Why is My Window Tint Blurry & Hazy?
Blurry or cloudy car window tints are a common concern among vehicle owners. Whether it's due to improper installation or the quality of the film itself, these issues can significantly affect visibility and driving safety. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind blurry window tints and provide practical solutions to resolve these problems effectively.Blurry or hazy window tints can be frustrating and unsettling for many car owners. If you're unfamiliar with how solar films work, you might mistakenly think something is wrong with the film itself. However, these issues are often due to two main factors:
- Installation Errors.
- Low quality film.
- Low Angle Haze (LAH).
Installation Mistakes Leading to Blurriness
After your car windows have been tinted, they might appear cloudy or blurry, and you may notice small water pockets beneath the film. These are tiny molecules of water trapped between the film and the glass. While installers use a squeegee to remove as much water as possible, some moisture inevitably remains. Window tint film is a porous material, so the leftover water will typically evaporate as the film cures to the glass. Common installation errors are improper squeegeeing and incorrect film placement leaving excess moisture between the film and glass or air pockets and uneven film adhesionInstallation Tips to Prevent Blurry Tints:
Gentle Cleaning: Clean the tint using a soft cloth and mild soap and avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could scratch or damage the film.
Avoid heat guns: Don't try to speed up the evaporation process with a heat gun or by placing the car in direct sunlight.
Let It cure naturally: Avoid adding stress to the tint during the curing process.
Avoid rolling windows up and down: Keep windows closed during the initial curing period to prevent damaging the tint. The curing process usually takes around a week but may last longer depending on the film type and installation quality.
Blurriness Caused by Low Angle Haze (LAH)
Low Angle Haze, or LAH, relates to the window tint film itself rather than debris stuck between the glass and the tint. This haze is noticeable when viewing through tinted car glass, such as a rear or side window, on a sunny day when the sun is at a low angle. The higher the infrared (IR) rejection rate of the window tint, the more pronounced the LAH effect. LAH results from particles within the film clumping together during the manufacturing process. Foggy windows at certain sun angles can indicate strong protection against harmful IR radiation. If you don't occasionally experience LAH in your car with tinted windows, it may be time to consider upgrading your solar film to ensure adequate protection from the sun's IR rays.
Key Characteristics of LAH are hazy appearance at low sun angles - Especially noticeable through rear and side windows. The blurryness also correlates with High IR Rejection where films with higher IR rejection rates often have more pronounced LAH. For a more detailed explanations on Low Angle Haze and how to handle tinted window issues, check out the video below by Ralph van Pelt from Flexfilm. He is an expert in window tinting and a leading voice in sharing knowledge online. His insights can further clarify why tints may appear cloudy and how to best handle them.
Tips for Maintaining Clear Window Tint
2. Be cautious when loading or unloading items that could come into contact with the windows.
3. Periodically inspect your tints for air pockets, peeling edges, or discoloration, early detection of issues allows for prompt repairs and prevents further damage.