Window Tinting Protects Fish Tanks From Algae Growth

If your fish tank sits in direct sunlight for part or all of the day, a clear UV (Ultra Violet) blocking window film can help keep the tank clean by retarding algae growth. Standard UV-blocking window films will stop nearly all of the suns harmful UV radiation - which many algae require for photosynthesis.

A clear UV window film protects your fish tank from algae growth

 Artificial lighting can also be to blame for algae blooms, but if a fish tank receives ANY direct sunlight installing a solar UV blocking window film will help slow the rate of algae growth regardless of other non-solar light sources.

Algae requires UV for photosynthesis. A UV blocking window film denies Algae this crucial element and keeps your tank cleaner longer.

 By virtually eliminating the UV radiation that algae requires to grow, you will keep your tank cleaner for longer and your tank will require less frequent cleanings. A clean tank means a happy fish!

Florida Window Films carries a wide range of clear UV blocking films to protect your fish tank. Contact us today for a free estimate. We also provide DIY films!

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Does Window Tint Go On Inside Or Outside?

Since the beginning of automotive window tint installations, the number one question we get is "Does the window tint go on the inside or the outside?". The short answer is the inside. Before window film plotters came along all window tint patterns were cut by placing the film on the outside of the window, trimming to cut, forming with a heat gun if necessary, and then transferring the film to the inside of the window for installation.

Window tint installation showing the film installed on the inside of the window.

 

 

 

Not All Window Tint Installations Go On The Inside!

Although all automotive window tint installations are done from the inside of the window, this is not always true for commercial and residential window tinting. Although the majority of installations are done on the inside, there are situations that call for specially designed exterior window films. Reasons for exterior installations can include the type of window, little or no access to the interior side, aesthetics and more. These exterior films generally offer a shorter warranty but still offer good longevity, heat rejection, privacy and glare reduction.

Interior window film installation

So remember the next time you get your windows tinted, and you ask the installer "Does it go on the inside or the outside?", It won't be the first time they have heard that question!

Do you have a question for us? Leave us a comment below! Or contact us here for a personal response.

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Johnson Window Films Earns The Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Approval

Early this year The Skin Cancer Foundation granted the Seal of Recommendation for all of Johnson Window film products that block 99% or more of harmful UVA and UVB radiation.

Johnson Window Film Dealers can use this powerful information to raise consumer awareness about their UV safe products. Window film is an effective weapon against harmful UV ray damage that causes over 2 million people annually to be diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States alone. Consumers will enjoy the benefits and peace of mind that this type of protection brings. Protect yourself in your home, car and office. Let's help end skin cancer together!







The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation is granted to sun protection products that have been reviewed by and meet the specific criteria of an independent Photobiology Committee. The Seal is a symbol of safe and effective sun protection that is recognized by consumers worldwide. One of the first programs offered by the Foundation, it quickly gained acceptance from consumers for setting the standard for effective sun protection.

Florida Window Films proudly installs all of Johnson Window Films High performance products

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SPF - What is the SPF of Window Tinting?

What would the SPF (sun protection factor) be for window film, using the same scale used by the sun screen manufacturers?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of window films is over 100!

Since an SPF 15 allows you to stay in the sun without burning fifteen times longer than you could if you didn't use any sunscreen, the calculation, it would seem, of the SPF for window films would be fairly easy, and the numbers would be very large indeed. If the film product allows less than 1% UV transmission, the SPF would be about 100 or more. With 1.5% UV transmission, the SPF would be 66.66. With a UV transmission of 2%, the SPF would be 50. A film with a 99.9% UV block would have an SPF of 1000 or more. Simply divide 100 by the percentage of UV transmission and you would have the SPF number. 

Window Films help protect you and your belongings from the suns harmful UV radiation

      However, SPF numbers are actually measured biologically with tests done on subjects' skin. It is a measure of how long it takes to achieve a certain level of sunburn relative to an area of untreated skin. But it is only UVB that causes "sunburn," not UVA which window film also blocks. (UVA is suspected of causing the most virulent forms of skin cancer.) While the computation we have described above is easy to perform with known UV transmission reduction values, two things must be said: 

      1) Most dermatologists don't think numbers larger than about 20 are meaningful.
      2) While it is easy to calculate the reduction in UV transmission by a window film (a thousandfold reduction with the best auto and flat glass films), actual SPF numbers are officially determined by skin testing according to an established experimental protocol. It is not permissible to make such claims about actual SPF numbers without having these skin tests performed by a qualified laboratory.

  All in all, the installation of one of our high performance window films will block over 99% of the suns harmful UVB radiation, resulting in a SPF factor of well over 100.

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Window Tinting Percentages - Learn the Numbers

A good understanding of window tinting percentages will help you understand window tinting laws, and determine how "dark" a window film or tint really is.

The lower the VLT number, the less light the film lets through. This image demonstrates the different window tinting percentages ranging from 15%-50%

A window films "darkness" is described through its visual light transmission (VLT) percentage. This is the percentage of light a window tint lets through compared to the amount of light that that falls on that surface. For instance, a 20% window tint allows 20% of the light to pass through, while blocking 80%, and a 35% allows 35% of the light to pass through while blocking 65%.

Here is the dictionary definition of VLT:

visible light transmittance (VLT)

The ratio of the amount of total visible solar energy (380-780 nanometers) that is allowed to pass through a glazing system to the amount of total visible solar energy falling on the glazing system. Value is usually expressed as a percent. Glare is influenced by visible light transmittance through a glazing system. Visible light accounts for about 44% of the sun's energy reaching Earth's surface. The VLT value is often weighted or measured in the area of the spectrum most easily sensed by the human eye, around 550nm.

As you can see, the lower the number, the "darker" the tint. Most window film manufacturers round off their percentages when naming a film. Your typical automotive window film that says it is a "35" can have an actual VLT percentage of more or less, but it is usually very close to the stated percentage.

As roughly 44% of the suns heat comes from visible light, the more light you block the more heat you reject. VLT is also an important  factor in glare control. Keep in mind that some state window tinting laws are based on a "net" value VLT which is the combined light transmission of the window tint and the glass. Most glass which appears "clear" has an actual VLT of somewhere between 67%-89% so an appropriate window tint must be chosen to stay within the legal limits.

The VLT is one of the most important factors when considering a window film or tint. This will determine how much light you allow to enter the space and "how dark" the space will be. One of the most popular window tint percentages for home installation is a 35% as this percentage allows a respectable amount of light and can drastically reduce heat gain and glare.

Please leave us a comment below if you have any questions about window tinting, window films, or window tinting percentages.

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Beat the Heat -- And the Glare!

Your Drive Doesn't Have To be Like This!

Window Film reduces dangerous glare, cuts heat gain and reduces fading of interior elements!

 Get your windows tinted and beat the sun! Our high performance window films reduce the glare up to 95%!

Window Tinting adds comfort, style and protection!

Window Tinting can be done right on site at your location! Get protected now!

 

 Call or Click today for a free estimate!

 

 

Florida Window Films - Professional Window Films, Professional Installations!

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How To Remove Window Tint

  Removing old window tinting is a laborious and time consuming task, and is usually best left to the professionals. However, if you have the time, and the proper tools, you can make removing window tint much less painful.

Removing old window tinting can be time consuming. Patience and the right tools and knowledge can keep you from pulling your hair out!

What you will need:

• Stainless-steel single edge razor blades (Found at the local hardware store)
• Spray bottle filled with water and 4-5 squirts of dish soap
• Non-Scratching Nylon Scrub Pads
• Clean rags
• Simple Pink Cleaner
• Large black trash bags
• Bottle of Windex with Ammonia-D (Any brand will suffice but we recommend Windex)
• Paper Towels

Optional Supplies:

• Steamer 

Getting Started:

The Sweating Method 

Cut the trash bag to fit on the outside of the window

1. Carefully cut open the trash bag to its most effective size for covering the while window glass.
2. Mist the outside of the window you are working on and place the trash bag so it is covering the entire window area.
3. Carefully trim the trash bag to the shape of the window so it will cover the entire tinted surface when placed on the inside.
4. Spray the inside tinted surface with the Windex Ammonia-D cleaner. Keep your head low to avoid breathing the rising fumes.
5. Transfer the trash bag to the inside tinted surface, positioning it to cover all exposed film.
6. Smooth out any large air pockets with your hand so the trash bag lays as flat as possible.
7. Place the vehicle in direct sunlight, so the window gets the maximum sunlight available.
8. Allow the ammonia solution to soak through the film for 25-35 minutes. Keep the doors closed to maximize temperatures and minimize evaporation.
9. Check to see if the film is ready by peeling a corner with a razor blade (mind any defroster lines! They are very fragile and can be damaged easily by a razor blade!) If it readily peels, continue pulling diagonally with the plastic bag still on the film surface.
10. If the film fails to yield, pull down the plastic trash bag and re-apply the Windex solution and immediately re-cover. Check again in 30 minutes
11. Repeat as necessary
12. Should any residue (adhesive) remain after film removal, spray the window with Windex and use a non-scratch nylon pad to gently scrub away the adhesive. Use paper towels to collect the removed adhesive.

 The Steamer Method

Steamers work well at removing film!

1. On the film side of the glass, continuously move the steamer back and forth, concentrating on 1-2 square feet of film at a time.
2. Use a razor blade to gently lift up a corner the film where you have ran the steamer, and slowly pull back the film. If any adhesive remains, apply several more passes of the steamer.
3. Once the film reaches it's "release" temperature, continue to steam as you slowly peel the film
4. If any adhesive remains, use a non-scratch scrub pad and soapy water to gently scrub away the adhesive.

NOTE: Use caution and sense when using the steamer. It is HOT and will cause burns if used carelessly!

If you have the time, and a little patience,and know how to remove window tint, removing your old window tint can be done by you at home. If you have any questions, you can contact a professional to help assist you!

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