Ethan O'Keefe Ethan O'Keefe

Factors That Influence the Cost of Window Tinting.

Window tinting, like many industries, can be a fairly broad one. There are cars, homes, office spaces, high-rise apartments, sunroofs, skylights.. we could go on. While the tinting process is more or less the same, there are certain factors that can directly influence the price you’ll be paying for a tint job. Below we’ll cover the main factors to consider, as well as explain our pricing process.

1. Tint Quality and Workmanship

Enough digging around on the web will find you an average range of prices for window tinting, with some establishments charging higher for their work, and others charging cheaper. There is usually a reason for the difference in price. A cheaper tint job quote could very well mean cheaper workmanship. When it comes to a semi-permanent purchase such as window film, which is meant to last 5-10 years, it certainly pays dividends not to skimp out on having it done properly. Quality of tint is another important factor; if you go cheap on the actual tint, it’s probably going to cost you earlier in the long run. Poor quality tint is known to have cheap dyes that can cause premature fading in sunlight, or form bubbles and/or streaks that can quickly become not just an eyesore, but also a safety hazard.

2. Tint Type

There are many different types of window film currently available on the market. More budget friendly tints contain dyes that darken the colour of the film while also providing entry-level UV protection and durability. More high-end films such as ceramic window tinting boast a higher level of protection, IR (Infrared) heat rejection properties, a sleeker appearance and do not interfere with radio signals. As they say, you do get what you pay for. At Sunshine Coast Mobile Tinting, we understand that every customer’s needs and budgets are different, which is why we stock a varied range of tinting films to suit everyone.

3. Vehicle Type

Cars, vans, trucks, utes, diggers, tractors.. there are many different types of vehicles out there, and most have windows that may require tinting. This means we need to be flexible not just in our tinting abilities, but also our pricing. An older truck with many intricate areas may be much more difficult to tint than a modern hatchback. Commercial vehicles with large windows may also require more labour and more tint film due to their larger windows. All of these factors come together and are considered into price delivery when it comes to tinting vehicle windows.

4. Existing Tint

If there is any existing tint on the windows, this will affect the cost of the overall job. Old tint must be removed and the surface prepped prior to applying new tint. This is so the new tint can have the correct VLT (Visible Light Transmission) for compliance purposes, and so that it can properly adhere to the glass and last for the many years that it is meant to. A tint job that involves removing existing tint prior to a new application will always cost more than just a standard tint application job on its own.

5. Number of Windows to Tint

Sometimes our clients are only looking for one window to be tinted in either their car, home or commercial space. Others are looking for a complete top-to-bottom full tint job. Whatever the case may be, the amount of windows that need to be tinted will have a direct impact on price. We’re flexible and can provide to your needs; talk to us about the specific requirement you have in mind.

You may notice that Sunshine Coast Mobile Tinting does not have any pricing displayed on the website. This is because we’ve partnered with Elegance Car Detailing Noosa to quote and provide car window tinting services, and Sunshine Coast Window Tinting for home and commercial window tinting. Both businesses understand the intricacies that can be involved with window tint, and will provide free, personalised quotes for you to ensure you get competitive, accurate pricing, without surprises. This way, they can also hear your preferences, explain the tinting range and help you make an informed decision that aligns with your budget. Get a quote here for car, home and commercial tinting. You can also call us to learn more and to make a booking.

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Ethan O'Keefe Ethan O'Keefe

5 Ways to Tell Your Car’s Window Tint is Failing.

Do you think your car's window tint is on its last legs? Here are our top five ways to tell that you may be up for a window film replacement.

Window tint is designed to increase privacy and reduce UV exposure while maintaining a sleek and stylish appearance. It does a great job while being understated and oftentimes almost taken for granted. However, no tint lasts forever, and when it comes to cars, who can spend a lot of their time exposed to direct sunlight, the window film can start to degrade. Here are five signs that your car’s window tint is on its last legs.

1. Sub-Par UV Protection

Here on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, our sun is hot! Especially in the spring and summer months, when UV rays are at their peak, we’ll tend to feel when the interior of our car is hotter than it used to be. This can largely be the cause of failing window tint, which starts to lose its heat-rejecting capabilities due to age, wear and tear. You may also notice that your car’s interior is getting beaten up by the sun’s rays, resulting in faded and/or brittle trims and plastics. This can result in unwanted surprises and expensive repairs depending on the type of car you have. You may also experience increased glare and brightness inside the cabin, which can make for a more unpleasant driving experience.

2. Formation of Air Bubbles

Air bubbles and pockets in window tint are usually due to improper installation. This could be due to excessive heat during installation, wrong sizing or uneven distribution. Bubbles may not necessarily appear straight away and can take time to form. Another culprit of tint bubbles is low quality tint. These cheaper tints can often have weak adhesive that fails to stand up to the sun’s heat and stick to the glass properly. It’s always a smarter move to choose a high quality tint. When done properly, it can last for years. As they say, you truly do get what you pay for!

3. Purple Colouring and Fading

Another effect of poor quality tinting is their tendency to turn a purple colour over time. The original colour may begin to fade as well, a byproduct of the cheaper, low-quality materials used in the tint that cannot stand up the sun long-term. Thiss change in appearance can also be dangerous for the driver as it reduces visibility, as well as affecting privacy capabilities.

4. Deep Scratches

Over time as a car gets used, windows tend to get scratched. The interior of your car can become subject to many scratches, including the window film on the inside of the glass. Smaller scratches can oftentimes be removed as there tends to be a small amount of “give” when it comes to window tint. However, deeper scratches and divots will have an effect on the window film, even sometimes causing it to fail prematurely. Care should always be taken to maintain your window tint and to prevent objects from scratching it, to ensure its maximum longevity.

5. Peeling Corners

Peeling can occur when the adhesive on the window tint starts to pull away from the glass, commonly from the corners. When tint is freshly installed, the film will sit evenly along the lines of the windows. As time goes on and wear and tear occurs, the corner adhesive will start to curl and peel, a giveaway that the tint is on its last legs. Another tell-tale sign is a squealing or screeching sound that may occur when the windows are rolled up and down.

In the world of window tinting, quality wins out every time. An upfront investment will result in years of enjoyment, privacy and aesthetic appeal for your car and home. Sunshine Coast Mobile Tinting recommends doing it once and doing it the right way. Get in contact with us today to discuss what we can do to protect and enhance your investment.

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