FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost?

Pricing varies due to vehicle type, film chosen, and difficulty level. Call for an estimate.

How long does it take to tint the windows on my vehicle?

Vehicles vary from one to the next. The average install is about an hour. Some factors that may play a part in the time involved are: What kind of vehicle it is. The number of installers are working on the vehicle. If there are any unforeseen scenarios that come up (for example: if a rear deck lid needs to come out). If old tint removal is involved.

Why do I see bubbles (right after install)?

This is due to the moisture between the glass and film and will dissipate with time and sun exposure.

Does the tint go on the inside or outside of the windows?

 

Yes, since all the film is installed on the inside of the windows, the outside of the car being washed…or rain for that matter, will not create any problems. Just make sure the inside windows remain uncleaned for about a week.

Are the rear windshields tinted in one piece?

99% of the vehicles that come through Shades of Gray are heat shrunk via a prepping process and then installed in one piece on the rear windshields.

How long do I need to keep my windows up?

After install, the tinted windows will need to remain up for three days.

My car is equipped with a feature that drops the window slightly when I open the door…will this cause a problem for tinting?

 

No, not at all. We, as well as the majority of tint shops, are well aware of this feature. It has been around for years. We know what to do so that the windows will be tinted in the full up position so that no gap will result when the doors are closed.

Do I need felt moldings installed?

Chances are, you don’t. This started as a temporary fix that brought way to tint shops being able to charge more money for needless felt installs. We will inform you if you’re vehicle needs felt on the moldings, but there is a very simple way to get past the scratching issues that does not cost the customer any additional cost.

What’s with the dot-matrix pattern around my windows?

Dot-matrix is very common. It’s the small black dot pattern that lines the outside of most rear windshields, and sometimes others as well. The thinner, more common dot-matrix patterns will look uneven when film is first installed, but should even out to create a “framed” look when dry

But what about the heavy, thick section of dot-matrix on my rear windshield?

This has a different solution. We don’t tint up into the very heavy and thick sections of dot matrix because the tint will never lay even. Dot-matrix is a raised surface on the glass, with dots very close together. The better films on the market today will not have the flexibility to lay evenly through the larger dot-matrix’ surfaces. It tends to float and look cloudy and hazy. The solution we choose to use is a special black vinyl which resembles the outside black solid edges of windows. There is no additional charge for this process. The vinyl will remain solid black, never peel, and never haze up. It’s truly the nicest, most appealing look for heavy dot-matrix rear windshields.

Does it cost extra to remove old film?

Often, de-tinting takes a few hours to be done correctly. The most crucial part is taking film off the rear windshield of vehicles that are equipped with rear heating elements (defroster). There is a process to have this done safely so as to not ruin this important feature. Therefore there IS a charge that can be quoted for this labor.

Will I lose any navigation/ xm/ radio reception?

There is only a handful of vehicles on the market today that will have interference due to the metallic nature of good quality film. We are aware of these vehicles and will be able to offer non-metal ic solutions to these cases non-metal ic films (ATC)have LIFETIME warranties against fading and color change…they just don’t provide the same energy rejection that metallic films will offer. But once again, this list is small, and most times the rumors were stared as a precaution from the manufacture itself. XM and other satellite radios, if installed correctly…with the antenna on the outside of the vehicle…will not be disrupted. FM radio is never effected with ATR metallic films. AM on the other hand, can often times be effected if the antenna for it is in the rear windshield. Once again, we will offer other solutions for those with concerns.

Will my tint fade, bubble, or turn purple?

Xpel is regarded as the best in the (?auto film?) industry. All films are backed by a transferable lifetime warranty.

What are the laws on tinting?

Window tinting changes from state to state. Each state has it’s specific laws and inspection criteria regarding tint. As for PA inspection, with the exception of the front windshield, there currently is no criteria for aftermarket window tinting. There hasn’t been for a number of years now. You can fail PA inspection for tint on the front windshield.

On the other hand, as for police…it’s up to their discretion. If they feel it’s too dark, they have every right to ticket the tint. Basically that puts any film on question. Some police are lenient towards lighter films (30%+), whereas some may be completely against it. Window tinting is from any professional shop is always at the customers risk. Make sure you read more about the law for your state.

What film matches my factory tint on my SUV/Pick-up/Mini-van?

Most vehicle manufactures on the market today use 20% as their factory film. Sometimes the brand of film may play a part in the color matching, but for most vehicles, it our 20% matches extremely close to factory tint. 

(215) 357-3001

Shades of Gray Tint

Location

185A Philmont Ave.
Feasterville, Pa. 19053
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Email

info@shadesofgraytint.com

Hours

Monday - Friday
9am-5pm

 

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