FAQS

A little knowledge goes a long way

Get all the facts about detailing and window tinting, what it can do for you, and what you need to keep in mind by reading answers to some of our most commonly asked questions. Have a question that isn't answered here? Learn the answer by putting over 4 years of knowledge to work for you today. 949-795-7461

What is overspray?

Depending on how deep the scratches are, there are a variety of solutions. The most common is to try to buff the scratches out with a 3 stage process that involves changing pads and compounds as you smooth out the surface. The other option is to color sand (If the scratches are very deep, this method is more effective).

Overspray consists of any type of airborne paint or similar substance that lands on your car, sticks to the paint, and dries. For example, if your car is parked near a building that is being painted, the wind might carry tiny paint particles through the air that land and dry on your car.

How is overspray removed?

The paint must be coated with a lubricant to set up a barrier between your paint and a special prep bar that will be massaged over it. The overspray sticks to the prep bar during this process, eliminating it on your paint's surface. The car must then be properly polished & glazed before resealing the paint and applying a good coat of carnauba wax. It is highly recommended to have a professional handle this type of problem to avoid causing damage to your car.

What is fallout?

Fallout is made up of airborne pollutants from all sorts of industrial pollution, including exhaust from industrial ventilation systems, aircraft fumes, and diesel fuel systems. These particles then float up into the air and bond together; once they get too heavy, they fall from the air and etch into the clear coat.

Fallout looks like someone sprinkled pepper on your car. These little specs are of an active iron mineral, and if left on the car, will start a rusting process that can permanently damage the paint. The vehicles most affected by fallout are often exposed to the elements for long periods of time, are parked outside frequently, parked at airports, or left in an industrial area for a long period of time.

How is fallout removed?

Fallout is removed using the same method to remove overspray.

What is oxidation?

Oxidation is dried up or sun damaged paint, like a sunburn that won't peel. There are many reasons paint will oxidize, but for the most part it is simply neglect.

Oxidation can be corrected by preparing the affected area to be buffed out with a variety of pads and methods, each of which is dependent on the severity of oxidation and the type of paint (foreign, domestic, clear coat, base coat, etc.). After this, it is polished and glazed, then resealed for longevity, and finally waxed for additional protection.

What are swirls?

Swirls are caused by either improper buffing equipment or techniques. This is frequent in the "Do-It-Yourselfer" or at the mass car washes where the towels are used over and over. Darker vehicles show the swirls more than the lighter colors due to the more intense reflection of light off of darker colors. Our staff is factory trained by product representatives to ensure quality work and to prevent these issues from occurring.

How are swirls removed?

A 2-3 stage buffing/polishing/glazing process can usually eliminate the swirl marks. Sometimes the swirls will be too deeply embedded in the clear coat, requiring color sanding to remove. This involves light sanding of your paint with a very fine sand paper before polishing it out. If you wish to avoid this extreme, the swirls can be maintained by frequent waxing, which will fill them in over time.

What are surface scratches?

These are tiny scratches in the clear coat or paint surface that do not go all the way through. Surface scratches are caused by a variety of things, including rubbing up against the surface of your car with anything sharp or abrasive, dragging things across your car's surface (boxes, briefcases, shopping carts, bicycles, etc.), or from your kids playing around the car.

How are surface scratches removed?

What is the California Tint Law?

This law states that you may tint your rear side windows and the back window as dark or light as you want, provided you have a rear view mirror on both sides of your vehicle. Your front driver and passenger door windows must have a minimum of 70% visible light transmission (VLT) with or without film.

While most cars have a very slight factory tint integrated into the glass (approximately 12% shading/88% VLT), this does little to block heat or harmful UV rays. Our 80% VLT film with high infrared heat rejection combined with the minimal shading currently in your factory glass will be below the legal limit of 70% VLT required by law. We will also provide you with a certificate of compliance along with your warranty card and care instructions.

Will window film stop fading?

Ultraviolet rays, visible light, and heat make up approximately 90% of fabric fading. A window film with a visible light transmission of 15% stops almost 80% of fabric fading, while a window film with a visible light transmission of 60% stops approximately 60% of fabric fading.

How long does window film last?

The effective lifespan of window film depends on the types of film, glass, and climate. There are documented cases of film lasting 15 to 20 years or more in some instances, however, each installation comes with a lifetime warranty, allowing you to replace yours as often as needed.

Is it possible to remove window film?

Window film can be removed at any time after your installation. As tint professionals, we know all the tips and tricks for proper tint removal, and encourage you to call us if you require it. Tint removal is a very tough and messy job, and one that is definitely not recommended for beginners.

Will tinted windows inhibit my visibility at night?

This is entirely dependent on both the shade and quality of film you select. Dark or “limo” tint will definitely decrease your visibility at night; if this is a concern, a light or medium shade would be advisable.
Is my car's window film installed on the inside or the outside?

Automotive window film is placed on the inside surface, keeping it out of the elements.

Will window film reduce my cooling costs in the summer?Absolutely. Llumar high performance window films are designed to reject up to 79% of the sun's total solar energy, meaning that the more glass you cover that receives direct sunlight, the more heat you will prevent from entering the room. Remember, the film blocks solar heat and will have no effect on the ambient air temperature.