What You Should Know After Window Tinting
Thank you for working with Meridian Window Tint. In the interest of full disclosure, there are a few things you need to know about your recent window film installation for your home or business.
Window film and the installation of the product are not a perfect process. While we do everything to give you the highest quality installation, there are limits and certain expectations you should know.
Film choice, window conditions, and environmental factors play a role in the quality of your installation.
Summary Of IWFA Guidelines
Although covered during your initial consultation, the following bears repeating: Meridian Window Tint installs all window film per the installation guidelines of the International Window Film Association (IWFA). The guidelines were adopted in 1999 and have not changed since.
- Window film, once installed, WILL NOT have the same appearance as glass.
- Inspection of window film and its installation can be made shortly after installed, but it is generally best to judge quality 30 days after it has been installed. Things that look like defects usually resolve themselves in that time.
- To judge quality, you must be a MINIMUM 6 feet away from the glass, viewing it under normal daylight conditions, through the glass (not at the glass) to the outside, and at a right angle.
- Up close, you may see dust, dirt particles, fibers, etc., beneath the installed film, especially at the corners and edges of the glass. While we do everything to mitigate this by cleaning and preparing the glass surface before installation, some debris will appear. If these blemishes do not impede your view to the outside from a minimum of 6 feet away from the glass, the installation will be deemed acceptable per IWFA standards.
- Dark films or highly reflective window films will show gaps and sightlines between the film and the frame.
30 Day Cure Period
Moisture will still be contained between the film and the glass surface for at least 30 days, sometimes as much as 45 days after installation. In that timeframe, you may notice some abnormalities in the installation.
- You may notice small areas of pooled water or bubbles. This is normal during the curing process. Do not touch these pockets of pooled water or try to push them out. They will dissipate after 30 to 45 days.
- There may be a hazy or streaky appearance to the glass after the installation. This will typically clear up in 2 to 3 weeks after installation.
- Refrain from touching or cleaning the glass for at least 30 days after installation to give the film time to cure and bond to the glass.
Cleaning Tinted Glass
- Avoid the use of alcohol or ammonia-based cleaners on tinted glass (Windex is not recommended)
- No abrasive cleaners.
- Use a mild dish soap and water solution mixed in a household spray bottle. Apply like ordinary glass cleaner and wipe with a squeegee or microfiber towels.
- You can also purchase Sprayway glass cleaner (available in an aerosol can) to clean tinted glass windows.
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