When it comes to enhancing and protecting your vehicle, window tinting and paint protection film (PPF) are two of the most effective upgrades. Whether you’re in Clinton Township, Macomb, Sterling Heights, Warren, or Mt. Clemens, knowing how to prep your car for these services can make a big difference in how well the installation holds up and looks over time.
At 586 Tint Factory, we’ve worked on thousands of cars and have seen firsthand how a little preparation can help you get the best results. Here’s everything you need to know before you drop off your car.
🧼 Step 1: Clean Out the Interior – Especially the Windows
Before your appointment, take a few minutes to clean your vehicle’s interior, especially around the windows. Dust, pet hair, or greasy fingerprints can affect how well tint film sticks. If you’ve got window streaks or residues from glass cleaners with ammonia (like Windex), wipe them down again with a vinegar-based or ammonia-free cleaner.
Why it matters: The cleaner the glass and trim areas are, the fewer chances of dust or debris getting trapped under the film.
🧹 Step 2: Remove Personal Items
Clear out the dashboard, door pockets, and backseat area—especially if you’re getting rear window tint or full-body PPF. Also, empty out the trunk if it’s part of the coverage area.
Loose items like phone chargers, papers, or bags can get in the way or shift around during the install. For PPF jobs, technicians may need full access to body panels, wheel wells, and hood edges.
🚫 Step 3: Don’t Apply Any Products Beforehand
Many car owners like to wax or apply detailing sprays before their appointment—but for PPF and tint, this can work against you. Wax, sealants, or tire shines may cause adhesion issues, especially for ceramic coatings or film edges.
Skip any detailing for at least 48 hours before your appointment. Let the pros clean and prep the surfaces as needed with appropriate materials.
🧯 Step 4: Let Us Know About Existing Issues
If you’ve got:
- Scratches on glass
- Cracked or chipped windshields
- Peeling factory tint
- Fading or oxidized paint
…let us know ahead of time. Some issues can affect how well the tint or PPF adheres and whether extra prep or repair work is needed. In areas like Roseville, Fraser, or New Baltimore, road salt and sun exposure can damage surfaces faster, so it’s common to run into these conditions.
🗓 Step 5: Allow Enough Time for the Install
Depending on the service, your car might need to stay with us for a few hours or the whole day. Ceramic tint and multi-panel PPF installs take longer than basic packages. We’ll give you an accurate time estimate upfront.
And just a heads-up—please don’t plan to wait in the car during the process. Our team needs full access and a dust-free environment, which means fewer disruptions and no movement inside the cabin while we work.
🌡 Step 6: Be Mindful of the Weather
Window tint and PPF adhesives need time to bond, so avoid washing your car, rolling down windows, or exposing it to rain for at least 48 hours after your appointment.
If you’re in Chesterfield, Shelby Township, or St. Clair Shores, and you don’t have a garage, consider covering the vehicle or parking it in a shaded area if rain is forecasted.
🧾 Bonus Tip: Ask About Aftercare
When you pick up your car, we’ll walk you through how to care for your new tint or PPF. This includes:
- When to wash the car
- What cleaners to avoid
- How to keep the surface protected long-term
We’re also happy to schedule a maintenance check or offer touch-up help later on if needed.
Serving Clinton Township and Beyond
586 Tint Factory is proud to serve car owners from across Clinton Twp, Macomb County, and surrounding areas like:
- Sterling Heights
- Warren
- Mt. Clemens
- Roseville
- Fraser
- Harrison Township
- St. Clair Shores
Whether you’re prepping your car for a fresh tint or full-body PPF, following the steps above will help ensure a smooth and clean install.
📍 Visit or Contact Us
586 Tint Factory
44111 N Groesbeck Hwy
Clinton Twp, MI 48036
📞 (586) 846-4697
🌐 www.586tintfactory.com
✅ Ready to Book?
Want your tint or PPF to look perfect from day one? Call us today or request a quote online. Our certified team is ready to protect your vehicle and make it look its best.
Don’t wait—spots fill up fast, especially during peak season.
