Tint Films Rtint™ | ORACAL® 8300

Rtint™ & ORACAL® Vinyl Tint Films

When you ant to smoke out, tint or simply change the color and look of your headlights, tail lights or fog lights, there's no better or easier way than with vinyl tint film. When you compare the costs of tinting with film versus spraying you 'll see that the time required, hassle and the very real possibility of causing permanent damage combine to show that there's no better option than tint film to restyle your lights. Choose from a wide variety of ORACAL® and Rtint™ tint films and put the power over the look and feel of your ride back where it belongs: in your hands.

Rtint™ Tint Films

Tint film is an adhesive layer commonly applied to a vehicle’s headlights, tail lights and fog lights. If you are looking to customize your vehicle, tint film comes in a variety of shades, colors and qualities, depending on your specific needs. Although tint films may prove more challenging than other tinting methods, they are the most precise way to apply tints to your lights.

Whether you use blackout films, DIY tint films or chameleon films, they can all give you a new look for your vehicle that you will enjoy for a long time to come. Here’s an overview of the advantages of using tint films and the many applications for this versatile material.

Applications for Tint Films

Tint film is commonly applied to your vehicle’s headlights, tail lights and fog lights. Because plastic light coverings dull and lose transparency, and glass ones have the potential to break and crack, tint film provides protection. Add a blue tint to your headlights, green to your tail lights or a smoke yellow to your fog lights. Your options to customize the lights on your car are endless.

Another frequent, though less common application, for tint films is to use them as a "laminate" to create colored carbon fiber or chrome films. Although most DIYers won't have a professional grade laminator, the film can be easily laminated into chromes like Avery™ SF100 Conform Chrome or  3M™ 1080 Carbon Fiber to create unique color combinations. Use Rtint™ Chameleon and SF100 Chrome to make a Neochrome wrap or ORACAL® 8300 Dark Green and Anthracite Carbon Fiber to make a Dark Green CF film suitable for cutting on a plotter or wrapping your ride.

Benefits of Tint Film

Tint film allows you to customize your vehicle’s image, while also maintaining protective properties. There are three main advantages to this.

1. Your Car, Your Style

Tints not only create a different look for your car but also allow you to show off your personality. You can modify the appearance of your car by applying any shade or color of tint. If you are looking to transform your vehicle from dull to sleek or old-fashioned to modern, tinting enhances the overall image of your vehicle.

2. Protection and Safety

A vehicle’s lights can often appear yellow, creating a cloudy finish. The discoloring means the sun’s UV rays are breaking down the materials, and the cloudy appearance can prohibit optimal visibility while driving. By providing a tint on your headlights, tail lights or fog lights, you can protect them from UV radiation damage.

3. No Need to Purchase Tail Lights

Installing tints to your vehicle allows you to save yourself the time and money of buying brand new lights.

Is Tint Film Legal?

Tinting an average car in any state is illegal. However, off-roading vehicles or show cars are exceptions. The level of light transmittance is regulated in each state and refers to how much light passes through the glass. It may be difficult to calculate the degree of light transmittance when installing your own tail light kit, but you can refer to a licensed professional to ensure your lights are compliant with state regulations.

The Benefits of DIY Tint Film Installation

If you are good with your hands and you have the correct tools, completing a DIY project is satisfying when you see the results. These advantages include:

• Price: Online shopping allows you to purchase tinting kits that fit your preferred budget. Although a price-conscious budget is desirable, the quality of your kit is a major factor to consider, too.
• Options: Because the internet provides you with hundreds of tinting kits, you have the freedom to choose one specific to your wants and needs. For example, you can pick between pre-cut or other tint film kits.

Tips for DIY Tint Film Installation

While installing your own tints is not impossible, it is undoubtedly difficult. Research DIY details and make sure you follow the kit directions carefully. Be sure your car tints meet state regulation levels. A clean environment is important to keep the space between the tint film and light dust-free.

The Benefits of Professional Tint Film Installation

If you are not good with your hands or don’t have enough patience to install a tinting kit, pursuing professional installation is just as beneficial. Reasons to use professional installation include:

• Experienced technicians: A professional will have the correct tools and experience to perform the job accurately and quickly.
• Legality: Professional installers are familiar with the rules and regulations that apply to car tinting in your state.
• Value: The results of your own DIY installation may vary depending on your experience. A business will likely guarantee its work and improve any mistakes you are unhappy with.

Find an experienced shop that provides a clean working environment. The quality of your vehicle tint installation may suffer if you do not find a reputable professional.

Types of Tints

Four primary methods used to install light tints are:

• Spray tint: Spray tint is the most common method of applying different levels of tint to your vehicle. It requires a steady hand and precise attention.
• Plasti dip: Plasti dip is a colorized, insulating rubber coating applied to lights. It can easily peel off if you wish to change the color or want to go back to your original tail light.
• Cover: Tint cover can be made from a variety of materials, such as plastic, metal or polycarbonate. Covers have similar properties of a large sticker, and you place them on your lights using double-sided tape.
• Tint film rolls: Film roll is the most precise technique, which allows you to cut each tint piece individually.

Advantages of Using Rolls of Tint Film

Purchasing rolls of tint film gives you the ability to ensure a perfect fit to your vehicle’s lights and lets you to cut the film depending on your custom needs. Tint films come in large rolls and modify headlights, tail lights and fog lights.

Using rolls of film is more accurate compared to pre-cut tint kits. Although pre-cut tints are for generic models of cars, they don’t always match up evenly. Two cars may be the same model, but it does not mean light sizes are the same.

Tint Film Varieties

Tinting your headlights, tail lights or fog lights is not a “one-style-fits-all” type of deal. You have the ability to choose between smoke, chameleon or blackout tint films to customize your car. Each style has its own benefits and ways of making your vehicle distinctive. Consider the following when trying to choose one that’s right for your car.

Film Tint Varieties: Smoked Tint

Smoked tint films are the lightest shade applied to many forms of vehicles. This particular type of tint adds a “smoke” effect without significantly altering the color of your headlights, tail lights or fog lights. Smoke tint film has a 38% visible light transmission (VLT) with a transparent and adhesive back. The percentage of VLT means 38% of the smoke effect will block light from exiting your vehicle lights, while 62% can still shine through.

Film Tint Varieties: Chameleon Tint

Chameleon tint is one of the most eye-catching tints available. It changes the color of your lights depending on the amount of light hitting its surface and the angle at which you are standing. A chameleon tint has properties in between those of smoke and blackout tints, with a VLT of 85%, reducing 15% of your car’s light output. Chameleon tints are semi-permanent and pre-applied adhesives.

Film Tint Varieties: Blackout Tint

Blackout tint films are the most extreme forms of tinting for your vehicle, with only 5% VLT. It’s also a self-adhesive, 3-ply film with a protective layer to prevent scratching. Blackout tints create a dramatic blackout look. You should install blackout kits by using the wet application, heat stretching and trimming methods.

Detailed Guide on Applying Tint Film

Tint film installation is an easy process if you follow these steps:

1. Remove lights: Although you can install tints while lights are attached to your vehicle, it’s more convenient to remove them. Take out all the screws, light bulbs and wires before detachment.
2. Clean: Placing film on your lights is similar to applying a large sticker, and, of course, these do best when installed to a dust-free surface. Dirt and grease are other elements to be wary of. If your lights are not clean, the tint film will pop off.
3. Cut: Tint film requires you to cut precise dimensions to fit the size and shape of your lights.
4. Apply: Remove the layer that reveals the sticky side of tint and spray your light with an adhesive solution, such as water or Windex. Place the film over your light and squeegee out the bubbles. If you do not use an applicator fluid, it will be difficult to remove the air bubbles.
5. Heat: Use a heat gun to smooth the surface and edges of the tint. Heat solidifies the tint’s adhesive properties.
6. Contour edges: Tuck the film into any creases or edges by using your finger or a razor blade for more precision. Apply enough pressure to stretch the tint around rounded surfaces. Using the heating gun while stretching will allow for a smoother application. Then remove the top layer of film.
7. Trim: Trim off excess tint around the edges of your light.
8. Final step: When the tinting process is complete and all elements are dry, secure the lights back onto your vehicle.

Give Your Vehicle a Personal Touch

Enhance the look of your vehicle by applying headlight, tail light or fog light tints by shopping at Rvinyl. We offer smoke, blackout, chameleon and a variety of other film tint colors for more than 50 different cars and models.