Whilst we have done our best to be comprehensive, be sure to contact us if you can’t find the answer to your question here.
Q. I have been quoted $180 for a lifetime tint by someone else. Why and what is the difference?
A. Unless you have considerable experience with the various types of tints, the average person cannot tell the difference by looking at them. Therefore it comes down to a matter of trust.
There are numerous operators offering cheap tinting from their vans and offering lifetime warranty with their films, however you will not be able to tell if it is a quality film. Unfortunately they can also be hard to locate again when the warranty work is then required.
A warranty is only as good as the company who gives it. Solartint has been around for over 35 years with over 50 branches throughout Australia and our lifetime warranty is national, so you can take your warranty to any Solartint dealer. You can trust us to give you what you are paying for. Some companies avoid warranty obligations by changing their trading name or changing their phone number. So always ask how long has the company been trading, and has the company changed names recently?
Q. I have been quoted much more by a large company for the top of the range. Why?
A. Unlike other large organisations, Solartint is NOT a franchise. Therefore our branches don`t have to pay monthly franchise fees or royalties, thus eliminating the need to pass on those ridiculous costs to our customers. In short, Solartint offers its customers the best products at the best possible prices.
Q. I have seen some cars on the road with bubbly tint. Why?
A. Cars fitted with plastic or dyed film will all bubble and blister eventually. It is not always the quality of the installation and can simply be a low end quality product that may only last approximately 3 to 5 years. For others it can be a home job or the quality of the installation.
Q. Will the film go all the way to the edge and will the rear window be in one piece?
A. Yes, custom fitting is a standard procedure when tinting a vehicle and the film will therefore go all the way to the edges and the rear window can be installed in one piece. The exception to this is a few rare vehicles where this procedure is not possible.
Q. What if I have 2 cars. Do you offer any discount?
A. Yes. If you have 2 cars that you want tinted, call us or come in and see us and we will discuss the discount we can offer you.
Q. Will Solartint Hornsby match any other offers or quotes?
A. Yes, of course. Solartint Hornsby can match our competitors quotes and offers based on like for like products. Unfortunately, the market today is flooded with cheap, low quality window film. It is only after the film is applied and you have driven away when you start to realise the poor quality of these products. Always ask what brand of film they are using. If a cheaper film is what you prefer then we can always beat the price you have been offered by using a similar quality product.
Q. I often see purple or bubbling window film on cars. Does all film do this?
A. Purple and bubbling film is a sign of a low grade window film, where the mounting adhesive and dye components have broken down. Solartint's window films are warranted against this, using more stable and advanced dye chemicals and/or permanent metal layers that do not discolour over time. HPR adhesive is known world-wide for its strength, durability, and optical clarity.
Q. How long before the film will be dry?
A. For vehicles, we recommend you leave your windows wound up for the first 48 hours. After that there is a drying process, which can take up to 21 days before the film is completely dry. For residential and commercial, the film can take up to 4 weeks to completely dry out and cure.
Q. Is the film applied to the inside or outside of the vehicle?
A. All film is applied to the inside of the vehicle.
Q. What is the darkest legal tint available for my car?
A. In most Australian states the darkest legal film that can be applied to a vehicle is 35%. Which means 35% of natural light must be able to pass through the tinted glass.
Q. Do you offer a mobile service and if so, does it cost any extra?
A. Yes we do offer a mobile tinting service and no, it doesn`t cost you any extra. However please remember that to have the mobile service come to you, it is very important that you have the car placed in the following conditions:
Must be completely indoors (garaged, not a carport);
Lighting must be bright;
Very important to be completely free of any breeze or wind;
Needs to be dust free and clean;
There must be sufficient space on both sides of the car to fully open each of the vehicles doors;
We need access to power.
At Solartint Hornsby we want every car that we do to be the very best. If any of the above conditions are not available at your premises, it can affect the quality of the finished job. In that situation it is much better to have the car tinted at our workshop. Also, due to the length of time spent on some other services, please note that we do not offer a mobile service for our ceramic paint protection, leather/vinyl protection or fabric protection services.
Q. Do window films require special care?
A. Yes, you need to take care but it's generally common sense. The best method of cleaning is simply with water with a microfiber cloth or wet chamois. Caution should be exercised to prevent against using solutions that are ammonia based and care should be taken by not using abrasive cloths or scouring pads.
Q. Will film distort my view when I look out the window?
A. Professionally installed films by Solartint Hornsby are virtually undetectable. There is a curing period after the installation, however clarity after this short period will be expected to be optically clear. Most architectural films are bonded to the glass with a special mounting adhesive called "CDF," meaning "clear, distortion-free." Most users will agree that optimum visual acuity is often increased with our film because glare is reduced, greatly reducing eyestrain.
Q. I've seen DIY window film. Can I install window film myself?
A. We strongly advise against this, recommending that window film should always be installed by a professional installer using highly specialised equipment and techniques. Failure to do this may result in the forfeit of the films warranty. Most of our films come with a lifetime warranty.
Q. How do I know what film is best for me?
A. At Solartint Hornsby we have been guiding customers for over 25 years and will be able to help you to make the right decisions around film for your car, home or office. We can assist in determining the 'right film match to glass' as we realise that there are different motivations around film providing solutions. Sometimes the request may simply be "what's going to give me maximum heat rejection in my north facing family room", or the question might be "do you carry the darkest legal tint for my car ". You can be reassured that the answer will be what's right for you.
Q. How do Safety & Security films work?
A. In both automotive and architectural applications, the film, which is available in a variety of thicknesses, clear or tinted, is generally applied to the interior of the glass, although specialised exterior films are available. In the event of an impact or explosion, the film serves to reduce the likelihood of glass breakage, but where shattering does occur the film firmly hold the pieces glass together preventing serious injury. These films have an exceptionally strong, energy-absorbing mounting adhesive, and are composed of polyester film layers that are extremely high in tensile strength and break strength.