1 What is window tinting?

The film is a coated polyester sheet that is applied to existing glass. Solar control films use a very fine metal coating which filters the suns radiation including over 98% of the Ultraviolet light.

2 I don’t like the dark tint look. Can I benefit without using dark shades?

Yes some modern films can give all the benefits of tinted windows without the dark look associated with tinting.

3 How much does it cost?

Pricing is not dependent on the shade of the tint but on the number of windows and the complexity of the work. Some vehicles are more complicated and therefore take more time. As a rough guide 3 windows on a small saloon may start at £150, while estates start around £200. Give us a call or email us with the make and model of your car for a quote.

4 Can I tint my windscreen?

No, We do not fit films to any vehicle windscreens unless there is a medical exemption.

5 Can I have a sun strip installed and if so how deep can it be without breaking the law?

Yes, a sun strip may be installed. The law states that you can drop 40mm into the windscreen wiper zone, so every vehicle is different. In some cases this is not a very deep sun strip and in others no sun strip may be fitted at all. We are happy to advise on appointment.

6 I have spoken to another window tinting company and they say I can put a 30% tint on the front two side windows, so why are you telling me I can not?

This is one of the most common ways people are misled. What you will get from us are the facts.

See our section on the Law.

7 Is there a restriction on the degree of tint used behind the driver?

No; There is no restriction on the darkness of tint used behind the driver, but remember dark tints will reduce visibility and make reversing more awkward particularly at night.

8 I have satellite navigation and TV’s installed in my car does your film effect my reception?

Possibly, if metallic films are used!  In situations where we find this type of equipment we can offer two types of alternatives that are non-metallic and thus do not restrict or interfere with signals.

9 My car has windows ‘tinted’ by the manufacturer, why should I still use your product?

Many reasons; firstly manufacturer glass does not fully protect the occupants or interior from UV radiation – which can be harmful. In fact coloured glass has worse solar rejection properties than clear glass, so your car may actually get hotter and if you have air-conditioning use more fuel keeping the occupants cool! The film also helps protect from glass shattering in the event of an accident, or hinder a thief.

10 Does the film affect my rear window defroster?

No, the film does not affect the element.

11 Is the rear window fitted in one piece?

 Yes, all rear hatchback & saloon windows are fitted with one piece of tint, skilfully heat shrunk to shape.

12 How long does it take window films to dry?
We suggest allowing thirty days for the film too fully dry and cure fully. During this curing process, occasionally there may be small water bubbles and/or a hazing appearance. These will disappear as the film dries; depending upon the film type and weather conditions,. Do not puncture any bubbles as it will void any warranty.

13 Can I open my window straight away after installation?

We recommend that you allow 3 working days before lowering any windows. This is to allow the film to dry and gives the adhesive time to cure. Do not open your roll down windows until the date shown on your care instructions card, if you do, the film will not cure to the glass properly and the window may peel. The above actions will void your warranty.

14 Does the tint bubble up after time?

No, we use only use the highest quality films and the adhesives are specially designed to withstand extreme temperatures. Bubbles appear from poorer quality film adhesives breaking down.

15 When I come to sell my vehicle, can the film be removed at all? 

Yes, of course. Due to the quality of Solar Gard films, all can be removed cleanly after many years. Just contact us and we can provide the removal service for you.

16 Do my windows have to be clean upon arrival?

No, not particularly. But, we do need to know if you think your vehicle has been tinted before, or you’ve tried to tint it yourself, possibly leaving transparent adhesive on the windows which then may incur additional costs to remove and clean ready for your new installation.

17 Now my vehicle is tinted, I’ve noticed a few scratches on the outside of the glass that I never notice before, where have they come from?

On clear glass you may never spot existing glass scratches. Window films reflect more light so if your windows are slightly marked, the films will show them up more. Most scratches & marks on the exterior glass typically come from use of ice scrapers or whilst washing your car from small pieces of grit over the years.

18 What can I keep my windows clean with?

Any glass cleaner, as long as it is non-abrasive, with a soft cloth. Soap and water is best

19 Can you fit a new layer of film to my existing tint?

No, it is not recommended and would not be covered by our guarantee.

20 Do you offer a guarantee with your work?

Yes, we guarantee the film for as long as you own your vehicle against any material defect.

Read more about our no quibble money back guarantee.

21 I’ve seen lots of tinted vehicles close up with creases and bubbles everywhere, will my windows look like that?

No, your windows will look perfect when tinted professionally by Reflecta. We guarantee your satisfaction or we will return your money with no obligation.

To read more about our guarantee see here.

 22 What warranty comes with Solar Gard window film?
Window films are warranted to maintain their solar properties without bubbling, peeling, cracking, or crazing. Many of our films are warranted against discolouration, too. Should the product prove to be defective, Solar Gard will replace the film and provide the re-application labour free of charge.

23 Does the ultra violet protection lose its effectiveness over time?
No, the ultra violet light (UV) protection does not lose its effectiveness over the life of the film.

24 If I scratch the film, is there free replacement under your guarantee?

Sorry no, the window film installed is of the highest quality and contains a scratch proof coating, however, caution should be used when releasing seat belts as small chips can be made in the window film due to the seat belt hitting the glass as it is released. The same applies for children’s toys or objects being scrapped along the windows. This is again not covered by the warranty. Please contact us for a quote and appointment time to replace any damaged window.

25 Why on some windows do you get a silver line around the edge?
On some windows there are black dots around the edge of the glass. This is called the dot matrix and is produced using a Teflon type material, which is factory fitted. When the film is applied it sticks to the dot matrix and not the glass, which traps air and water between the dots giving it the silver look. In some cases it can't be helped where as others will evaporate and look fine. It all depends on the thickness of the dot matrix, which will vary depending on the make and model of the car.

 26 I have seen small silver circles, mainly dotted around the edges of the window, what are these?
 When the film is applied any dust particles in the air or any contact with the film will prevent it sticking to the glass and will trap air and water. This is called contamination. If you look carefully you will see a tiny spec of dust at the centre of the circle. Reflecta go to great lengths to reduce this type of contamination, which is why we ask you to come to our dedicated workshop but it can never be totally eliminated.  

27 How long will it take to do a whole car?
We would normally ask you to leave the car with us for the day. This gives the film time to be fitted and we can check on the curing process (drying time) before collection.

28 I can not get to your workshop, will you come to me?

Due to our concern in minimising any contamination we prefer to work in the controlled environment of our workshop where we can guarantee the installation. If you can not visit us yourself we can offer a collection and delivery service for your vehicle covered by full motor trade insurance. Contact us for a quote.