5 Home Window Tint Maintenance Concerns
Home window tinting provides energy savings, shade, and privacy. Although durable and long-lasting, it will require some basic maintenance.
1. Curing Time
Fresh window tint can look hazy or even dirty. This is completely normal. It can take a couple of days for the tint to fully cure on the window. During this time, any moisture trapped behind the film will escape and the film will fully adhere to the glass. Do not attempt to clean it or speed up the curing time in any way. If the tint still looks hazy after a few days, or if it develops air bubbles, contact the tinting company for an assessment.
2. Cleaning Solutions
You will naturally need to clean your windows occasionally. To avoid damage to the tint, make sure that you use the proper cleaner. Your tint installer will likely recommend a cleaner, but generally, you can use any glass cleaner as long as it doesn't contain acids or harsh abrasives. These can scratch tinting or leave behind etching marks, which will ruin the clarity of the window tint.
3. Tool Concerns
What you clean with also matters. Squeegees provide a quick and streak-free option, but always check the rubber blade to make sure it is clean and doesn't have any nicks in it that could scratch the window. Squeegees should not be used on dry windows, so always spray them with a cleaning solution or water first. Otherwise, use soft, lint-free cloths for cleaning the window. Avoid anything that is even slightly abrasive, as it can scratch the tint finish.
4. Adhesive Removal
Adhesive often ends up on home windows, such as when tape is used to hang up holiday decor. The good news is that most adhesives and tapes simply peel off the tint with no damage, as long as you peel it off slowly. If adhesive remains, first try to clean it off with your usual window cleaning solution. For stubborn adhesive, you can use a small amount of rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth to remove the residue.
5. Fogging Issues
Over time, window tint may develop a foggy appearance. This is due to a lack of adhesion, which allows moisture to condense behind the tinted film. A window tint company can reattach the loose tinting film and force out the moisture so that the fogging issue is resolved.
Contact a home window tinting service if you have further maintenance issues to address with your tint.