What Causes Bubbles in Car Window Tinting?
4 Answers
There are two main reasons for bubbles in car window tinting: one is the quality of the film itself, and the other is improper installation techniques, such as not properly removing all the water. Below is an introduction to car window tinting: 1. Introduction: Car window tinting involves applying a thin film to the front and rear windshields, side windows, and sometimes the sunroof. This film is also known as solar film or heat insulation film. 2. Functions: It primarily blocks ultraviolet rays, reduces heat, prevents injuries from shattered glass, and reduces glare. Additionally, due to the one-way visibility of the film, it helps protect personal privacy. 3. Principle: The film is made by vacuum deposition or magnetron sputtering technology, which layers metals such as aluminum, gold, copper, and silver into a highly heat-insulating metal film. The outer shell electrons (free electrons) in the metal materials are generally not bound by the atomic nucleus. When exposed to light waves, the electric field of the light causes the free electrons to absorb the energy of the light, producing oscillations at the same frequency as the light. These oscillations then emit light at the same frequency as the original light, a phenomenon known as light reflection.
Speaking of the issue of car film bubbling, I've encountered it several times myself. Usually, it's due to the installer's lack of skill, leaving dust or small particles on the glass that wasn't cleaned properly, causing bubbles to form after application. Some low-quality films can't even last a year, with poor adhesive that delaminates and bubbles under high temperatures and sun exposure. Older cars are more prone to this problem, as the adhesive ages over time. When washing the car, high-pressure water jets can lift the edges, allowing moisture to seep in, gradually causing the entire film to wrinkle. By the way, cars with frequently rolled-up windows are also more likely to have issues, as the repeated friction causes the edges of the film to bubble. It's recommended to choose a reputable shop for installation, avoid rolling down the windows for three days after application, and minimize the use of alcohol-based cleaners on the glass.
I previously researched the issue of car film bubbling and found that adhesive quality is the core factor. The glue formula of cheap films is subpar, and when the interior temperature soars to 60-70 degrees Celsius in summer, the film quickly bubbles due to thermal expansion and contraction. Installation technique is also crucial—if the water-squeegee step isn't handled properly, leaving water droplets between the film and glass, small bubbles will form within weeks. Some owners roll their windows up and down before the film fully dries, which is disastrous, directly pulling bubbles into the film. External environmental factors like frequent aggressive car washes or tree sap/bird droppings corroding the film surface can also cause localized peeling and bubbling. Upgrading to a high-quality ceramic-coated film helps significantly, but it's essential to have it installed by an experienced professional.
Both of our family cars have had window films installed, and the conclusion is that 30% depends on the film quality while 70% relies on the installation. Low-quality films have poor adhesive layer structures and are guaranteed to bubble within half a year of sun exposure. More importantly, the installation process is crucial: cleaning must be thorough—any sweat stains or oily residues on the glass will prevent proper adhesion; incorrect squeegee angles can scratch the film surface, creating potential bubble risks; improper temperature control during heat shrinking can cause the film to deform or wrinkle. Many bubbles start as small as a grain of rice, but by the time they expand to the size of a coin, it's too late. Windshield films are particularly prone to bubbling from external impacts, like being hit by small stones. Remember to regularly check if the edges are peeling and avoid using strong alkaline cleaners when washing the car, as they severely damage the adhesive layer.
