Frequently Asked Questions About Window Tinting
Whether you're in Caldwell, Nampa, Boise, Meridian, Star, or even Eastern Oregon, the team at 808 Customs is here to help. This guide answers the most common questions we hear from customers across the Treasure Valley.
Car window tinting is the process of applying a thin, laminate film to a vehicle's glass. This film is designed to darken the windows and provide a range of benefits, from enhancing privacy and aesthetics to protecting you and your car's interior from harmful UV rays and excessive heat.
The benefits are significant and vary by the type of film you choose. Key advantages include:
- UV Protection: Our films block 99% of harmful UV rays, protecting your skin and preventing your car's interior from fading and cracking.
- Heat Rejection: High-quality films, especially our Ceramic Pro, significantly reduce the amount of heat entering your car, making for a much more comfortable ride in the Idaho sun.
- Reduced Glare: Tint reduces blinding glare from the sun during the day and even from oncoming headlights at night.
- Enhanced Privacy & Security: Tinted windows obscure the view into your vehicle, keeping valuables out of sight and adding a layer of privacy.
- Improved Appearance: A professional tint job gives any vehicle a sleek, sophisticated look.
For the hot Idaho climate, our Ceramic Pro film is unquestionably the best choice. While all our films offer 99% UV protection, ceramic film contains nano-ceramic particles that are exceptional at blocking infrared heat without interfering with electronic signals (like GPS or cell phones). This means you get maximum heat rejection and the clearest possible view, making it the top-tier option for comfort and performance.
Installation time varies based on the scope of work. A simple job like two front doors can take as little as 30-45 minutes. A full vehicle (sides and rear window) typically takes 2-3 hours. If you're getting a full car plus the windshield, it can take up to 4.5 hours to ensure a meticulous, flawless application.
Yes, but there are specific regulations. Idaho law dictates how dark your tint can be on each window. We are experts on these rules and will help you choose a shade that is both stylish and compliant. For a detailed breakdown, please see our Idaho Tint Laws guide.
We use premium HITEK films that are engineered to last. We are so confident in the quality of our materials and workmanship that we back every installation with a lifetime warranty against bubbling, peeling, and fading. You can drive with confidence knowing your investment is protected.
While DIY kits are available, we strongly advise against them. Professional window tinting is a skill that requires years of practice, specialized tools, and a clean environment. A professional installation ensures there are no bubbles, peeling, or contamination, guaranteeing a flawless finish that is backed by our lifetime warranty.
When installed professionally with high-quality film, tint will not negatively affect your visibility. In fact, it often improves it by reducing glare during the day. Lighter films, such as our 50% and 70% VLT options, are virtually clear from the inside but are still highly effective at blocking heat and UV rays. An added benefit is that they can also reduce the glare from bright oncoming headlights at night.
Nope. As professional installers, we are committed to our clients' safety and we will not apply any film on a full windshield that is darker than 35%. A windshield that is too dark poses a significant safety hazard, especially at night. If an accident were to occur, you could be found at fault due to impaired visibility. We consider installing such a dark film to be irresponsible, and we will not compromise your safety.
After your tint is fully cured (we recommend waiting about a week), you can clean the interior of your windows. Use an ammonia-free glass cleaner and a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid using abrasive materials, scrapers, or ammonia-based cleaners, as they can damage the film over time.