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frequently asked questions

Have questions? We’ve got answers. 

Here are some of our most commonly asked questions across our various services. 

Window Tinting

The cost of your specific window tint job can be influenced by a variety of factors including the type of window tint, where it is applied, & the make and model of the vehicle to name a few. See our various packages for a general idea or give us a call to get a customized quote for your vehicle. 

Most window tint jobs are completed same day. Please consider dropping your vehicle off with us and picking it up at the end of the day. If you would like to wait for your vehicle, we have an air conditioned lobby with drinks, snacks, and a smart TV for your leisure. Kindly let us know what your plans are when booking your installation.  

We have a wide selection of tint percentages including 5%, 15%, 18%, 20%, 35%, 50% and 70%. 

The tint percentage refers to the VLT, or Visible Light Transmission. This dictates how much light your film lets in. The lower the number, the darker the film. 

Our window tint comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer and we offer a 1 year warranty on the labor. Please contact us for more details regarding our warranty. 

The legal limit for window tint in North Carolina is 35% VLT. Tint applied to the windshield can not extend more than 5 inches below the top of the windshield or below the AS1 line, whichever is longer. 

Yes, old window tint can be removed! We charge $80/hour for tint removal. 

home window tinting

We think so! Our high-quality residential window films block significant heat and over 98% of harmful UV rays. This means a cooler, more comfortable home during the hot months without compromising natural light. Not to forget the added privacy it can offer if you go with privacy features in your home’s window film.

Not at all. Most of our residential window films are designed to block heat, reduce glare, and block UV rays without compromising natural light. We offer a variety of shades and film types from black-out tint to nearly invisible. 

Yes! Professionally installed window film is highly effective at blocking heat, reducing glare, reducing furniture fading, and adding privacy. The key is choosing the right film for your goals and needs and having it applied properly. 

Nope. When professionally installed by our team, it will be completely safe for your window seals and glass.

Your window film will be capable of lasting many years, but yes it can be safely removed and replaced. If you have old and worn tint on your home’s windows, we can safely remove and replace it.

It’s definitely doable, but if you are inexperienced with installing window film you might end up with an unsatisfactory result. Some errors DIY window tinters usually make can include light gaps, badly trimmed edges, wasted window film material, or lack of results from poor quality film.

commercial window tinting

The type of film selected and the scope of the job will affect the final price for your commercial tint project. We will work with you to select the best film for your needs at a cost-effective price. 

Not at all! Modern commercial window films like the ones we use are designed to block heat, reduce glare, and shield your interior from UV rays all without eliminating natural light. 

Absolutely. All architectural window films we install are non-damaging and fully removable if you need to upgrade or change for any reason in the future. We can remove existing, faded window tint as part of your project. It is a completely safe process for your glass, frames, and seals. 

Commercial window tint is an ideal solution for any business looking to cut down on glare, reduce heat, improve privacy, block UV rays or any other of the great benefits architectural window film offers. 

Yes, please inquire with a member of our team regarding window tinting for multi-location businesses for a custom quote. 

Only if you want them to! We offer various film types from completely transparent to mirrored, frosted, or black-out films with complete exterior privacy. We will help you select the appropriate film for your business needs. 

Nope. When professionally installed by our team, it will be completely safe for your window seals and glass.

paint protection film (PPF)

The cost to install PPF on your vehicle is influenced by a variety of factors including film type, application area(s), vehicle size, paint condition, body lines, and film finish just to name a few. For an exact cost, kindly schedule a time to bring your vehicle to us. To get started, fill out the form below!

Our PPF installations come with the manufacturer standard warranty ranging from 10-12 years on the film and a 1 year warranty on the labor from our shop. If you would like an extended warranty on your film installation, talk with a member of our staff. 

PPF packages are completely customizable. You can add PPF to as many or as little areas as you want on your car. You also don’t have to do it all at once! Fill out the form below to get the process started 

On average, PPF jobs are finished within 1-3 days, whereas a full vehicle could take a full week or more. The duration of your installation will vary depending upon the size and complexity of the job. It also depends on the condition of your paint and how much preparation we need to do to ensure the best possible result. 

You may see water (can look like bubbles) under the film for the first several days as the drying process completes. We happily provide a complimentary touch-up appointment to correct any minor areas, if needed. In some cases, edges can lift even after our careful curing process due to the natural effects of the sun. We ask that you allow at least 1 week before calling to schedule a return visit for touch-ups. 

colored ppf

Colored paint protection film is a durable, self-healing film applied to the exterior of your vehicle offering both restyling and protection. It’s able to offer the same protection as clear-bra PPF, with the added benefit of full color changing capability. 

We offer colored PPF in gloss, satin, & matte finishes and have an enormous variety of color choices. 

Yes, adding a professional-grade ceramic coating on top of your PPF can enhance gloss and improve hydrophobicity to help keep your vehicle looking great 24/7/

Yes, it’s fully removable – but it should only be removed by professionals that are trained. Improper technique when removing film can lead to damaged paint. 

Even though both change the color of your vehicle, colored PPF offers superior protection. It is significantly thicker than traditional vinyl wrap to withstand rock chips, scratches, and UV damage. Colored PPF has a more paint-like appearance and can last well past 5 years. 

Vinyl Wrap

The cost of wrapping a vehicle depends on a variety of factors such as the size of your vehicle, type of wrap, and the application area(s). Prices for a full wrap generally start around $3,000. Contact us for a personalized quote.

Vinyl wrap is completely safe for your vehicle’s paint when professionally installed. In fact, wrap can actually protect your car’s paint against UV rays and light damage from road debris. 

5 Star Design specializes in car wrapping and takes special care during the install process and removal process to ensure the best result possible.

Caring for your vehicle after it’s been wrapped is simple. We recommend hand-washing or touchless drive-thru washes to avoid damage to wrap. Regular maintenance will keep your wrap looking vibrant and extends its lifespan.

With proper care and maintenance, your wrap should last around 5 years. You can prolong your wrap’s lifespan by limiting direct exposure to sun and harsh weather as well as regular cleaning. 

  • The time it takes to wrap your vehicle depends largely on the size and complexity of the job. On average, a full wrap can take around 5 days in our shop whereas a good accent wrap will be same-day. 

We provide a 1-year warranty on labor costs following your wrap install accompanied by the manufacturer warranty on the material which can vary depending on the brand you choose.

Ceramic coating

Ceramic coating is most commonly applied to exterior surfaces like painted body panels, mirrors, automotive glass, and wheels. However, the options are limitless! We can also apply ceramic coating to certain areas in the interior of your car to protect against fading and sun damage. 

The lifespan depends on the product you decide on and how well you maintain it. 5 Star Design offers three tiers of ceramic coating to Raleigh and the surrounding areas that last 3 to 7 years. 

Ceramic coating helps to resist light swirling and micro-scratches, but it will not stop rock chips or deep scratches. For that level of protection, we recommend combining ceramic coating with paint protection film (PPF) or vinyl wrap 

We recommend regular hand-washing with a pH-neutral soap, microfiber cleaning products, and avoiding automatic car washes (unless touchless). No more wasted hours waxing and claying – just simplified upkeep for long-lasting shine. 

Absolutely, in fact – we highly recommend adding a ceramic coating to every car we apply PPF or vinyl wrap to for the highest level of protection, gloss, and ease of car-care. It helps your PPF or wrap achieve the highest level of durability and really makes the colors pop. Be sure to us about our multi-service special pricing.

Depending on the condition of your vehicle and the package you select, ceramic coating jobs generally take anywhere from 1-5 days or longer, including prep and curing time. This service is drop-off only. 

Yes, you will still have to wash your vehicle. However, you will be amazed at how easy exterior maintenance becomes for your newly coated vehicle. 

Nope! Ceramic coating is for anyone who wants to protect their car. We recommend it to any car owner – regardless of year, make, or model. Enhancing your vehicle’s shine and the added protection ceramic coating offers are benefits anyone can enjoy. 

Ceramic coating can be applied to any exterior (and some interior) surface you want protected. It also doesn’t even have to be a car. We can customize a ceramic coating package for your daily driver, exotic car, race car, motorcycle, boat, ATV or UTV, glass, and just about anything else you can think of. Yes, even your PS5.  

commercial auto branding

With proper installation and care, our commercial vehicle wraps can last 5-7 years. The lifespan can depend on multiple factors such as the vinyl used, how much wear and tear the vehicle is subject to, and sun exposure to name a few.  

Not at all! We provide company vehicle wraps for businesses with a single vehicle or those with an entire fleet. No company is too small or too large for us!   

Yes, we offer bulk discounts for commercial wrap services. Call us at (919) 228-8096 to discuss your specific needs.  

We offer a wide range of coverage options for commercial vehicle wraps including: full coverage (entire vehicle), partial coverage (just the sides, rear or specific panels of your vehicle), spot graphics (door logos, DOT numbers, contact information, etc.), and magnetic signs (great for temporary branding).

Absolutely – we offer cut vinyl lettering and logo decals for doors, tailgates, trailers, windows or anywhere else you need it! This is a great budget-friendly option for branding without full or partial coverage. 

In most cases, wrapping is more affordable, faster, and easier than repainting an entire car with custom branding. Wraps are removable, easily updated, and serve as great temporary branding tools to turn your vehicle(s) into rolling billboards. 

Definitely. A well-designed fleet wrap turns heads and makes your business vehicles pop. Every drive across Raleigh or the surrounding areas is an opportunity for hundreds to see your branding. It’s actually one of the lowest “cost-per-impression” methods to advertise nowadays. It even provides some protection for your fleet vehicles’ paint. 

For windows with commercial wraps applied, we use perforated vinyl wrap. This allows you to see out the vehicle while driving, but completely covers the window surface on the exterior. This is commonly used on truck and van windows to extend the design over every area of the vehicle without compromising safety.