The need for removable tinting arose due to the frequent pressure on the part of the road patrol service on drivers. The main advantage of this glass tuning is considered to be quick and easy installation, as well as dismantling. The modern car market is full of offers and various modifications for every taste and budget. This article based on real reviews about removable tinting will help to understand all the nuances and make a choice.
What tinting of car windows is allowed in 2018?
Film spraying does not hide the driver and passengers from prying eyes, as it is completely transparent, but it is considered a good protection from solar radiation. In contrast, when using a tinting film, it is allowed to choose any tone and level of membrane permeability. And after installation it will be almost impossible to analyze what is in the bowels of the car, nevertheless it will be perfectly visible what is happening outside. In 2018, it is permissible:
- tinting of various auto glass, if its light transmission exceeds 70%;
- a strip of transparent multi-colored membrane is allowed on the upper part of the windshield, with a maximum width of 14 cm (for a passenger car);
- the light transmission of the front glass should be at least 75%, the front side glass should be 70%, and the light transmission of the rest of the car windows is not standardized in any way.
Removable tuning is not considered an excuse for liability to the traffic police. At the moment of stopping by the patrol officers, the film is removed and the administrative penalty is not imposed, and the actions of the driver are regarded as eliminating the problem on the spot.
How to choose a film for tinting a car?
Replaceable thermal screens for the windshield were conceived as a definite compromise between the convenience of the owner of the car and His Majesty the Legislation. The transmittance of the front glass is within 70%, which fully complies with the industrial regulations, and thermal screens in some cases are indispensable. After installation, the owner will receive many advantages, and reviews of thermal screens and removable gel tinting emphasize the positive points:
- glare of the sun and headlights are perfectly absorbed;
- leather and fabric upholstery of seats and interior will last longer;
- glasses are reliably protected from mechanical damage;
- with tinted windows, the car looks solid and impressive;
- in case of a traffic accident, the film protects the driver and passengers from splinters;
- you can reduce the power of the air conditioner, which will slightly reduce fuel consumption;
- the risk of deformation under the influence of high temperatures of interior elements made of plastic will be eliminated.
To date, the most effective method of salvation from the bright sun and prying eyes is removable tinting, and reviews of car owners confirm this fact. However, adding to the initially darkened glass even darkened with an athermal layer, it is unlikely to be able to meet the required 70%.
By the percentage of light transmission of the film there are:
- 5% - random passers-by will absolutely not notice anything in the cabin;
- 10% - you can only see approximate silhouettes of people in the car;
- 15% - contours are noticeable;
- 20% - it is possible to make out the faces of passengers;
- 35% - objects and people in the cabin are clearly visible;
- 50% - you can see everything without exception that is located in the cabin, without much effort.
Several categories are available:
- Painted - the coloring element is introduced into the polymer texture of the base, and the material itself consists of multiple layers of polyester. This kind of raw material transmits radio waves and does not form glare, but at the same time does not adequately withstand mechanical influence, due to which its service life is not too long.
- With a shading transition - the coating is made from the bottom up, and for this reason, the greatest protection against sunlight is located in the upper area.
- With the transition of color - the effect is quite common today, and it is often used in a tone that matches the color of the car.
- With a metallic sheen - metal is sprayed onto the painted layer between the toner and the protection. This filter works as an excellent protector from solar flashes, does not fade and is quite resistant to external influences. The material lasts on the glasses much longer, and the structure allows you to reliably adhere to the surface.
- Spatter ones are similar to metallized ones, however, the metallization procedure is performed by the method of heteropolar exchange. This film layer has a pleasant appearance, and in addition it has an almost eternal guarantee and is used to create lighter transparent variations called athermal.
- Athermal - a modern material that minimizes eye strain due to the prevention of glare. In this case, the glass remains almost transparent, and sunlight does not actually cause inconvenience.
- "Infinity" - a metallized coating is located outside, and not between the layers. It is distinguished by specular radiance and is much better resistant to solar radiation. It has an extensive color gamut and does not violate the visibility and color rendition.
- Carbon - the technique consists in spraying a graphite formation that productively resists ultraviolet rays. It does not fade and withstands temperature fluctuations over a wide range.
Drivers can choose the right tuning on resources where ready-made cut-out sets are made for specific car brands. When choosing, you only need to consider what result is required. If you need to completely protect yourself from outside light or so that casual passers-by do not see anything at all, it is necessary to use a mirrored metallized membrane on the rear windows with indicators of 5-10%. If there is no such kind of need, then a 35% film is perfect. In addition, it is important to focus on how much tinting material costs, since the low price of such products cannot ensure quality.
Now we will consider some of the most popular application methods and compare the pros and cons, based on reviews of removable tinting.
Silicone tint of the latest generation
Such a deposition is removed in a split second, and a paste is not required for its fastening, since it adheres to the glass due to the sticky surface of the silicone, but does not stick together with it. The overlay can be removed immediately at the request of the traffic police inspector, and for this reason it is not prohibited by law and is regarded as sunblind. Keep it folded in the form of rolls.
Reviews of removable silicone tinting indicate that it has:
- great sun protection;
- guarantees excellent visibility;
- contains a high degree of transparency;
- according to external data, it is no different from conventional spraying and has excellent tuning properties;
- it can be simply removed and put in if necessary several tens of times;
- not afraid of creases or frequent lifting.
This kind of plate repeats all kinds of kinks and curvature, including the most labor-intensive windshield. In addition, no air gap forms between the surfaces. That's just to remove it must be careful so as not to violate the integrity.
In addition to the pluses, in reviews of removable silicone tinting, one can often find such a drawback as reduced visibility and image distortion. Nevertheless, this is a very well-known and affordable method to be unnoticed by others and a great chance to evade a fine if the traffic police stops. Numerous drivers assure that it is easy to install and holds tightly to the glass, however, with repeated use, its translucency deteriorates and quality is lost.
Silicone modifications may not have a sticky layer and stick under the influence of a static effect. Judging by the reviews, removable tinting on statics has such an advantage as a low price and practicality in use. And, of course, the main advantage is the possibility of repeated use and, if you follow all the recommendations and instructions, it will last quite a long time.
It is important to note that low quality materials for non-industrial production should beware. Such products have a sharp unpleasant odor, turbidity and only complicate the life of motorists.
Hard removable tinting
The cassette consists of 2 layers - transparent plastic, which acts as a substrate for the glass itself, and tinting, laid out on this base. A similar structure is installed on the front or side window using double-sided tape, and the main snag is the bend. Actually, for this reason, achieving an optimal fit to the plane is quite difficult. The reviews about removable tinting say that problems also arise due to dust, which invariably accumulates between the glass and the replacement film. Professionals most often use such a device for side windows, however, there may also be problems with lowering and raising.
Car enthusiasts note in the reviews of hard removable tinting such advantages:
- easy installation;
- increase in sound insulation;
- does not interfere with the review;
- the car does not heat up in the sun;
- high quality materials have the property of a chameleon;
- easy to remove.
In addition to the pluses, in the reviews about hard removable tinting, cons are also noted. For example, such as the need to make a custom frame, and sometimes the manufacturer may not have the right pattern. This is the high cost of both materials and installation.
Hard base tinting
This type is gaining increasing popularity, since such tinting is comfortable to use and is a more suitable method for solving the problem with excessive heating of the car interior. This is a progressive development, which is a stencil-cut sketch of a car window, inserted into the opening while maintaining a small gap between it and the glass. It can be made of plastic (PET) or composite materials, but when buying, it must be borne in mind that these are not at all those solid toners sold in a tube that use cheap, poor-quality painted Chinese film. Beware of fakes, which can lead to poor visibility and cloudy glass. Quality tinting on a hard basis:
- has a large heat-resistant base;
- is heat resistant;
- not deformed;
- does not swell in the sun;
- creates perfect visibility from the cabin;
- has a different degree of toning.
Authoritative reviews of removable tinting and of such a method address the problem of condensate, which occurs with sudden changes in temperature. Outwardly, it looks like liquid smudges that ruin aesthetics.
Removable tint without mirror effect
Removable polyester tinting is an analogue of silicone on a polyester base. It is reusable and can withstand up to 1000 installations, is resistant to kinks and contains different transmittances (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 35%). It does not have a mirror effect. This kind of film arose relatively recently and is a novelty.
In fact, this is a curious focus, since this is the same material based on PET, only manufacturers advise installing it on the outside of the glass. Toning of a dark tone does not actually have a mirror gloss, however, this is an ambiguous factor, since any removable tinting does not have this property, a mirror is obtained if there is a double glass effect. And if you install it from the outside, then it will not differ in any way. The disadvantages of this type of plate are its “disposability”, slush and dust formation spoil the appearance, and also the design itself is quite inconvenient to use. Reviews about the removable polyester tint with a matte tint are mostly positive, but everyone notes that it has an ordinary appearance.
Removable gel tint
Replaceable gel film has a thickness of 300 MKM. Its semi-soft base guarantees unhindered and rapid recession into the gaskets. The material well tolerates heat and frost, contains a transmittance of 5%, 15%. It is possible to set with 2 methods:
- If you fix onto adhesive tape along the upper edge of the glass, the result of the mirror will be guaranteed from the outside, since there is a small space between the glass and the tint and there will be no absolute fit. The reflective coating copes better in sunny weather, since the shell with different shades of the mirror repels glimpses that heat the car dealership to a minimum.
- When installed using water or an anti-freeze, a snug fit will occur and the car windows will have a classic black color.
In car reviews about removable gel tinting, you can read the following disadvantages: if the installation is on a liquid, condensation may appear after a car wash or in wet weather. And one of its distinctive advantages is that it has a rigid base and can be easily installed on cold glass.
Next, we look at several popular manufacturers and analyze reviews about removable tinting from Mosteo, Sparks and General.
Mosteo
Mosteo's quick-change plates are the new generation of simple tint film that delivers the perfect picture without distortion. The design does not require a special device and adaptations. It is easily cut out and applied to the glass. A similar plate works in the temperature spectrum from –60 to +75 degrees. It does not need to be aligned, since it contains a rigid base and is driven by the angle between the glass and the sealant, being fixed by a thin colorless Velcro, repeating bends.
Reviews about the removable tinting of "Mosteo" indicate that the material does not give any distortion, and after installation there are no gaps. It adheres well to the glass without forming bubbles, while providing excellent visibility from the passenger compartment, even in cloudy weather. In general, this is a good option, which is inexpensive and brings a good result.
Sparks
This is a removable membrane, the manufacture of which uses the American film SunTek or Llumar, as well as other types. For several years of installation, a lot of positive reviews about the removable toning of Sparks have gathered. In fact, it has a lot of advantages, and motorists note:
- high quality;
- ease of use;
- Holds well on glass thanks to static electricity.
Light transmission is 5 and 15%, but most often buyers prefer the latter option.
General
General has been offering its own glass tuning services for several decades with films of various degrees of shading and color nuances. By purchasing the products of this company, you can be convinced of the guaranteed high quality. Car mechanics assure of reviews of removable tinting General, that due to the static effect, the plate is quite easily mounted on the glass and is completely resistant to frequent reinstallations. It does not deform and in any weather, it can be removed and put back, since the substance is not affected by frost, heat or humidity.
In a very large number of reviews of removable tinting "General" noted excellent quality and reasonable price. Those who put the membrane on a rigid base notice the absence of waves and bubbles, even in hot weather. The disadvantage of this type is the penetration of moisture under the plate during washing or showering.
Unfortunately, today there are many scam companies that produce fakes without quality certificates, which upsets consumers. In order not to make a mistake in choosing and not alter the tuning of the car, it is recommended that you carefully read the documents for tinting and only then buy auto products.