Tint Lady
Exterior Auto Detailing

Bellingham, WA
Exterior Auto Detailing in Bellingham, WA

At Tint Lady, exterior auto detailing is so much more than running your car through the car wash. We manually clean every part of the outside of your vehicle using safe, rich cleaners to enhance the cleanliness and look of your car while not damaging the vehicle with harsh brushes and soaps often found at the local car wash.

You can check also our other services such as auto detailing, full auto detailing, interior auto detailing, and our additional services. Contact us today to find out which option is best for you!

Read more about our exterior auto detailing Bellingham WA process below.

Exterior Auto Detailing
Exterior Auto Detailing Bellingham Service

Estimated completion time: 2 hours*
Starting at $199*

What’s included in the exterior auto detailing Fort Worth TX package:

Tires and rims cleaned
Vehicle treated with foam wash
Hand wash
Paint and rims chemically decontaminated
Hand and air dried
Paint mechanically decontaminated
IPA mix applied to paint
1 coat of ceramic spray wax applied to paint, windows, and rims providing 6 to 12 months of protection
Tires and trim dressed

Our exterior auto detailing Fort Worth TX package will have your vehicle looking better than ever.

We start with the tires and rims of the vehicle since those are typically the dirtiest parts of the car. We use a non-acidic wheel cleaner that is safe for all types of rims. We then coat the vehicle with a blanket of rich, thick foam to loosen dirt and minimize the chances for any swirling to occur during the wash phase.

After completing a contact wash on your vehicle with a soft plush chenille wash mitt, we then move on to the chemical decontamination stage. This is the stage where we will chemically remove all the iron particles that have been embedded into your clearcoat.

After thoroughly rinsing the vehicle to remove all traces of chemicals, we hand and air dry the vehicle so there are no water spots left behind. Then we will mechanically decontaminate your vehicle with a clay mitt. This further removes any embedded contaminants in your clearcoat and leaves you with a smooth surface. Then we treat your paint to an IPA (isopropyl alcohol) wipe down to remove any leftover chemicals from the process and ensure the protection can bond optimally with the paint. At this point, we apply a ceramic spray wax to your vehicle to enhance the gloss, slickness, and protection against dirt, grime, UV damage, and more.

As a finishing touch, we apply a dressing to your tires and any plastic trim on your vehicle to bring back that rich, dark color and provide protection from the elements.

Exterior Auto Detailing Add-Ons

Once your vehicle is cleaned, wouldn't you like it to stay that way?

Then be sure to add on these incredible value services for some long term protection.

2+ Year Ceramic Coating

Price: $149

Benefits of a leather coating:

Resists dye transfer
Stain resistant
Chemical resistant
Protection from UV damage
Hydrophobic
Preserves color
Resists fading and cracking
Up to 2 years of protection

Did you know that practically all modern automotive vehicle leather has a clear coat on it just like the exterior of your vehicle? This is designed to help protect your leather. The problem is typical leather clear coat measures anywhere from 5 to 20 microns (one-millionth of a meter). For reference a single strand of human hair measures about 70 microns. That is where a high-quality dedicated leather coating comes in. It is specifically formulated to bond to your leather clear coat and provide a sacrificial barrier. This is going to preserve your leather for years to come.

Fabric Coating

Price: $49

Benefits of a fabric coating:

Prevents stains
Prevents soaking, swelling, or rotting of fabric
Does not alter color or feel of fabric
Hydrophobic
Fluorocarbon free
Up to 2 years of protection

Whether you have kids, worry about coffee stains in the car, or just want the peace of mind for whatever comes your way a fabric coating can repel those pesky spills. This coating will not change the look of your upholstery. What it will do is make clean up a breeze and remove future headaches for you. Liquid will bead up on the surface instead of sinking into the fabric. All you have to do it just mop up with a microfiber towel and get on with your day.

Where are you located?

We are located at 1204 E. Sunset Drive in Bellingham, WA. We share the building with the sunset carwash.
What are your hours?

We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 5:00pm.
Who is the "Tint Lady?"

Rita is the original tint lady. After spending many years tinting across the Southwest US, she moved to Bellingham and founded Tint Lady Window Tinting in 2010.
What kinds of vehicles do you specialize in?

We work on all kinds of vehicles: new and old, luxury and economy, consumer and commercial, electric vehicles, exotics and show cars, and pretty much anything else on wheels.
Do you perform mobile tinting/detailing?

We do not offer mobile services at this time.
Do you do paint and body work?

While we do perform some light paint correction as a part of our detailing, PPF, and ceramic coating services, we are not a full-function body shop. For serious scratches, marring, dents, or other exterior damage, we recommend visiting a dedicated body shop.
Do I need an appointment to have someone look at my vehicle?

Not at all! Stop by our location anytime during regular business hours and we will happily look at your vehicle, listen to your concerns, and provide technical feedback.
Do I need to bring my vehicle to Tint Lady for a consultation before I can schedule an appointment?

Not necessarily. Certain services and situations may require that we see the vehicle before we are able to provide a firm price, or accurately predict how long a service may take - in those cases we recommend stopping by if possible. In many cases however, we are able to schedule an appointment and walk the vehicle during drop-off. Feel free to contact us at (360)778-2348 if you have any questions.
I found someone else who will do the job for less money - why are you more expensive?

Here at Tint Lady, we want to be the best. That means the best products, the most skilled technicians, and complete customer satisfaction. We take as much time as necessary to do the job right. While cheaper options may exist, we believe our dedication to excellence is what customers are looking for in auto enhancement services.
How far out are you booked?

For window tinting, detailing, and ceramic coating, we are generally scheduled out 1-2 weeks. For paint protection 2-4 weeks. Keep in mind that the sunshine and warmth of spring and summer generally leads to a rush of customers looking for these services, so from April to September we can be unpredictably busy!
Why should I tint my car?

There are multiple reasons to tint a vehicle: for added privacy, to reduce eye strain, for added visual clarity, to block UV radiation from damaging your skin as well as interior components of the vehicle, and to block heat.
What brand of tint do you use?

We are Whatcom County's exclusive installer of window films from Xpel. We like working with Xpel because they back their window films with a lifetime transferrable warranty against manufacturing defects which can lead to bubbling, peeling, fading, delamination, and color changing.
My vehicle already has tint over the back windows. Should I still install tint over those?

Trucks, SUVs, and Vans often come with laminated privacy glass on all of the windows behind the front doors. These windows block light, and often block some level of heat and UV radiation. However, there are still two good reasons to tint those windows: Darker back windows provide more privacy for rear passengers and storage areas. High quality window films (like the ones installed at Tint Lady) will block 99.9% of harmful UVA/UVB rays. This is a far greater level of protection for passengers, cargo, and the vehicle interior than laminated windows on the market today are able to achieve. If you want to know more, drop by Tint Lady during our regular business hours and let us measure the light, heat, and UV radiation passing through your current windows.
Why should I choose a ceramic film?

Ceramic window films are one of the best window film breakthroughs of the last 15 years. Ceramic particles are added to the film during manufacturing, allowing the film to block as much as 98% of radiating heat from passing through it. And since the ceramic particles are blocking the heat, the films can retain 90% of their heat-blocking efficiency even when the film does not appear dark at all! Ceramic films are the best option on the market today for keeping your vehicle cool and your passengers and interior protected.
How dark can you tint my windows?

Tint Lady is required to follow all Washington State laws regarding window tint. On sedans, coupes, and hatchbacks, all side and rear windows must allow 24% of light to pass through them; on trucks, SUVs, and vans, only the front doors have this requirement.
How long does window tint installation take?

Times will vary between makes and models, but typically sedans, hatchbacks, and trucks will take 3-4 hours and full-size SUVs or minivans take 4-6 hours. Sunroofs generally add 1-2 hours, and panoramic roofs add 2-4 hours. For a more specific time estimate, stop by our shop or call us at 360-778-2348.
Can I tint my windshield

We can tint a visor strip across the top six inches of the windshield, measured from the top of the glass. While the law does not allow us to tint the full windshield darker, we are able to install a clear ceramic film on the full windshield to block heat and UV radiation, and to reduce glare.
Can I layer tint?

It is illegal to apply more than one layer of tint film to automotive windows. Note that we are legally allowed to tint over laminated privacy glass that commonly comes on trucks, SUVs, and vans.
Do your tint films have color to them?

All of our films are color neutral (gray, charcoal, or black in appearance).
Why should I have my vehicle detailed?

Over time, both the interior and exterior of your vehicle will take damage: UV radiation, moisture, and chemical, mineral, and biological contamination. This damage can cause fading in paint, trim, and upholstery, cause plastics and rubber to become brittle, and increase the fragility of already-fragile components. Detailing is not just cleaning - it is preventative care for your vehicle. Using coatings, sealants, waxes, and dressings that shield your vehicle from damage, Tint Lady helps ensure that your vehicle will look good and last for many years to come.
How often should I have my car detailed?

While a precise answer will depend on how regularly the vehicle is driven, how it is treated, and how it is stored, as a general guideline you should have the exterior of your vehicle fully decontaminated a minimum of 1-2 times per year.
How long does it take to have my car detailed?

Typical detailing services take between a half-day and a day, with large jobs taking multiple days. Depending on the size and condition of your vehicle, as well as the type of detailing work to be complete, the time it takes to complete a detailing service can vary. If you would like a more accurate time and cost estimate, feel free to visit during our regular business hours and we will be happy to take a look at your vehicle and provide a more accurate time estimate.
What is paint protection film?

Paint protection film (PPF) is a virtually invisible, self-healing urethane layer that protects your vehicle’s paint from everyday damages including scuffs, scratches, chips, and more.
What does self-healing mean?

Elastomeric polyurethane films can self-heal light scratches and swirl marks when heat (either from a heat gun or exposure to sunshine) is present.
What brand(s) of PPF does Tint Lady use?

Tint Lady is Whatcom County's exclusive installer of Xpel paint protection films.
Do you cut the film by hand or use pre-cut materials?

At Tint Lady, we use software to machine-cut film to a vehicle's exact measurements. We are also experienced with hand-cutting custom pieces to provide the exact coverage that will make each individual customer happy.
What is Tint Lady's warranty for PPF?

The film includes a ten-year warranty against bubbling, peeling, yellowing or cracking. The warranty does not protect against physical damage. For more information, please visit our warranty page.
Do I have to wrap my entire vehicle?

Not at all! While most customers choose to protect forward-facing surfaces like the hood and front bumper, we are able to install as much or as little protection as you would like.
Will my PPF yellow or fade over time?

Xpel PPF is guaranteed not to yellow or fade, for ten years from the date of installation. Xpel PPF does not block UV radiation, so the painted areas underneath the film will fade at the same rate as the rest of the paint on the vehicle. To prevent paint from fading, consider having your vehicle's exterior ceramic coated.
What is the difference between ceramic coatings and PPF?

Ceramic coatings are designed to protect the clear coat against contamination (minerals, iron deposits, tar, sap, bugs, etc.), and to protect the paint from UV radiation that will cause fading. Ceramic coating also protects glass, rubber, metal, and plastic trim. Paint protection film is a thicker protective layer, serving as a barrier against physical damage: rock chips, paint swirls, scuffs, and scratches.
Can I take my car through automatic car washes after PPF is installed?

We recommend hand washing vehicles with paint protection installed. However, we are aware that some customers will choose to take PPF-protected vehicles through automated car washes, in which case we strongly recommend waiting at least a week after installation before washing the vehicle and using touchless automated washes whenever possible.
Can you PPF my windshield?

No. Due to the impact absorbency of paint protection film, the refractive index of the film is too different from that of the windshield. Because of this difference, putting the two together causes a distortion when looking through the glass that would be unacceptable for driving.
Will PPF remove or damage by paint on removal?

Xpel protection films are designed to not damage the paint on removal within the warranty period (10 years). If over a long period of time the paint and clear-coat take enough UV damage to lose their adherence to the metal body, removing PPF can further damage the paint.
Will insurance cover the cost of film replacement in the case of an accident?

While we are familiar with multiple insurance companies that do cover PPF replacement, we cannot speak for all of them and we recommend checking with your insurance provider for specific information regarding coverage.
Can you buff or polish PPF?

While PPF can be treated just like the exterior paint in most ways, it should not be machine polished as machine polishers can cause the film to lift and potentially damage the paint underneath.