What to Expect: Your Vehicle Protection Appointment at Blackout

Thinking about window tinting, PPF, or ceramic coating but not sure what to expect? This guide walks you through the entire process—from booking to picking up your protected vehicle.

Before Your Appointment

Preparing Your Vehicle

A few simple steps help us deliver the best results:

Do:

• Give the car a basic wash (removes loose dirt)
• Remove valuables and personal items
• Take out floor mats if getting interior work
• Note any chips or scratches you want us to see

Don't:

• Wax or polish right before (can affect adhesion)
• Use tire shine products (overspray can contaminate)
• Clean windows with ammonia products (residue interferes with film)

What to Bring

For drop-off appointments:

• Your keys
• Phone number where you can be reached
• Any specific requests or concerns

Arrival

When you arrive at our shop at 610 Holloway Road in Gilroy (behind Target):

1. Park in the customer area
2. One of our team members will greet you
3. We'll do a quick walk-around inspection together
4. Note any existing damage and discuss your specific needs
5. Confirm the services and timeline

During Your Appointment

Window Tinting (2-4 hours)

What we do:

1. Clean all glass thoroughly (inside and out)
2. Remove any old tint if present
3. Cut film precisely to your windows
4. Apply using slip solution for positioning
5. Squeegee out moisture and air
6. Inspect every edge and corner

You'll notice: We work inside a climate-controlled bay to prevent dust contamination. Each window gets full attention.

Paint Protection Film (4-8+ hours depending on coverage)

What we do:

1. Wash and clay bar the entire vehicle
2. Inspect paint for existing damage
3. Custom-cut or apply pre-cut patterns
4. Position film with slip solution
5. Heat-shrink to conform to curves
6. Squeegee and tuck edges
7. Final inspection under multiple light sources

You'll notice: PPF takes time. Full front packages are day-long installs. We don't rush this process.

Ceramic Coating (6-8+ hours)

What we do:

1. Thorough wash and decontamination
2. Paint correction if needed (removes swirls)
3. IPA wipe to remove all residue
4. Apply ceramic coating panel by panel
5. Level and buff before curing
6. Allow initial cure time
7. Final inspection

You'll notice: Ceramic coating prep is extensive. The coating itself goes on quickly—it's the prep that takes time.

Pick-Up

What to Expect

When your vehicle is ready:

• We'll show you the completed work
• Walk around and inspect together
• Explain any care instructions
• Provide warranty documentation
• Answer any questions

Curing and Care Instructions

Window Tint (3-5 days cure)

• Don't roll windows down for 3-5 days
• Small bubbles or haziness are normal (they disappear)
• Don't clean interior glass for one week
• When cleaning, use ammonia-free products

PPF (48-72 hours cure)

• Avoid washing for 48-72 hours
• Don't pressure wash edges for 2 weeks
• Self-healing activates with heat (sun or warm water)
• Normal car washes are fine after cure period

Ceramic Coating (7 days cure)

• Keep dry for 24 hours minimum
• No washing for 7 days ideally
• Avoid parking under trees (sap/pollen)
• First wash should be hand wash

Common Questions

How long will my appointment take?

Drop-off in the morning, pick up in the afternoon works for most services.

Can I wait at the shop?

We have a small waiting area, but for longer services, you're welcome to:

• Target is right behind us (short walk)
• Arrange a ride to nearby restaurants or Gilroy Premium Outlets
• Drop off and pick up later

For longer services, drop-off works best.

What if something doesn't look right?

Tell us immediately. We inspect thoroughly, but if you notice anything after leaving, contact us. We stand behind our work and will make it right.

Do you provide a shuttle?

We don't have a formal shuttle service, but can often help coordinate transportation for local customers. Just ask when booking.

Booking Your Appointment

Ready to schedule?

📞 Call us: (408) 848-8468 📅 Online: Schedule your appointment 📍 Visit: 610 Holloway Road, Gilroy, CA (behind Target)

We'll walk you through options, provide a quote, and find a time that works. Most services can be scheduled within 1-2 weeks.

See you at the shop!