This grey Ferrari 488 Pista came to Apex Detail Studio in Dubai because its old window tint was not keeping the heat out. We removed the old film and residue, fitted new ceramic tint at 50 percent on the side windows, and added a clear heat-rejecting film and windshield protection film on the front glass. Window tint at Apex starts from AED 2,500 before VAT.
Jump to section · 10 parts
- Why replace window tint that is already fitted?
- What tint did we fit on the 488 Pista?
- How did we replace the tint, step by step?
- Watch the Ferrari 488 Pista tint job
- What did the finished 488 Pista look like?
- Can you tint a windshield in Dubai?
- How much does Ferrari window tint cost in Dubai?
- How do you care for new window tint?
- What our ceramic coating customers say
- Frequently asked questions
Job card
- Car: Ferrari 488 Pista, grey with the Italian tricolour stripe.
- Service: window tint replacement, plus clear windshield film and windshield PPF.
- Film: XPEL Prime XR Plus ceramic tint.
- Shade: 50 percent on the side windows, clear on the windshield.
- Prep: old tint and adhesive residue fully removed.
- Where: Apex Detail Studio, Dubai.
The 488 Pista is one of Ferrari’s sharpest track cars, with a 720 PS twin-turbo V8 sitting right behind the cabin. In a Dubai summer that small cabin gets hot quickly, so good window tint is not a luxury. It is what makes the car comfortable to drive in daylight.
The owner already had tint fitted, but was not happy with its heat rejection or quality. This article walks through how we replaced it, using stills from the job video further down the page.
Not happy with your current tint?
Send your car and what is bothering you on WhatsApp, and the team will suggest the right film and a quote.
Why replace window tint that is already fitted?
Because tint quality varies a lot, and darkness is not the same as heat rejection. A cheap film can look dark and still let a lot of heat through, while a good ceramic film keeps the cabin cooler at a lighter shade. Older films can also fade, bubble or turn purple over time.
Our guide to heat rejection vs tint darkness explains the difference in more detail.
What tint did we fit on the 488 Pista?
We fitted XPEL Prime XR Plus, a ceramic film made for high heat rejection, at 50 percent on the side windows. On the front we fitted a clear windshield film, which rejects heat without darkening the glass, and a windshield protection film against stone chips.
| Glass | What we fitted | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Side windows | Ceramic tint at 50 percent | Heat rejection, glare reduction and privacy |
| Windshield | Clear heat-rejecting film | Cooler cabin with full visibility |
| Windshield | Windshield protection film | Helps protect the glass from stone chips |
Not sure what the percentages mean? Read what VLT means in window tinting and our UAE window tinting guide.
How did we replace the tint, step by step?
- Old tint removal. The old film came off every window.
- Residue removal. Old film leaves adhesive behind, so we used special tools and removers to get the glass perfectly clean. Any residue left would show under the new tint.
- Protecting the electronics. Ferrari doors are full of power window switches and wiring, so we covered the door panels in plastic before using any water. We did the same around the front windshield, where there is a lot of electronics.
- Shaping on the outside. Each piece of film was laid on the outside of the glass, heated and set to the exact curve.
- Transfer to the inside. The shaped film was moved to the inside of the glass and squeegeed flat.
- Windshield films. The clear windshield film and the windshield protection film were heat-shaped and fitted.
- Final check. Every edge was checked before handover.
Step by step on this 488 Pista
These stills come from the full video, so every photo shows this exact car.
Watch the Ferrari 488 Pista tint job
The full job on our YouTube channel, with Gaurav explaining each step.
What did the finished 488 Pista look like?
Clean and even. The 50 percent side tint suits the grey paint and tricolour stripe without looking blacked out, and the clear windshield film keeps full visibility while cutting heat. The carbon details on this Pista look just as good as before, now with a cooler cabin.
Can you tint a windshield in Dubai?
A clear heat-rejecting film like the one on this car keeps the windshield clear while reducing heat. Rules on windshield tint shade apply in the UAE, so read can a windscreen be tinted in Dubai before you choose.
How much does Ferrari window tint cost in Dubai?
Window tint at Apex starts from AED 2,500 before VAT. The final price depends on the film, the number of windows and whether old tint needs removing, and the team confirms it for your car. Many Ferrari owners pair tint with paint protection, like this Ferrari 488 full PPF build. Full PPF starts from AED 12,000 for sedans, depending on options, before 5% VAT. See our window tint page for the options.
How do you care for new window tint?
- Keep the windows up for a few days while the film cures.
- Clean with a soft microfibre and an ammonia-free glass cleaner.
- Avoid scrapers or abrasive pads on tinted glass.
- Small water spots under the film can take a few days to clear.
Our tint aftercare guide has more detail.
Your car's stay at Apex
How it works
- 1
Book
Message us on WhatsApp. No deposit needed to book.
- 2
Drop off or collection
Bring the car to Al Quoz, or we collect it from anywhere in Dubai.
- 3
The work
Done by hand in our studio, with the car kept indoors.
- 4
Handover
We walk you through the result and the aftercare.
Open every day except Friday. Visits by appointment.
What our ceramic coating customers say
Frequently asked questions
What did Apex Detail Studio do to the Ferrari 488 Pista?
We removed the old window tint and residue, fitted ceramic tint at 50 percent on the side windows, and fitted a clear heat-rejecting windshield film and windshield protection film.
Why replace tint that is already on the car?
The owner was not happy with the heat rejection and quality of the old film. A good ceramic film keeps the cabin cooler without needing a darker shade.
What tint was fitted?
XPEL Prime XR Plus ceramic tint, at 50 percent on the side windows.
Is old tint residue a problem?
Yes. Adhesive left on the glass shows under new film, so we remove it fully with special tools before fitting.
How do you protect the car during tinting?
We cover door panels, switches and the area around the windshield with plastic so no water reaches the electronics.
How much does window tint cost in Dubai?
Window tint at Apex starts from AED 2,500 before VAT.
How do I book my Ferrari in at Apex?
Send your car details on WhatsApp to +971 58 549 2739. Our studio is at 6A Street, Al Quoz Industrial 3, Dubai.
