially offer good insulation capabilities, dual-pane windows can still benefit from window tints—but with a warning. Not all types of dual-pane windows can be installed with window films.
Generally, dual-pane windows with hard coat low-emissivity (Low-E) coating are suitable to be fitted with tint films. Low-E coating is a microscopically thin and transparent coating added to glass panes of windows to reflect short and long-wave radiation.
Hard coat Low-E coating is applied directly while the glass is still in its molten state during the manufacturing process. Hence, it is more durable and can withstand the heat generated during the window film application process.
Surfaces Not Ideal for Window Film Application
However, there are certain types or conditions of windows in which it may be impossible or challenging to install window tints. Such may include:
Windows with Preexisting Window Films
Window films cannot be applied to windows with existing tint films. Installing another layer of film on already tinted windows could be a recipe for disaster. The layers can create a messy, uneven finish and pose difficulties for removal later on.
If you have existing window film installed on your windows, it is strongly recommended to remove the tint before applying a new one.
Damaged Glass
Cracked, chipped, or scratched glass windows are definitely not suitable surfaces for window film applications. Damage to the glass surface will interfere with the film’s adhesion, and the product will not stick without imperfections.
Installing window films on damaged glass can also present a safety hazard. Apart from leaving your window looking unsightly, it can also impede your vision. Any further stress on the glass can worsen the damage and potentially cause breakage.
Repairing or replacing damaged windows is imperative before considering window tinting Nottingham.
Textured or Patterned Glass
Installing window tints on textured or patterned glass like frosted or decorative glass is also not advisable. Surface texture or ornaments on the glass can make a smooth application challenging. The film might not adhere properly, resulting in air bubbles, creases, and an uneven appearance.
Windows with Soft coat Low-E Coatings
As mentioned earlier, dual-pane windows with hard coat Low-E coatings are the suitable type of dual-pane window for window film installation. Subsequently, applying window films to windows with soft coat Low-E coating is not recommended.
Soft coat Low-E is applied to the glass surface after it has been manufactured, using the process known as sputtering. This involves depositing microscopic layers of silver and other metal oxides onto the glass surface in a vacuum chamber.
While soft coat Low-E glass provides superior insulation and high heat reflectivity, it is more delicate than hard coat Low-E glass. Consequently, installing window films can compromise the window’s insulating properties. The heat used during installation can damage the delicate coating.
Specialised Window Materials
While window films can be applied to most standard glass surfaces, some specialised materials may present challenges. For example, plexiglass, a shatter-proof alternative to regular glass, is made from petroleum-based thermoplastics. Due to its polymeric qualities, it can react poorly to adhesives used in window film, potentially leading to warping and discolouration.
Nonetheless, manufacturers have leveraged advancements in window tinting technologies to make it possible to apply films on polycarbonate or other specialised materials. Some offer a special clear base layer film that needs to be applied to the specialised window materials before being ready for window film installation.
Conclusion
Navigating the window tint application process can be challenging—so much more when your windows are not in the ideal conditions for tinting. Thus, it is paramount to understand where to apply window films and where they should be avoided.
It is always recommended to consult with a professional window tinting service, like Global Tint UK, for specific advice on your windows.
At Global Tint UK, we can assess the condition and type of your windows to determine if window tint is suitable. Our team of window tint technicians and installers also have extensive experience and specialised tools to guarantee flawless installation.
Learn more about us and what we do by browsing through our blog. You may also contact us at 0800-158-8005 or fill out our contact form for a free quote today.
