Automotive Window Tint
Ceramic Pro Kavaca Window Tint
At Apex Customs Phoenix, our authorized installers specialize in the professional installation of automotive window tint. Our professional line of Ceramic Pro Kavaca window tinting films will not only greatly enhance the look and value of your ride, but most importantly in our desert heat, will significantly reduce UV rays and heat inside your vehicle. Installing window tint on your car, truck or SUV will also improve the safety of your vehicle through window tinting’s Glass Fragment Retention properties.
Window Tint Benefits:
- Protects Upholstery
- Increases Comfort
- Reduce Driver Fatigue
- Protects Glass
- Skin Protection
- Added Security
Available in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, Gilbert, Chandler and surrounding areas in Arizona, our window tinting services include:
- All-Terrain Vehicles
- Cars
- Commercial Vehicles
- Recreational Vehicles
- Heavy Equipment Vehicles
- SUVs
- Trailers
- Trucks
- Vans
- Camper Shells
Window Tinting Services
Front Window Tinting
Are you looking to add some UV protection while improving the look of your car, truck, or SUV? Adding window tint to your vehicles from windows is a great way to not only improve the look of your ride, but will reduce the UV, heat, and light inside your vehicle. At our Phoenix window tinting shop, our expert installers can add window tinting film with precision to the front windows of any car, truck, SUV of Van.
Although many modern vehicles come from the manufacturer with window tint on the rear windows, your front windows are often left without any protection from the sun. At Apex Customs Phoenix, we can finish off your ride by matching your front windows to the factory tint. .
Rear Window Tinting
Does your ride need an upgrade in the looks department? Car window tinting is one of the best ways to upgrade the look of your ride while also reducing the heat and UV from the Arizona sun. Whether you're looking to add tint to your untinted windows, or change the tint percentage to a lighter or darker tint , we have you covered at our Phoenix window tinting shop. We can strip old tint, add new tint, and even match existing tint colors and darkness.
At Apex Customs Phoenix, we aren't just a tint shop. Unlike our competition selling $39 tint's out of the back of a gas station, we are a full-service custom automotive shop. We are experts in aftermarket automotive customizations and we understand that customizing a car is a full package. Not only can we perform multiple services on your ride in one visit, but we have the skills and experience to make sure your window tint matches the rest of your customizations.
Windshield Window Tint Strips
Looking to reduce the glare from the hot Arizona sun coming in your front windshield? A window tint strip at the top of your windshield is a perfect solution to cut down on dangerous sun glare while also improving the look of your ride. The ability to see clearly out the front windshield is a serious safety consideration. By adding a strip of window tinting at the top of your windshield, you will cut down on glare through the top entry point of your windshield while not impeding your clear view through the remainder of the windshield.
At our Phoneix window tinting shop, our expert window tint installers can custom cut any tint darkness at any length and width you want using our state of the art commercial plotting equipment. We will install your tint strip so it is perfectly aligned and goes around the rear view mirror making it look as if it came with a strip from the factory.
Tail Light Tinting & Smoking
Interested in adding a little tint to your trail light? Tinting or smoking your lights is a great way to top off your vehicles customization. Smoking your lights takes the edge of the harsh contrasting colors of factory tail lights. At our Phoenix tail light tinting and smoking shop, we have the equipment and expertise to tint your lighting so it will look as if it came from the factory smoked. We use professional grade automotive paint and clear coat for our tinting applications. Unlike the rattle can VHT tint options available at the local auto parts store, the professional automotive paint will look exactly like factory paint. It won't leave your tail lamps looking flat and splotchy and it will stand up to even the harshest elements.
PLEASE NOTE: Tail light tinting is only recommended for show cars and off-road vehicles as it will reduce the visibility of your stop lamps which is an increased safety risk.
Fog & Running Smoking & Tinting
Do your fog or running lights need a smoke? Adding a slight tint to your automotive lighting can really upgrade the look of your ride. Factory automotive lighting tends to have high contrasting colors which really stand out and can ruin the look you're trying to accomplish on your show car. Automotive lighting tint will not only give your ride a truly custom look, it will also help the rest of your modifications stand out.
At our Phoenix car and truck lighting tint shop, we use professional grade automotive paint for all of our tinting and smoking applications. Unlike our competition that uses a rattle can from the local automotive shop, we have professional grade and environmentally controlled paint booths and spray equipment that will keep debris out of your paint and ensure that your final product looks as if it came from the factory. By using professional automotive grade paint, you'll be assured that your tinting investment will last, looking as it did the day you drove off the lot for many years to come.
Differences in Window Tint Installations
Window tint films are offered in a wide range of types, colors, and prices on today's market. That $99 special tint job offered at the local corner gas station is vastly different from a professionally installed commercial grade film application. The adage "You Get What You Pay For!" couldn't be truer when it comes to car window tinting. Not only to cheap films not offer the superior UV and sun protection that a professional grade film will, but cheap tint will fade, discolor, bubble and tear in no time flat after you shell out the cash and drive off the lot.
Not All Window Tint is the Same!
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Even more important than the window edge is the rear window. Cheap shops will install a rear window tint using several pieces to speed up the process as well as to make up for their lack of installation skills. At Apex we install the install as one solid piece. Solid piece rear window tint installations not only look better due to their lack of creases, but they are also more durable making your investment last longer.
Not All Window Tint Installations Are The Same!
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Even more important than the window edge is the rear window. Cheap shops will install a rear window tint using several pieces to speed up the process as well as to make up for their lack of installation skills. At Apex we install the install as one solid piece. Solid piece rear window tint installations not only look better due to their lack of creases, but they are also more durable making your investment last longer.
KAVACA Window Tint Films
NANO-CERAMIC WINDOW TINT FILMS
The Most Technologically Advanced Window Films
The nano-ceramic and nano-carbon technologies in KAVACA Ceramic IR Window Tint Film is the first in its class. The combination of these technologies makes for window film with qualities we could have only dreamt about just a few years ago. The advancements in nano-technology spearheaded by our experience in ceramic coatings have made the creation of this IR film possible. For the first time ever you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of the most advanced film technologies with none of the drawbacks of traditional window tints.
KAVACA Ceramic IR Window Film
KAVACA CERAMIC IR is the ultimate Automotive Window Film. Manufactured with state-of-the-art technology, Ceramic Pro has infused a proprietary formulation of nano-ceramic technology with an IR layer to deliver excellent Heat Rejection, Glare Control and UV protection that is metal-free, supporting signal clarity for all types of electronic devices. KAVACA IR blocks up to 99%+ of cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays and filters 96% of infrared heat.
KAVACA Ceramic IR Window Tint Film carries a lifetime guarantee.
KAVACA Carbon Color Stable Window Film
KAVACA Carbon Color Stable window film offers vehicle owners more bang for their window tint dollar. It’s a superior and diverse window tint, available in black or charcoal in various tint percentages. KAVACA Carbon CS is infused with non-metallic nano-carbon technology. KAVACA Carbon CS window tint blocks up to 99% of cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays, produces crystal clear visibility, and is supported by a LIFETIME WARRANTY. KAVACA Carbon CS filters 70% of infrared heat.
KAVACA Carbon Color Stable is offered in multiple VLTs and roll sizes.
What is Window Tint?
Window tint film is a thin film/laminate applied to the interior glass windows of a car, truck, or SUV to reduce the ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared, and visible light that enters the vehicle. Window tint is a cost-effective method to reduce heat in your vehicle by lessening the amount of heat transfer through glazing while adding a uniquely custom look.
Window tinting film is made from polyester which is used for its clarity, tensile strength, dimensional stability (retains its shape and shrinks minimally over time) and ability to accept a variety of surface applied or embedded substances (i.e. ceramics, metals, pigments, dyes, ultraviolet inhibitors, etc.)
Window tinting film is dyed or metalized in order to convert solar radiation that enters the vehicle to infrared radiation. The infrared radiation is then sent back out of the car to the exterior which reduces heat and glare from the sun. Thanks to advancements in technology, window tint manufacturers have developed ceramic window films which are a non-metallic counterpart to the dyed films that are notorious for discoloration and fading. Metallic and ceramic window films also reduce energy transmission up to eighty percent and are considered premium tinting films which generally cost ten to fifteen percent more than their dyed entry-level counterparts. While ceramic and metallic window tint films cost slightly more, they provide a substantial increase in UV blocking and heat control.
Types of Window Tint
Factory window tint that comes stock from a vehicle manufacturer is accomplished by dying the glass rather than applying a film to the window. This results in a vastly superior product as the glass itself is tinted rather than a film that is applied. There are varying levels of window tint colors and darkness that come with factory tint and vehicle manufacturers typically one tint the rear windows to avoid any legality issues.
Aftermarket window tint is accomplished by applying tinted film to the inside of a truck, car, or SUV’s interior glass. DIY kits are available for window tinting, however applying window tint is a challenging tasks and should typically be left to certified professionals as DIY installations generally result in air bubbles, streaks, and crooked placement. Window tint darkness is graded by the percentage of light that transfers through the film. The lower the window tint percentage, the darker the resulting tint is.
Window Tint Selection
When choosing a window tinting film, the most important decision to make is the level of tint darkness you want installed. Window tint is measured by the amount of light or VLT that the window tinting film allows into your vehicle. The level you choose depends on the style you're looking for on your vehicle as well as the amount of light you want to come through the windows. There are trade-offs for each choice, the lighter you go, the more light is allowed into your car, truck, or SUV and the easier it easy to see at night. Darker window tints tend to be more stylish however, they also limit your visibility at night which can make it difficult to drive and impact the safety of your vehicle.
- Factory Tint: The VLT of factory window tint is typically 75 to 85% depending on where the car was originally sold. Factory tint is dyed glass rather than a film applied to the inside of the window.
- Film Tint: Film window tint is available with a VLT as high as 90% or as low as 2.5%. 5% window tint is considered “Limo Tint” as it is the darkness of tint you will find on the rear windows of limousines. Film window tinting is typically applied by a certified installer by cutting large rolls of window tint film to perfectly fit your vehicle's windows. It is applied by spraying a soapy water onto the cars windows which allows for the film to be repositioned until it is perfectly in place. Once the film is positioned properly, an installer uses a special squeegee to remove the water from the back of the tint allowing the adhesive to dry for a permanent installation.
How Many Windows Do I Have?
The cost of a window tint installation in Phoenix depends on two factors, the quality of window tint film you choose and the number of windows your car, truck, or SUV has. While it may seem like an obvious answer, many people overlook side or split windows. While a split window may seem like a single window, you have to consider that anytime there is trim or split between windows, our installers have to cut, place, trim, and finish a new piece of window tint film. Here are a few photos that can service as a guide for understanding how many windows you really have:
Benefits of Window Tint
Window Tinting Phoenix
Car window tinting creates a custom, unique look for your vehicle. Beyond the custom look for your ride, there are also many function benefits that window tint can offer. Here are a few practical advantages of window tinting that are a value added addition to your investment:
UV Blocking
Car Window Tinting will block up to 99% of the harmful rays from the sun. When you are in a car for an extended period, window tint plays a vital role in protecting you and your loved ones from cancer-causing UV rays. The UV protection of window tint comes in various grades. However, you don't have to darken your windows to block UV rays significantly.
Heat Control
Anyone living in Phoenix understands the importance of preventing heat! Car window tinting will keep that uncomfortable heat at bay by blocking it before it warms up your car's interior. Window tinting will block up to 71% of solar energy allowing you to stay cool and comfortable while improving your gas mileage with lower A/C usage.
Glare Reduction
Have you ever driven directly into the sun or been blinded by oncoming headlights when driving late at night? Window tinting will not only reduce the glare of the sun but also take the edge off those bright HID headlights all the modern cars are coming equip with from the factory these days.
Safety
Automotive window tint will add shatter resistant property to your car windows. Because window tint covers an entire window pane if your window is broken the broken glass will stay in one piece. This will significantly reduce chances of injury from glass shards. Also cleanup of a busted window will be that much easier!
Theft Prevention
Window tinting significantly improves car security by masking your valuables inside while also improving the strength and durability of your window. If a thief succeeds in breaking a window, they are still faced with a solid panel of glass and film they have to reach through.
Window Tint Q&A
How do I safely clean my tinted windows?
After your windows are tinted, you need to wait a couple of days to clean them. You don’t want to risk pulling the tint loose before it has a chance to dry. Once your vehicle has been tinted, the windows will have been lightly wiped down, but will probably need a proper cleaning with a soft paper towel and any non-ammonia cleaner.
Do not use the blue "Windex with Ammonia-D" or any blue colored cleaners because they usually have ammonia in them. We suggest Vinegar Windex (Green), or any citrus Windex. There are other cleaners made specifically for tinted windows such as “Ammonia-Free Spray Away-Foam Spray,” which work very well. You can also use soap and water, vinegar and water, or anything without ammonia or abrasives.
How long will it take to install window tint on my car?
Installation time ranges from 1 to 3 hours depending on how many windows are being tinted and what type of vehicle it is. Window tinting install time is also impacted by whether or not we will need to remove old window tinting film. Window tint removal, depending on the quality of the film, can be extremely time consuming, especially on back windows. If we are removing your old window tint, you should expect to add at least another two hours to the installation time.
Should I drop off my vehicle or wait?
Both options are available, and you can do what works best with your schedule. We prefer that the vehicle is dropped off for the day, but we do have a waiting area with free WiFi, cable TV and magazines for customers who choose to stay for the installation.
Can you have window tint applied to your windows in wet or cold weather?
Yes! With the modern adhesive systems found on today's window tinting products, it is possible to have your car windows tinted even in freezing weather. However, the curing time may be extended in adverse conditions. Professional installers take the weather into consideration during installation, allowing more time to apply heat to the edges of the tint to activate the drying process. Be sure to purchase name brand high performance or metal window tinting products to ensure high-quality adhesives.
How long should I keep my windows rolled up after I have window tint installed?
We recommend keeping your windows up for at least 2-4 days. If windows are rolled down before that time frame, the tint often peels off because it has not had enough time to cure. Should this happen we can redo your window at a low cost, but it is not covered under the warranty.
I just had my windows tinted and they look a little hazy, is this normal?
Yes, this is completely normal and temporary. For the first few days after your windows are tinted they might appear cloudy, hazy, and you may see little water pockets forming underneath the film. When windows are tinted, the squeegee can only remove a certain amount of the water from between the film and the glass. As the film dries, the remaining water will form little pockets. Window film is a porous material that allows water to evaporate, so these water pockets will simply evaporate and go away by themselves as the film fully adheres to the glass.
The amount of time before your new tint will be totally dry is determined by the amount of sunlight it gets. If it's cloudy and overcast outside, it will take longer, if it's hot and sunny, then the film dries very quickly. This time frame can range from two days, up to one month.
What causes window tinting to turn purple and bubble?
UV rays from the sun that are responsible for damaging your car’s interior and excessive heat build-up are usually the cause of bubbles forming in the window tint. The bubbles are a result of a failure in the film's adhesive. You can protect yourself from this problem by purchasing a known brand name window tint material.
How durable is window tint?
Many times our customers inquire about the durability of window film - "Will my kids tear it up?" We are glad to report this is not a problem. Pets are also a concern, however damage is usually confined to smudges that just need to be cleaned. The hard scratch-resistant coating found on quality window film products do an excellent job protecting window tint from everyday use as well as kids and pets.
A word of caution is to remember window tinting is installed on the inside of the glass and is usually coated with a high-quality scratch-resistant layer for protection. However, the key word is **resistant**. Take care when loading and unloading objects with sharp or hard edges, boxes, sporting equipment, etc. It is possible to tear even the best window tinting material with a sharp or hard object hitting against the tint. Glass without tinting, or with factory window tint, can be damaged in this fashion also.
If you accidentally cause damage to the film, the cost of re-doing the window is inexpensive. Unfortunately, these types of damage are not covered under warranty.
How do black dots and lines at the edge of a window on newer cars affect window tinting?
The black dots, or matrix patterns, as well as the lines at the top of some windows, are made of a Teflon material that is applied at the factory. Purely cosmetic, they hide trim lines and edges on different styles of autos. The thickness of these Teflon-type areas makes them incredibly difficult when applying window tint. Window tint is designed to adhere directly to the glass.
The black lines across the top of some windows can prevent window tint from sticking and cannot be covered. When black dots are encountered, the window tint sticks to the slightly raised dot. This can give, depending on the thickness of the material, a lighter or different look in the area of the black matrix dots. This poses no risk of peeling. In some cases, the dot pattern or lines usually put at the top of some windows are so thick that it makes it impossible for the tint to stick at all.
Does the tint go on the outside or inside?
The short answer is on the inside. First, the film is laid on the outside of the car's windows and cut out to fit. Those pieces of window tint film are then placed on a large piece of glass and trimmed before being installed on the inside of the windows.
Will you travel to my home to tint my vehicle?
Sorry, we do not travel to install window film on vehicles, unless it is for our dealerships. Window tinting must be done inside a controlled environment to prevent dirt, dust, and debris from getting under the film.
What are these scratches or streaks in my window tint?
This is another commonly asked question and is sometimes confused with being a defect in the film; however, it is actually caused by a vehicle’s weather stripping. You’ll notice a fuzzy, felt-type material that lines the weather stripping around your windows. This felt functions as a trap for small particles of dirt when you roll your windows up or down.
Some vehicles have both sides lined, some only have the exterior side. When only the exterior side is lined it makes the interior more susceptible to trapping dirt and debris. Then when you roll your windows up or down, the dirt, or sometimes even the hard plastic of the stripping itself, can cause the film to scratch. In order to prevent this, we recommend using a professional grade moleskin that is specifically designed for automotive use. One great company is Tint Protector and you can find them at www.tintprotector.com .
What are these chips in my tint?
One thing to be careful about, once you have window tint, is your seat belts. When removing your seat belt, be careful to not allow it to sling over and hit the window as this will make a little chip in the tint each time the seat belt hits. Below is a picture showing an extreme case with hundreds of chips, but this demonstrates what can happen.
