Car Detailing Frequently Asked Questions

Window tint, often called window film, is a thin laminate film installed on the interior or exterior of glass surfaces. The ways window tint can be used is dynamic, as it can be placed in automobiles, boats, and other vehicles – as well as the glass in homes and buildings.

There are a number of laws on the books regarding window tint in Texas, but most consumers need to know just a couple basics. First, the tint on front-side windows must meter at 25% or lighter Visible Light Transmission (VLT). Back windows must also be at 25% VLT if side-view mirrors are present. Otherwise, there are no restrictions on back windows. For a more complete look at the overall description of the laws surrounding vehicle tint, click here.

On vehicles, window tint is typically installed on the inside of your windows after it is shaped and shrunk to the curve of your glass.

There are a wide variety of tints that can be used depending on the particular situation or needs of the consumer.

Dyed: This type of tint is made of up multiple layers of dyed film to filter light. This is the least expensive type of window tint, and is also the most common. It is used to block out light, but isn’t as effective at blocking out heat.

Metalized: This window tint is made of tiny metal particles. These micro-particles are used to reflect more heat. However, some types of metalized films can interfere with GPS and/or cell phone signals.

Hybrid: This film is a combination of the two types mentioned above. Because it’s a mix of dyed and metalized film, it deflects both heat and light, and can help lessen the interference with GPS and cell signals.

Carbon: This type of tint is comprised of carbon particles mixed with layers of film. This combination helps resist fading and reduces heat much more than the previously mentioned films. It’s a more expensive option, but also delivers long-lasting reliability.

Ceramic: This window tint is made up of nano-ceramic particles that will not fade over time. This film also blocks out a large amount of heat without interfering with those signals like metalized film. The color also will not fade on ceramic tint.

Nano-Carbon Ceramic: This film combines the best of both worlds between carbon and ceramic. It delivers the rich colors of carbon while adding the impressive heat rejection properties of ceramic film.

Shade Setters uses Nano-Carbon Ceramic film in all of our applications. We use ULTRAFIT window film. Our premium film is ULTRAFIT VC, which is color stable and blocks out 99% of ultraviolet (UV) rays and 65-78% of infrared (IR) rays. Our ceramic film is ULTRAFIT VS, which is also color stable and blocks out 99% of UV rays and 81-97% of IR rays!

Shade Setters prefers to work with clients by appointment only. This allows us to better serve each customer, and take the time to make sure every expectation gets met or exceeded. That said, there are always pleasant surprises that can pop up in any schedule, so give us a call! We will tell you when openings are available, and – if we have time – we might just tell you to swing on in!

Yes. The application process includes a slip solution to apply the window film properly. While the use of water is necessary during installation, Shade Setters takes care to protect sensitive finishes and materials where needed. We treat your car as if it’s one of our own.

This is a natural part of the application process. Following the application of the slip solution, we then use specialized squeegees to remove the excess water. As the window tint starts to cure over time in the exposure to sunlight, the tint will start to flash. This causes it to bubble or haze up for a short period of time. The windows will return to their expected great look following this curing process.

It typically takes 2-3 days during the summer – or 3-5 days during the winter – for your window tinting to be properly sealed, allowing for you to roll down the windows. Shade Setters conveniently attaches a sticker to your window to let you know when it’s OK to roll your windows down.

Water won’t harm your windows following window tinting, but there are some cleaning products that can impact the film. Shade Setters recommends cleaning the windows with an ammonia-free cleaning solution with a clean microfiber towel.

Paint Protection Film is a thick, plastic film that is applied to add protection to your vehicle. PPF can be applied to practically any painted surface, and it protects against damage from rock chips, road debris, sand, mud, rain, and even bird droppings. Shade Setters is committed to protecting your vehicle while helping it look great for as long as possible. Our top-quality Paint Protection Film will help your car look better, keep it protected, and boost the resale value by keeping the paint in prime condition.

Shade Setters proudly uses the ULTRAFIT line of Paint Protection Film. This line of film is ultra-clear, providing gloss and UV protection, but it is also self-healing, hydrophobic, shock absorbent, and dust repellant. This protection comes in a wide array of finishes, as you can choose from Gloss, Satin/Matte, Gloss Black, Matte Black, and Carbon Fiber.

The majority of our Paint Protection Film is cut by a machine. There are instances where we cut by hand, but that depends on the scenario, parameters of the install, and preference of finish. We work to achieve the most precise PPF installation possible.

This depends on the condition of the paint before the application of PPF. If the paint is swirled or scratched heavily, a paint correction will be recommended. However, paint correction is not needed for Paint Protection Film to be installed correctly. Shade Setters also recommends paint correction for full front ends or full-body PPF packages. This will ensure the finished product will be as dazzling and uniform as possible.

It takes some time for the Paint Protection Film to fully cure to the vehicle’s surface, so Shade Setters waiting at least a week from application before washing the vehicle. There may be tiny bubbles that pop up in the days following application, but those bubbles will disappear throughout the curing process. It’s important to let that process run its course so that the PPF can deliver optimal benefits.

Yes! You can certainly wait for your vehicle to be completed, depending on the time slot of your appointment and the timetable for completing your vehicle. However, even though our couch is comfortable, we do not allow overnight guests!