Tint Inspection Standards

J9’s Window Film Quality & Inspection Standards

Based on IWFA Guidelines & Industry Best Practices

At J9’s, our goal is to deliver a flawless customer experience, every time. To ensure consistent quality, we follow the International Window Film Association (IWFA). These guidelines help set proper expectations and define what is considered acceptable based on industry standards—not the natural imperfections or conditions of the glass itself.

✅ Automotive Window Film Standards

Cure Time Is Normal

Window film does not fully bond instantly. It cures as the installation solution evaporates. Cure time depends on:

Film thickness
Coatings (ceramic and high-performance films take longer)
Vehicle storage and weather conditions

During this phase, you may notice:

Water haze
Light distortion
Moisture pockets

These are temporary and not considered defects during the curing process.

How Installations Are Inspected

After installation, the film is visually inspected even though full curing has not occurred.

Per IWFA standards:

Glass should be viewed from 3 feet away
In natural daylight
At right angles to the window (inside and outside)

When viewed under those conditions, the tint is considered acceptable if the following are unobtrusive (after curing is complete):

Tiny dust specks
Lint or fibers
Small air pockets or bubbles
Water haze
Micro-scratches
Light distortion
Minor edge lift
Creases or nicks
Adhesive gel spots
Fingerprints during install (not visible after cure)

These are all within industry tolerance and do not affect performance.

Edge Gaps

To prevent peeling or gasket interference, edges may have a gap of up to ¼ inch. This is intentional and considered standard.

Post-Install Concerns

If anything still appears questionable after 2–3 weeks, we’re happy to inspect it again once curing is complete. Viewing should again occur:

From ~3 feet away
In natural daylight
Be in the line-of-sight

Most “bubbles” that remain after cure are caused by microscopic dust, which is unavoidable in aftermarket applications. Even the best installers experience minimal contamination. The key difference is whether it’s obtrusive or acceptable—and we follow IWFA visual standards to determine that.

Inspection Guidelines

Inspection should occur:

From 3-feet away
From inside the room
In natural daylight (not direct sun)
Focusing on the main viewing area (line of site)
Excluding a 2-inch perimeter around the edges

Acceptable (if unobtrusive after cure, meaning not in line of sight):

Dust particles
Light fibers
Water haze
Minor scratches
Small air bubbles
Film distortion or creases
Adhesive marks
Edge lift or nicks
Fingerprints not visible once dry

Edge Gaps

Standard gap range: 1/32” to 1/8”
Legality
- By choosing a window tint shade that is darker than the legal limit in the State of Colorado (or any applicable jurisdiction), the customer acknowledges and accepts full responsibility for any citations, penalties, enforcement actions, or inspection failures that may result from the installation. J9’s Luxury Auto Detailing does not provide legal advice regarding tint compliance and will not be held liable for any consequences arising from the customer’s selection of non-compliant film. The customer affirms that this choice is made voluntarily and agrees to release J9’s Luxury Auto Detailing, its owners, staff, and affiliates from any present or future claims related to the installation of non-compliant tint.
- Shade Change Request
- The customer further acknowledges that the chosen tint shade is their personal preference. If the customer later determines that the tint is too dark, too light, or otherwise unsatisfactory, all costs associated with removal, replacement, or reinstallation—including new materials and labor—will be solely the responsibility of the customer. No refunds or complimentary adjustments will be provided for tint shades selected at the customer’s request.
  By proceeding, the customer voluntarily assumes all associated risks and agrees to release J9’s Luxury Auto Detailing, its owners, staff, and affiliates from any present or future claims related to the installation of the selected window film.

✅ If You Have a Concern

We stand behind our craftsmanship. If something seems off after the cure period:

Reach out to us
We’ll re-inspect it professionally
We follow IWFA standards to determine whether a fix is needed

Our goal isn’t perfection—it’s excellence within professional standards and long-term performance.