V-Kool

PRODUCTS : Frequently Asked Questions

	Why is V-KOOL better than other films?
	There are two categories of conventional window films. The first category is made up of dyed films, which essentially provide different levels of glare control but NOT heat control. No sophisticated technology is being used to make this type of film and hence the low cost to install these films. The other category is films that are made from conventional deposition technologies (same as those for coating the insides of a potato chip bag), which resulted in its reflective and shiny appearance. Traffic authorities will not allow such films to be put on vehicles due to safety reasons. As compared, V-KOOL is the only clear film that transmits maximum light while cutting off 94% infra-red heat. It is also the only technology incorporated at OEM level by European carmakers and voted as one of the Top 100 Inventions of the Millennium.
	Why is V-KOOL more expensive than competitive films?
	V-KOOL cannot be compared to other competitive films because it is the only spectrally selective coating in the world. Other films are classified as conventional films, meaning that they are either tinted or reflective films. Tinted films require significantly less sophisticated technology to produce and hence the low cost. Conventional reflective films utilize conventional evaporative deposition technology, which is low in cost as well. Instead of looking only at the initial cost of V-KOOL, you should consider its life cycle cost as well as other intangible benefits. While there is a premium associated with the purchase, V-KOOL reduces air conditioning operating cost, reduces fading to upholsteries and the interiors of the car. Alertness is heightened in such comfort-enhanced environment. It is a long-term cost-effective investment. V-KOOL is manufactured through a multi-layered sputtering process. The raw materials used and the high tech coating process which gives V-KOOL its unique performance are costly. For instance, the product uses pure silver and indium oxide (even more costly than silver) to form the 7-layered V-KOOL optical stack. These materials are deposited one layer at a time onto a super clear polyester substrate (only the top 1% of all polyester that are produced daily in the world can meet our specifications) at a rate of 2m/min per layer. The custom-built sputtering machine costs US$18 million. This is the same equipment used to deposit the radar evasive skin on the Stealth Bomber! As such, what you are getting is a deceptively clear looking V-KOOL film; loaded with nothing but the best that tomorrow's technology can offer.
	How long has V-KOOL been on the market? What product testing and verification of data are there?
	V-KOOL was first installed in 1991 in the USA. Performance data were obtained using a Perkin-Elmer Lambda 9 Spectrophotometer in combination with the "Window 4.0 Fenestration Program" provided by the Windows and Daylighting Group at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories, the world's foremost window science group. It has received certification in many countries like Singapore, USA, Thailand, Malaysia, amongst others.
	Does V-KOOL meet the traffic regulation requirement?
	For safety reasons, most countries require the front half of the car i.e. front windscreen, driver side window and co-driver window to maintain high visibility. V-KOOL film is the only film in the world that allows 73% of visible light transmission and yet cutting off 94% of infra-red heat. Its clarity meets traffic regulation around the world.
	Can V-KOOL be scratched?
	V-KOOL has passed the ASTM D-1044 Scratch Resistant Test. When subjected to 100 cycles of a taber abrader at 500 gms. square inch pressure of steel wool, the result is less than 4% haze.
	Does V-KOOL come with warranty?
	V-KOOL comes with a manufacturer’s backed warranty against peeling, cracking, delamination, discoloration and demetalization. But V-KOOL film has been tested under accelerated weathering test for up to 10 years. Metals are known to be stronger than chemicals or dyes and therefore more durable. V-KOOL is constructed purely with metals unlike other conventional or heat absorbing films. With proper care and maintenance of your V-KOOL film, it will last. Neither its properties nor its effectiveness will be reduced over time. But if you have a conventional film or heat absorbing film that uses dyes or chemicals, with prolonged exposure to sun radiation, the chemicals will wear off. You can check if you have purchased an authentic V-KOOL film via our International Authentication System (IAS). IAS is a Fraud Detection System, developed to aid consumers in verifying the authenticity of their purchased by just a click away.
	How is V-KOOL installed?
	V-KOOL is applied on to the inside of your car windows. Before application, your car window interior is thoroughly cleaned with Kleen Glass and water. Slipsol mounting solution is then used for easy access in positioning the film on the glass. Pressure is applied onto the film with a squeegee to adhere the film to the glass. It is a manual job that takes time and skill. It is not a job for a machine and curved windows take extra time and a steady hand.
	How long does installation take?
	Depending on the size and model of the car, a medium sedan takes about 3 to 4 hours. A model that has a curvier windscreen (e.g. Volkswagen) may take 4 to 4.5 hours. A Multi-Purpose Van (MPV) would take about 5 hours. Installation bookings should be made at least 3 to 5 days in advance.
	Why does other films take shorter time to install and V-KOOL require longer time?
	V-KOOL is composed of 7 atomic metal layers using high tech sputtering process. With multiple layers of metallic coatings, the film requires greater technique and skill for installation. V-KOOL is a premier product with high quality and therefore deserves greater time and care in putting the film on. Other conventional dyed films are usually ordinary dyed films or reflective films with one layer of metal. These films are not densely coated and therefore can be installed in a much shorter time.
	How do I clean the window after V-KOOL installation?
	Normal cleaning is required. Do not use ammonia or alcohol based solution to clean windows. Just spray the coating with warm soapy water and wipe off lightly with a soft, clean cloth.
	What if there are bubbles on the film?
	We call it the “curing time” – the film needs to be cured. Just like after painting your walls, the paint needs drying time. It is even more complex for films with multi-layer stacks because it is so dense that the film is less porous. Therefore, the curing time is long. For the first one to two weeks, you may see a very thin membrane of water in between the film and glass. This sometimes takes the form of water bubbles. The intensity of it depends very much on the weather condition. In very sunny day where your car is parked in the open, the water vaporization rate will be very fast. The opposite is true on rainy days or if your car is packed in sheltered car park. In the weeks after, the film will start curing itself and the bubbles will get lesser. In all, about 4 to 10 weeks are needed for the film to be fully dried.