I really need some help folks.

Hey guys, I'm new here and new to the tinting scene.

I just started about a week and a half ago. I've purchased all of my tools, bought a roll of tint, and managed to do 2 cars successfully so far. One was a Mazda Miata and the other was a Ford Ranger. Third car I tried was a Beetle, little did I know that car is one of the hardest to do (so I am told). Ended up losing a lot of material on that car unfortunately. So far I've gotten some knowledge from the guy who tinted my car, and from videos on YouTube, and have done some reading here to learn and hopefully avoid a repost.

I have run out of the tint I was using, which is here: Biofilm on Ebay. However on this page there is no info provided as to what type of tint it is. I was looking at possibly buying a high quality roll from this seller, shown [on ebay], however he says it is dyed polyester at 1.2mil thick. What exactly does this mean? Is this the same as just plain ole dyed tint? Generally I've read that dyed tint is not very good.

I am not really sure what to look for when purchasing tint because I do not know the importance of the # of ply's or thickness or what brand, etc.

I need help figuring out which tint to buy next and if someone could please answer my above questions and give me some more information so I am not so lost.

Also, I was looking at this tint if it is any help, Northern Tint.

Earlier, I was reading about folks buying 60" rolls and getting the manufacturer/supplier to "precut" it for them at 38" and 22" to save material. Is there any way I can do this? I don't want to have to rely on Ebay all the time to get my tint. I'd like some advice as to what is the best way to acquire my tint rolls.

Thanks in advance.

Get a business license and you can then order from ANY tint supplier. I recommend http://www.suntekfilms.com/

Getting a business license is pretty easy, google " Business License *Your abbreviated state* " aka "Business License NJ"

I would go with the Northern Tint, it is a more well known name. I have heard mixed reviews about BioTint.

Happy trails my friend!

not to mention, that seller "porchguy" is a pretty cool seller.

Thanks for the reply Gabe.

Do you think I should still get a biz license even if I will only be doing family friends while I am learning? I of course want to start moving outside of friends eventually (hopefully soon).

Also, would you mind helping me pick out what the best roll choice for me would be as far as Northern Tint goes? because they have "High Perfromance Window Tint" / "Deluxe Laminated Window Tint" / "Economy SR Window Tint" with varying #'s of ply and thickness.

For now, the cheap stuff will suffice. There is a walk through on how to measure the plys and how all that works around here somewhere. Maybe someone can post it?

The one you posted should be suffice for now. The Delux Laminate is probably your best bet. But if your going to get into the business, DEFINITELY get a business license and buy good tint, from a real reputable company. as I said before, I have worked with SunTek, I really like that stuff, and they back their products for a LIFETIME.

If you already havn't, don't forget to get your gasket pusher (The SLAMMER is WIN), hard cards, corner tools.

http://www.conquerertools.com/product_info...ebbdc970ec4c42d

i'd stay away from both of those crap films. i'm tempted to remove the links to those pages too.

talk about the blind leading the blind

Please don't remove the links, so at least people can see what I have been using.

Can you help me look for a better tint that is reasonably priced please?

Sorry for the double post, I couldn't find the damn edit button any where.

I am going to look into the biz license today, thanks again.

Can you please help me look for something more suitable to me, but at a reasonable price?

Seriously, you need to call around to REPUTABLE suppliers. Ebay is NOT the place to get film. If you continue to use that film and then get a high quality film it will be like starting over again. Call Suntek, Johnson, Global, Solamatrix, geo, etc. Ask for samples and price lists. Good Luck!

Been hanging around a few tint shops dude. Kind know my way around if you will, on an entry level standpoint that is.

for entry level, you should try global qdp or johnson's greystone, or solar free dyed stamina. good luck doug!

I was in the same boat only months ago. Go get your LLC...it's not hard. Get your state and federal tax id's. That's not hard either. Then you can get in touch with a distributor, they'll help you. I would reccomend while learning the trade, not to learn on a bunch of quality pricey film...it winds up in the dumpster. You also need a good teacher/mentor. They can eliminate alot of stress for you. This forum has helped me a lot. I don't post up alot...but the info on here is worth a million! That is my opinion.

well...solar free probably IS reboxed QDP (altghough since limo tint larry says dyed stamina is a great choice ((unless i'm not reading the sarcasm)) it makes me think it's reboxed solargard) and my personal opinion is that greystone is hardly entry level film.

Oh God, save the Queen.

Thanks for all of the replies so far guys, really each one helps.

You two mind sharing some knowledge please?

Doug, there is some great advice right on www.tintdude.com

Basic Tint Installation
Tint Care & Cleaning (MOST IMPORTANT)

If ya dont have one of these yet-

Get one. Walmart, Paint Section - $2 probably one of the most important tools you'll own.

If you just dig around here, you\'ll find some really cool people and really neat tips and tricks.

One word of advice....spend the extra dollar and get a scraper with a RETRACTABLE blade...those little plastic ones are a amputated finger waiting to happen.

I saw that "biofilm" on ebay... I will never buy it, but anybody know who its made by, i assume its a rebox.
just curious

i can honestly say that i have NEVER cared for using blade holders. my fingers are my blade holders.

I use blade holder because it's easier to see and find. I used a bare blade once and left it in a car and someone cut their finger on it.
Tip: only keep out one blade, one squeegee, one of anything your are using so you don't leave a duplicate in the car when done.

Thanks for the help so far folks. Any and all advice is appreciated!

I called Global and Suntek Window Films today and they will be sending me some info packets to look at prices and then get some sample tint after that.

Any other companies I should try? I tried Johnson yesterday and made the mistake of telling them I have only been tinting for 2 weeks. The lady there said they won't sell to me because of this. I asked her why and she said it's because I am putting their name/product out there, when it's not like 'Johnson' is written on the tint or anything. I have to wait another day or so before calling them back, and need to get myself a business license.

WOW. Thats kinda gay.

personally i admire johnson for doing that. bugs the hell outta me when any company will sell to any friggin' person out there.

I agree....

Can you explain your (fail) logic here?

Johnson can make more money, but chooses not to do so. Why do people go into business? To make money.

Also, this affects you not one bit.



Anyone know any other tint companies I should check out?

Where the fck is the god damn edit button?

Where are you located Dougtint ??

Hi doug. Welcome to the forum!

Thanks, although by what you quoted I don't know if you were being facetious or not.



Texas.

Wait a minute...

Doug.. you are a consumer..

NO film supplier should sell to you .... PERIOD

When you want a TV... do you buy direct from sony ?? or when you want oatmeal do you buy direct from Quaker ??

NO.... So why are you trying to weasel your way into a film supplier ?? You should go to a local shop and buy your supplies at retail just like all other consumers...

Weasel my way into a film supplier? Not so.

Would me having a business license change me from a consumer > business, in your eyes?

Can't I just get some help/advice/anything, instead of bickering?

Try the Northern Tint, they have pretty good film, will sell to pretty much anybody, and hold to their warranty if problems arise. I think the pro series is a dyed adhesive and their signature series is dyed polyester. They're kind of hard to reach on the phone sometimes, but always answer emails from the website.

Same here.