Removable tinting: types, pros and cons

Today on the street you can see many cars with tinted windows. Why do they do this? For every driver, his car is no less important than his home; no one wants his personal space to be watched. While ordinary curtains will work in an apartment, you won’t be able to hang them in a car.

A good option would be silicone tinting - reviews of which say that it is inexpensive and brings good results. In addition to insulating the interior space, tinted windows also perform protective functions and protect the interior from overheating.

People decide to tint based on different goals. The main thing is to hide the interior space of the vehicle. This will allow you to spend time comfortably even in a traffic jam, when all participants in such a “movement” are trying to look at each other out of boredom. You can also leave personal and expensive things in the car, which bad people won’t stare at while coming up with a cunning plan for theft.

Another purpose of tinting is the appearance of the car. With darkened windows it looks expensive and respectable.

Why choose removable tint?

A removable tint option appeared on the car market and it immediately gained popularity. If you glue and remove the film correctly, it will last a long time. In addition, the cost of gluing work and the price of the material itself are affordable for a simple car owner.

Among the advantages of such a device it is worth highlighting:

• one-way visibility. The driver can easily see sections of the road and everything around from his car, and at the same time he can feel comfortable that no one can see him;
• protection of the interior from fading and heating, which is especially important in the summer;
• The film can be used many times without losing quality;
• removable tinting does not fly off on its own, so it will last as long as needed;
• you can install and remove the film yourself without spending a lot of time;
• the material does not fade;
• affordable price for removable tinting;

Among the disadvantages, the view from the car may be distorted. But such problems only happen after poor-quality installation.

Types of removable tinting

Removable tinting of 2 types has become widespread, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. On a rigid PET base (on plastic).
2. Silicone on static.

1. To produce the first type, a tinting film is applied to the base.

Installing this removable tint is simple:

• lower the window halfway;
• remove the protective film (the side where the protective film was should be adjacent to the glass);
• insert the tint sheet between the glass and the velvet cloth, lowering it 0.5 centimeters below the glass level;
• To raise and lower tinted glass, you need to glue double-sided tape (transparent) between them along the upper contour.

Important:

• Do not install PET-based tinting in the rain;
• When washing the car it should be removed;
• In extreme heat, it is also better to remove blackout curtains.

2. Removable static silicone tint has the following advantages:

• no mirroring;
• tolerates different temperatures and humidity;
• does not rub or scratch;
• adheres well even to the windshield without tape or glue;
• does not require shaping (you can roll and fold it in different ways);
• can be used many times;
• you can cut and install it yourself;
• the price is affordable.

Cons: If installed incorrectly, it may distort the image.

Removable silicone tinting on static – gets positive reviews. If desired, it is easy to install it yourself.

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Installation and removal of silicone tinting

To install it yourself, you will need a sprayer with soapy water and a water outlet (a plastic card will do).

The process is simple:

• apply soap solution to glass and tinting;
• Place the silicone film on the glass and push the bottom edge under the seal;
• align the material along the edges and expel the water from under the film (start from the center);
• After drying (5 minutes), you can lower and raise the windows.

It is recommended: in cold weather (from 0 to -40 degrees) to install static silicone tinting in heated rooms.

The question of how to glue silicone tint has been resolved, but how to dismantle it? It will be even easier to remove the film. To do this, you need to lower the glass so that you have access to the edge of the tint, and use a coin or a fingernail to carefully hook it and smoothly remove it. After this process, there will be no traces left on the window.

Why do you need tinting?

The main difference between a removable type of tinting and a regular film lies in the fact that it can be removed and then installed in place. With the help of tinting, the car owner will protect the interior from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays from the sun. In addition, all passengers will be comfortable inside the car.

The tint film also helps strengthen the glass itself. This becomes especially important in the event of an accident, when the film will protect passengers from flying debris.

Removable car tinting will also help prevent unauthorized entry into the interior of intruders. If the glass is covered, it will become much more difficult to break.

You can install a removable tint film on your own or at specialized stations. The process of window tinting depends on the type of film. If you are not confident that everything will be done correctly, then it is better to turn to specialists. If the work is performed incorrectly, the visibility of the glass may be reduced, which will pose a threat to the safety of the driver and passengers.

What is this?

Removable tint is a special material that is held in place by static. Therefore, there is no need to use any fasteners or glue here.

An important feature is the fact that this is a reusable tint. It can be easily and quickly removed, after which it can be reinstalled. This is due to the fact that traffic police officers can make claims regarding tinting, as in the case of using curtains. In order not to argue and not run into fines, you remove the silicone insert with one movement of your hand and move on.

Installation takes a minimum of time, but allows you to significantly save on paying fines for real permanent tinting. The product is held on the glass surface due to the static effect. The silicone just sticks to the glass. The unique technology ensures reusable use without loss of quality and light transmission. In terms of its external characteristics, the silicone insert is not much different from conventional tinting.

But it is also considered illegal. Therefore, if law enforcement officers demand that you remove the tint, be sure to do it immediately. Otherwise, a violation report will be issued against you.

Considering the objective advantages of the solution, they began to be actively used in Moscow, Minsk, St. Petersburg, cities like Yekaterinburg and in almost every locality in the CIS countries.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before you go to an online store or Aliexpress and buy a film for your Ford Focus 3, or any other car, you need to carefully study the strengths and weaknesses of the material. I’ll say right away that the price of the products is even less than in the case of curtains. Therefore, the relevance of the decision is easy to explain.

The increased demand in 2021 has become even greater in the current year 2018. This is due to the following advantages of static tinting:

• the material is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation and does not fade due to sunlight;
• can be used during sudden temperature changes;
• resistant to some damage (falling, crushing);
• protects the driver from the sun and ultraviolet radiation;
• reduces the temperature inside the car;
• prevents the upholstery and plastic in the interior from fading;
• darkens, but does not impair the driver’s visibility;
• protects against glare from oncoming cars;
• firmly held on the surface;
• quickly installed and dismantled;
• it's cheap.

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But let's not forget about the shortcomings. Here I will say right away that the manifestation of disadvantages is largely due to the choice of obviously low-quality products.

Frankly, it’s not worth saving on film. Buy only static silicone inserts from trusted manufacturers. Otherwise, you may encounter disadvantages. Namely:

• the film can distort the picture, although this does not greatly affect the perception;
• improper installation can cause accidents and traffic accidents;
• peeled films are filled with dirt and dust;
• The film is not protected from scratches and similar damage.

As you can see, the shortcomings are conditional, and are largely associated with the use of low-quality products. Just like with hood deflectors or car spoilers, you need to choose good products and install them correctly.

Turbidity and reduction in size

Some motorists, as they use static films, notice that they have become smaller or that cloudiness has appeared. The phenomenon is common, but again associated with low-quality silicone products.

Haze is formed in 2 situations:

• due to prolonged use, the film has worn out;
• the material was bad from the start.

The second situation is more common in Russia, since in addition to popular and high-quality manufacturers, a large number of frankly low-quality products are offered on the market.

Also, cloudiness may appear on the first day after installation. Don't worry, if you did everything correctly, it will go away in 1-2 days.

In the case of reducing the film size, you need to know some nuances:

• You bought low-quality silicone static tint. Moreover, the price does not always show this. Some sell terrible film at a high cost. Either it is a fake, masquerading as a well-known brand;
• Some films shrink due to too dry weather, or shrink when exposed to cold. You can pull them out, although this does not always give results;
• Before stretching, try warming up the film with a hairdryer. Do not overheat, otherwise the silicone will simply deteriorate.

Such situations can be avoided if you use good films and take a responsible approach to installation. This is evidenced by reviews from owners.

Types of removable tinting

Each car owner can choose a film for car windows depending on his taste and financial capabilities. The following types of films are on sale:

• Tough.
• Silicone based.
• Net.
• Gel based.
• Electronic tinting.
• Hybrid.

Hard removable tint

Tinting on a rigid base will cost the least. However, it is extremely difficult to install this version of the film on your own, because if the installation technology is violated, air bubbles will appear on the glass, spoiling the appearance of the car and interfering with visibility. In addition, hard removable tinting has the lowest light transmittance parameter, and its use on a windshield is strictly prohibited.

Types of films

There are several main types of removable tints, each of which has its own useful features:

• Photochromic tinting. Has good reviews. It differs in that when it is used, the glass becomes lighter or darker, depending on the strength of the applied voltage. This film completely lacks the mirror effect, but it is possible to adjust the transparency of the glass yourself. The only but significant disadvantage is the high price of the product.
• Double glazing. A very convenient and modern technology, when tinting is applied in the form of a second, darkened glass and lowered at will. The disadvantages are the high cost, as well as the complexity of installing this type of tinting.
• German static plastic. This tinting coating is made on the basis of monopolycarbonate and is maintained due to the same static. It has a fairly neutral price and is easy to install. Moreover, recently some craftsmen have been practicing making this type of tinting on their own.
• Silicone tint. A very common version of removable film. This product is also low cost, easy to install using the technology described above, and can be used repeatedly until it wears out. Suitable for all types of cars and practically insensitive to temperature changes and other weather inconveniences.

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If you are thinking about choosing a static removable tint, then it is best to give preference to the latter option or German static plastic - these inexpensive tint coatings perform their main functions quite well.

Advantages and disadvantages

The most popular type of removable tinting is silicone-based film. The material used in the manufacture of the tint film is endowed with high technical characteristics. These include:

• Long service life and wear resistance. The installed coating can withstand at least 10 thousand raising and lowering of glass. The average driver carries out the indicated number of manipulations over a period of one year. Also, dismantling the film at the request of traffic police officers will not damage the film.
• It will protect the car interior from fading due to its high resistance to the negative effects of sunlight and temperature changes. Window tinting can be used in any weather and will retain its original appearance for a long time.
• Has high elasticity and flexibility.
• The material does not require special storage conditions.
• Easy to install, you can do it yourself.

Operational features of the material

Using the best removable tinting from the brands ASWF, Silicon Tint, SunTek, Llumar, Johnson, our center manages to neutralize the impact of sun glare on the eyes, preventing the occurrence of a mirror effect or short-term glare. It can be applied to windshield, rear and side windows. Thanks to one-way visibility, a high level of privacy is guaranteed.

If the glass breaks, its fragments will not fly apart, but will remain on the film. Removing the coating takes a few seconds, which will be convenient for the car owner in situations where it is prohibited to operate a vehicle with tinted windows. Its appearance is no different from the usual window tinting film. Silicone wrapping material is completely legal and legal.

Benefits of use

The silicone-based film is held on the car glass due to the effect of static electricity. This version of the material can be easily removed and installed again. Removing the new film will take no more than two minutes, which allows the car owner to quickly remove the tint as directed by the traffic police officer.

It is important to note that dismantling and reinstalling silicone tint does not affect the functionality of the material.

Other advantages of use are worth highlighting:

1. No glare or mirror effect.
2. No obstacles for the driver to view and monitor the road situation.
3. Resistant to creases and other traces of storage.
4. Resistant to scratches and other defects that appear due to mechanical impact.
5. Affordable price.

Despite the fact that the material has many advantages, reviews from car owners emphasize that tinting does an excellent job of fulfilling its immediate functions. First of all, it is protection from prying eyes and travel comfort for the driver and his passengers.

What is M TONIC auto-tinting made of and its advantages

Reusable static toner film is a development in the USA; it was there that static toner was first released, then it gained popularity around the world. In Russia this toner is produced by:

• It is used legally - it is not an integral part of the interior glass, this is important for avoiding traffic police fines;
• Easy to install and remove yourself, without any special knowledge or skills;
• Possibility of multiple installation;
• Does not impair optical vision, does not cause distortion or clouding;
• There is no specular effect;
• The range includes various capacities (from 5%), as well as pre-cut blanks for various brands of cars.

To manufacture the new product, innovative technologies are used using high-quality material of a new generation, which contains electromagnetic particles that allow repeated removal and installation of toner. The components are environmentally friendly, the material itself is not afraid of deformation, sudden temperature changes and retains its original shape under any mechanical stress.

A thin plastic material fits tightly onto the glass, repeating all its curves, and is held in place due to the resulting static attraction.

Manufacturers

On the modern market, film for glass tinting is presented from several manufacturing companies that occupy leading positions in this segment. These include:

1. Johnson.
2. Llumar.
3. Silicon Tint.
4. Sun Tech.

The main thing that a car owner should remember when choosing a tint film manufacturer is that a cheap option will always be of dubious quality. It’s better to purchase a time-tested tint once, which will not cause any complaints throughout its service life and will not affect the levels of travel safety and comfort in the cabin.

How to glue and remove

To install tinting you will need the following equipment and materials:

• Pure water.
• A piece of fabric or wallpaper spatula.
• Glass sprayer.
• Tinting film.

The first step is to prepare the glass. To do this, all smudges and dirt are wiped off from the interior. Next, the sprayer wets the glass and the side of the film that will come into contact with it with water. The glass is lowered a few centimeters, and the film is installed on the upper part and then leveled. This procedure is carried out using a spatula. The process will get rid of possible air bubbles and help expel any remaining water. At the last stage of work, the glass is raised all the way and the lower part of the film is mounted.

It is important to remember that when treating the surface with a spatula, you should expel as much water as possible so that the film quickly adheres to the glass and becomes transparent, rather than having a matte tint.

When removing the tinting, you should lower the glass and, without using sharp manipulations, pull the material by the edge. Then the glass is lifted all the way and the film is completely removed. To store it, you need to roll it up or put it in the luggage compartment.

How to install

When installing static removable tinting on car windows, many rush to turn to professionals, but this is in vain. By learning how to glue the film yourself, you will not only save your money, but also save a lot of time. First you need to purchase a static film. Since each car has a different shape and size of windows, you will need to prepare patterns to use to cut out the film with the correct parameters. A glass template for cars of any make and model can be very easily found on the Internet. If you have the film, you can start installing it. To do this, we will need tinting directly, a soap solution, a spray bottle and a cleaning agent.

1. First of all, you just need to clean the glass and at the same time make sure that there are no traces of lint or other foreign elements left on it.
2. Then you need to apply a layer of soap solution to the window, spreading it over the surface. The product is carefully placed on top, pressing along the edges.
3. For high-quality leveling, you can use a soft rubber spatula, which will avoid leaving wrinkles or air bubbles.

Thus, the product is held on the glass not by glue, like ordinary film, but by electrostatics. This greatly simplifies the installation process and allows for quick removal if necessary.

What law governs

The installation of tinting on a car is subject to strict regulatory standards for the light transmission of vehicle windows. You can install a tint film if the following conditions are met:

• The percentage of light transmission of the front and side panels is at least 70.
• The percentage of light transmission of the windshield is 75%.

If the tinting does not meet these requirements, the owner will have to pay a fine. Currently, the fine is 5,000 rubles; until 2021, the fine was five hundred rubles.