Before & After Window Tinting
Everything You Need to Know for a Smooth Installation Experience
At Meridian Window Tint, we believe in full transparency, which leads to better outcomes and happier customers. This page covers what you should know before and after your installation, including IWFA quality standards, the curing process, cleaning instructions, warranty details, and our deposit policy.
All of our installations are performed to the standards set by the International Window Film Association. We serve homeowners and businesses throughout Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Nampa, Star, Caldwell, Middleton, Kuna, Garden City, and the surrounding Treasure Valley.
Before Your Installation
IWFA Visual Quality Standards
Meridian Window Tint installs all window film per the International Window Film Association's installation guidelines, adopted in 1999. Here is what those standards mean for your installation:
Once installed, window film will not have the same appearance as bare glass. This is expected and is true of every professional installation, regardless of the installer or product used.
The best time to evaluate installation quality is 30 days after installation, not immediately after. Many things that appear to be defects in the first few weeks will resolve on their own as the film cures.
To properly judge quality, stand at least 6 feet away from the glass, viewing it under normal daylight conditions, and looking through the glass to the outside at a right angle. This is the IWFA standard method of quality inspection.
Up close, you may notice small dust particles, fibers, or debris beneath the film, particularly along the edges and corners. While we thoroughly clean and prepare every window before installation, some particles will remain. If they do not impede your view from 6 feet away under normal conditions, the installation meets IWFA standards and will be considered acceptable.
Dark or highly reflective films may show small gaps or sight lines between the film edge and the window frame. This is also within IWFA tolerances and is not considered a defect.
UV Protection and Fading
Window film will not stop fading entirely. What it will do is significantly slow the process.
UV rays account for approximately 40% of the causes of fading in carpets, furniture, flooring, and walls. Window film blocks up to 99% of that UV component. The remaining 60% of fading is caused by heat, visible light, and other environmental factors. Window film addresses these to varying degrees depending on the product selected, but no film eliminates fading completely.
Safety and Security Film
Safety and security film will not prevent glass from breaking. It is designed to hold broken glass together upon impact, reducing the risk of injury and slowing forced entry, not preventing it entirely.
Safety and security film will not stop a determined intruder from entering your property. It deters opportunistic break-ins and buys valuable time, but it is not a replacement for a comprehensive security system.
Meridian Window Tint is not responsible for loss of property, personal injury, or loss of life following the installation of safety and security film.
Film Appearance
There is generally a 3% variance in darkness between a window film sample and the installed film. In practice this means a dark sample will appear approximately 3% lighter once installed on your glass. We walk every customer through this during the consultation so there are no surprises on installation day.
Warranty
Residential 3M window film installations are backed by a limited lifetime warranty for homeowners, covering peeling, discoloration, delamination, and other defects for as long as you own the home. If you believe there is a warranty issue with your installation, contact Meridian Window Tint directly first and we will assess and address it promptly.
Commercial installations of 3M window film are covered by warranties ranging from 5 to 10 years depending on the product selected.
Deposits
For any work order totaling $500 or more, Meridian Window Tint requires a 35% non-refundable deposit at the time of scheduling. Your deposit reserves your installation date and time, ensures qualified staff are available for your project, and allows us to reserve or order your selected film in advance.
After Your Installation
The 30-Day Cure Period
Moisture will remain between the film and the glass for at least 30 days after installation, and in some cases up to 45 days. During this time you may notice some of the following, all of which are completely normal:
Small pockets of pooled water or bubbles in the film. Do not touch these or attempt to push them out. They will dissipate on their own within 30 to 45 days as the film fully bonds to the glass.
A hazy or streaky appearance on the glass. This typically clears up within 2 to 3 weeks after installation.
Refrain from touching or cleaning the filmed glass for at least 30 days after installation. The film needs time to cure and bond properly before it can be cleaned safely.
How to Clean Your Window Film
Once your film has fully cured, cleaning is straightforward. Follow these guidelines to keep your film looking great and extend its lifespan:
Use a mild dish soap and water solution in a household spray bottle. Apply like regular glass cleaner and wipe with a squeegee or clean microfiber towel. Sprayway glass cleaner in an aerosol can is also a safe option.
Never use ammonia or alcohol-based cleaners on window film. Products like Windex are not recommended as they can break down the film over time.
Never use abrasive cleaners, scrubbing pads, or anything that could scratch the film surface.
Questions About
Your Installation?
If anything on this page raises a question or concern, we are always happy to talk it through. Give us a call or send us a message, and we will get back to you promptly.