Genesis G80 Window Tinting Review: Glasstint SunsetR 30%

Genesis G80 Window Tinting: Why a Re-application?

The Genesis G80, a luxury sedan, demands careful consideration for its window tinting due to its sensitive reflectivity and light transmission. Often, the dealer-applied film upon delivery can lead to visibility issues. This G80 owner experienced exactly that, finding the original tint "too dark and difficult to see through while driving." This prompted a decision for a re-application. Re-tinting a sedan like the G80, with its numerous curves, presents a challenge in completely removing the old adhesive layer, a critical factor for a quality finish.

Key Considerations for G80 Tint Re-application

Re-applying window film is a different process than a new installation. The G80's windshield, side, and rear windows have varying angles and curvatures, making a one-size-fits-all approach impossible. For reflective films like Glasstint SunsetR, internal visibility is paramount. Residual adhesive from the previous tint can significantly degrade light transmission, impacting clarity. The customer's concern about the original film being "dark and low in transparency" could stem from the film's inherent darkness, but also from glass contamination or the state of the old adhesive. Therefore, a professional degreasing of the entire glass surface is essential before applying new window film.

Glasstint SunsetR 30%: Choosing the Right Opacity

Glasstint SunsetR is designed to optimize internal visibility while managing visible light effectively. It's available in four shades: 6%, 10%, 22%, and 30%. While reflective films generally offer better internal clarity than standard tints, the 30% shade was chosen for this G80 to achieve a "subtle green reflection." Lower percentages (10% or 22%) provide higher transparency but a less pronounced reflection, appearing more "matte." The 30% offers a balance of reflectivity and a gentle color hue. It's highly recommended to test samples at the shop before committing, as darkness significantly impacts night driving visibility.

Genesis G80 Window Tinting Process: The Crucial Steps

The initial and most vital step in re-tinting is thorough degreasing. For reflective films like Glasstint, a perfectly clean glass surface is necessary to ensure the film's reflective layer performs optimally. Any remaining adhesive from the old film can create air pockets between the new film and the glass, leading to reduced reflectivity and potential bubbling.

1. Surface Preparation: Meticulous cleaning of the glass to remove all old adhesive residue and contaminants using specialized solutions and ceramic scrapers.
2. Film Application: Carefully applying the new Glasstint SunsetR film to each window, ensuring a precise fit and smooth finish.
3. Curing: Allowing the film to fully cure and bond to the glass, which typically takes several days.

This process, especially the degreasing, can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for all windows. The G80 typically involves tinting five main areas: windshield (approx. 600x400mm), driver's side window (approx. 500x1000mm), rear left (approx. 400x800mm), rear right (approx. 400x800mm), and rear windshield (approx. 1200x400mm).