Window Tinting - General Discussion
An Open Forum for the Window Tinting Industry.
54,105 topics in this forum
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- 2 followers
- 13 replies
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How many times have you almost threw in the towel on tinting or what certain situations have made you want to quit doing it? I haven't touched anything in 2 months because it was kicking my ass so bad. I was actually getting pretty damn good at it! but the simplest car would take me 8 hours to complete. I just cannot get faster at it.... I've tried nailing down an exact routine like people say. got pretty fast at doing things like shrinking roll ups and what not.... Yet still struggle. I personally struggle with getting stressed out and worked up but even on good days took forever. What almost made you guys quit? how long until you started getting faster? I ju…
Last reply by Young Tinter, -
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FYI... The front doors apparently have a coating on them that can be damaged if they are attempted to be tinted.
Last reply by Todd, -
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Ok I know heat will remove the Tint and adhesives may be left behind.I went light in Nov and now want to go darker.Although Tint Shops aren't charging to much to remove tint I rather save the $100 - $175 for tint removal and put it to a quality film.I have something that should help get adhesives off the but do not what to risk messing up the defroster lines.Will non scratching scotch brite pad be good to prevent damaged to the defroster lines??What are the do's and don'ts??
Last reply by Dano, -
Hello all, I've been doing some research on films and would like to see if anyone can help me compare some of them. There are so many films out there; it has become quite a blur. I don't like to think that I am that picky with tint, but it does seem that I am, considering that i've been having a hard time choosing. 😛 Ok, so this is 2022. I don't go to SEMA, I don't know the insiders, I don't quite know the who's who. I do know what i've had tint wise, to compare some. I'd like to re-tint my vehicle, currently has some old Lulu CTX 35 (~48 TSER) - Performs well, but after 5+ years, forgive me but I think somehow the heat rejection h…
Last reply by caterpill, -
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What is the lowest percentage of film that could be applied to dual pane windows without the worry of seal breakage, cracking, etc.
Last reply by Ryker, -
looking for a material that offers maximum glare reduction (tv in the sunroom) and is safe to use on low e glass. I am looking at using madico's optivsion 15 reflective but still iffy about potential thermal fractures.
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
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Just wanted to say Hi! I'm a longtime tinter and lurker. This site has always been informative. I was just wondering why there aren't to many post's. I'm guilty of not posting as well! I upgraded my membership a couple of weeks ago as well. Thank you!
Last reply by Dano, -
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- 2 replies
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Hey everyone, im planning on getting 5% tint on top of my factory 25% tint, im getting it all around the car except the front windshield, would this technically be around 1% tint? either way i want it darker than 5% if thats possible.
Last reply by Ryker, -
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I want to open a new auto tint shop in southern Indiana. I don't have a background in the business but would like advice on getting started. My family member has a car lot and I will be getting started there with the hopes/dreams of opening more shops in the future. I need advice on what is the best for a beginner on a budget starting a new business from nothing. Don't get me wrong, I will spend extra money if need be to benefit the company in the future. I wouldn't want to buy equipment twice just because I'm on a budget. I need recommendations and suggestions on plotter, software, tint brand, etc. I'm basically the type of guy who typically buys something that will give…
Last reply by WearTheFoxHat, -
- 1 follower
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Can Llumar DR tint films be applied on exterior? Told rep I was concerned about dog scratching the film, and he said to apply it on the outside. Would it hold up to direct exposure to the elements, from sub-zero to 100 degrees and humidity? Another rep suggested adding a layer of the security film in addition to the DR tint to protect from scratches.
Last reply by Roach, -
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- 501 views
Anybody??
Last reply by WearTheFoxHat, -
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Can anyone suggest a good supplier of blister free film, or does any one have left over stock they want to sell 😁 I'm looking for around 30 feet Thanks ray
Last reply by Rayray38, -
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So I am a complete newbie to the tint world or game. Just did my first google search today on window tint. So little briefing: Ive had several local guys here in Virginia give me a quote on coming out and tinting my 5 windows on my charter boat. This boat has been getting a make over this winter. I just recently got all 5 windows re done. The glass and frames are completely brand new. They are solid flat glass. So at first I was kinda on the fence about tinting them due to visibility running at night. However, got to thinking 95% percent this boat is only used in the middle of the day so visibility shouldn’t be a problem. Main reasoning for doing this is to try keep the …
Last reply by Bham, -
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So I have a client that has been frosting windows as needed over time. He was supplying the film... Gila frost. We used up what he had and asked me to get some. Went to home Depot and they didn't have any frost. Ended up getting Artscape brand. Pulled off the linee and it wasn't sticky. Anyone know about this brand? It doesn't say it's a stick cling type film... Maybe the water will activate it. I know they try to make the diy films as easy to install as possible... Just boggles my mind....
Last reply by Roach, -
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https://photos.app.goo.gl/FEc7iiBEgEsVRgLt7
Last reply by TintDude, -
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Film installed 23 years ago according to the homeowner. She says the fingers only recently appeared... within the past 1-2 yrs. From everything I know, these would have formed at the time of install and not 20 some odd years later. True? Or is it possible they are new'ish?
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
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I didn't see anything in makes and models so I'm just asking before I take it in. Is there anything we should know about before we take it in? Thanks in advance.
Last reply by Dano, -
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Hi all! I’d really love to learn to tint windows. Can anyone advise on a course best place to learn? I’m in Derbyshire/notts border but distance doesn’t really matter I’m happy to travel thanks everyone
Last reply by callwild, -
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Looking for tint roll slitter for 60inch Rolls. (Used or New) I am located in the Toronto Area.
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
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Can anyone help me find a link to the Riker shrink?
Last reply by TintDude, -
- 1 follower
- 6 replies
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Hey guys, opening up a new tint/ppf shop soon if everything goes as planned. I've been tinting on the side for about 6 years now using express window tint films (no issues with their product). I think with the new shop we are only going to offer ceramic tint option, there are plenty of cheaper tint options around us and we want to target the higher end as we are in a good area for it. I have not messed with ceramic tint to much over the years. I have a sample from Dub IR and have used some of Express' Ceramic. I would kind of like to use just one brand. Is this a bad idea? Also on the Dub IR reviews they were all older post and everyone was worried about the longevity o…
Last reply by Ryker, -
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Hi I am new to the forum. Me and my buddy are interested opening tint &ppf shop. We contact xpel for the training session. The person represent xpel told me since there is already authorized dealership ( shop is about 30 miles away) near where we want to open our shop. They can not help us !?! He told me we can not attend train session either I did not know xpel training is only for the authorized dealership ONLY?! But in their website doesn't indicate anything about authorized dealership only training.
Last reply by Bham, -
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Good morning everyone hopefully y’all are having a great day. I’m here to ask a few questions about tinting. First off what is the best way to start learning tinting? I don’t have the money for classes, but I can buy some cheap film and tools to get started. Obviously in the future classes maybe be an option but right now I need to know what I can do to start. Are there any free resources that I can use to be successful in the beginning? Also for the experienced tinters, how did you learn, and did you take classes or self teach yourself? How did you practice for success?
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
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Last year 3M discontinued their daylight redirecting film, which is awful because we use it every year around the same time. Hoping someone has any extra/leftover/unwanted 48” 3M Daylight Redirecting Film they are willing to sell. Please contact: Stephanie at (702) 254-5054 or email at pacifictint@gmail.com Thank you, -Bryan Nielsen Pacific Tint
Last reply by WearTheFoxHat, -
- 1 follower
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Kind of long winded, skip forward a few minutes and watch, then comment!
Last reply by Roach, -
Looking to match up tint in an office that used Aegis DNR17 on its windows. If anyone knows another company who has a tint that would match closely, I would appreciate it. This office tint has been on for less than a year one of the windows got damaged. The customer would rather not have to redo all the glass.
Last reply by Dark Intentions Tinting, -
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Just curious if anyone is experiencing film supply issues. Please let me know with a yes or no and share what brands you are or are not having issues getting in. Thanks!
Last reply by highplains, -
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In talking with my husband today I am trying to decide wether I should buy up some film to have on hand for the year or not. Our local car dealers have no new cars/trucks and the used cars are sparse. I am experiencing fewer new cars and fewer appointments for tint work. What are you guys planning for and what is it like in your areas? OR SHOULD I JUST PUT ALL MY MONEY IN SILVER AND SIT BACK??
Last reply by highplains, -
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Anybody know how to contact Zola tools? Tried calling but any number you press says phone no longer in service, I also sent an email and no reply. They have an item I like and I have some questions but I cant get thru to them and the phones sound shut off. It looks like you can order from them online but cant get thru to them in any way, anybody know how to get thru to them?
Last reply by Tint Slayer, -
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Please read what the new proposed tint law will be if Gov Snyder signs it.
Last reply by MyEyeRx, -
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I know that the window tint is not supposed to be less than 70% light transmission on the side windows per the FMCSA. http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/title49/section/393.60 On our dump trucks we adhere to this. However I have a dually pickup that is only under FMCSA when I am pulling a trailer which about 25% of the time. I am considering tinting the windows to the 25% state allowed limit as this Texas sun is brutal. I know I will be in violation when towing but I am considering taking that chance. Just curious what the penalties, points, consequences are. Is it just a fine or are there more serious implications? For what it is worth I had 25% tinted windows…
Last reply by MyEyeRx, -
Tint Color
by Guest Connor- 3 replies
- 635 views
Looking for 20% tint that looks normal black on outside of car, but looks warm toned (or sepia) looking from the inside to outside. Please help.
Last reply by Queena, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 871 views
Hi I got the lights done on my golf. It looks well when the headlights are off, but when on you can see all foggy glass which looks awful. (See pictures) Talked to the guy that did the job and he said that is normal..... Not normal to me, What is your view
Last reply by Queena, -
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Hi guys, for the longest I used JJ, then switched to Walmart brand Equate. now I can’t find them in local Walmart as much anymore. is there a different brand or different shampoo you guys recommend? Thanks!
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
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This is a Hyundai Optima i tried using ATR tint adhesive then used ammonia to break the particles up.
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
- 2.8k views
Three months ago I got a new car and went to get the windshield and both front side windows tinted at a place a did not use before and it was my first windshield tint. After about a month I came back to the tinter because there were many film defects, some look like smudges, some like streaks. The tinter agreed and said they changes film suppliers to Xpel so now it shouldn't be an issue, they redo the job and it was pretty much perfect so I decided to get my other car's windshield tinted as well. When they gave my the car back there were tons of water marks so hard to tell how it came out, now it's been few weeks and there is what I would call plenty of dust spec bubbles …
Last reply by AgentK, -
Boo
Last reply by MikeMN, -
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Hey everyone, I am not sure if this is the spot to post this, but I have a question to regards of how dark to tint my car. I have a 2014 Ford Taurus with tan interior. With this being said, I was going to go with 20%, but I am afraid that you’ll be able to see right through it with my bright colored interior. Would I be better off going with 15%? 5 is too dark, and I don’t want to get pulled over for it. Thanks in advance.
Last reply by Tint Slayer, -
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Hi guys, just starting out in the tint business, I am currently using Madico films, out of Ontario Canada. As I live in New Brunswick Canada. I do like there films and have been having great luck with it the last year! now question: what do most installers prefer for brands, and some windows I have dirt issues. Any cleaning recommendations and advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!
Last reply by Tint Slayer, -
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I recently become a Llumar dealer. I was questioning on how to stock my shop? what size rolls should I buy and what percentage? i was thinking 5% 30% and 50% and a 40x100 roll of each, but that’s so pricy. Do I even need all that? Thanks in advance.
Last reply by Tint Slayer,
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Need some help
Technique is everything. Your side window preparation should go something like this: Spray the glass with soap solution. Razor blade the window to loosen contaminants. Spray the glass again. Scrub the window with a scouring sponge. Spray the glass again. WIPE THE WINDOW EDGES INCLUDING THE TOP OF THE GLASS with a clean rag or paper towel. Carefully squeegee the soapy water off the window in a pattern that zig zags sending the contaminated water downwards and overlaps by an inch to ensure correct coverage, and make sure your squeegee blade is leaning forwards at an angle so you don't leave a trail behind. Flush the vertical sides and bottom of the window to expel any residual dirty water. If you do this EXACTLY AS I SAY you will reduce the risk of getting crap under the film by 98% You can thank me later.- 1
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Need some help
^^^ great list of good habits. If your working on cars with rubber gaskets, roll down the windows first and spray them with SprayAway glass cleaner. Use a triangle card of some kind wrapped with a microfiber towel to scrub the dirt out and give it a couple squirts of water to flush it. Use the towel and triangle again when you're prepping the glass. Don't forget to scrub the top edge of the glass.- 1
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Need some help
It's important to prepare well, like taping felt to prevent the little particles from bleeding out, making sure to thoroughly clean the glass and sides, anywhere the film may touch. Also make sure the bottom flap is out of the way so that you can place the film with minimal manipulation. The more you have to move the film around to get it into position, the more chance you have of creasing it and or getting contamination. Also, make sure you touch the film adhesive side as little as possible. Having the glass ready so that you can handle the film well, without touching anything but the glass and not letting the film flop around or having to force it in somewhere. Another thing is that if there is any shrinking that needs to be done, do it before installing, as every time a finger pops up it brings a bit of dirt under with it. Work in a clean shop, mist the air around your work area right before pulling the liner also mitigates some of the airborne dust etc. -
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Need some help
Wassup everyone. I been practicing tinting on a few cars (mine and my family's) for about 2 months now and I feel like I've improved a lot since I first started. I do get these tiny bubbles around the edges sometimes. Can anyone give me any tips on how I can mitigate or eliminate these? (Ik its likely contamination but what can I do to improve my installation?) -
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Beginner Tinter
Hello all, I’m fairly new to tinting and just been doing friends and families cars for practice. I am looking for help and guidance to help correct my errors. I keep getting these small scattered bubbles no matter what I change!? Thanks in advance. -
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SIGNALS DEFENSE - EXPERIENCED WINDOW TINTERS NEEDED - COMMERCIAL
CONTACT - Austin Simpson 410-596-6412 Experienced Window Tinters Needed for Signals Defense. US Citizen Clean Background - Able to get onto government jobs Installing Signals Defense Films and Commercial Window Films Office - Owings Mills, Maryland Jobs Sites - Can stay local MD, DC, VA or travel Country/Worldwide -
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Residential Window Tint - Suntek SYDS vs. Solar Gard Slate vs. Madico Optivision
The first picture appears to be similar to a 25%. Front of house? The second picture with 2 shades pulled down should get 25%, especially if facing West. The third picture should get 45%. The compromise is lesser privacy, while providing greater incoming light (already shaded from patio overhead). Small samples provided by the dealer don't give you a good sense of what the film will look like once installed. There is too much light streaming in around the sample (when taped to the glass), making the film look darker than what it will look like installed. The best and most accurate way to see what it will look like, viewing out, is to use the sample as quasi-sunglasses by wrapping it around your face and eyes (to the point of no light leaking in). Now, look toward the window(s). Viola`, there's your tinted view. As to the tax benefit, do check with a pro tax person just in case they no longer have that program. I've been retired for almost a decade now.- 1
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Residential Window Tint - Suntek SYDS vs. Solar Gard Slate vs. Madico Optivision
Wow thank you for the comment about the tax advantage. I'll definitely have this noted for my taxes. And thank you for the recommendation for Madico Optivision. For $47 more, I would not mind going with them after what you said. On that Madico proposal, I've been going back and forth about the Front Bedroom. These windows NEED to have a mirror like finish and I'm between the 25 and 35. The 25 is definitely very mirrorlike, but I'm afraid it might be too much for a set of windows facing the street, so possibly the 35 would be better? What are your thoughts? Attaching a picture of the front windows that currently have this Kespen tint I bought off Amazon. Which of the 25 or 35 would be closest to this finish? I'm okay with doing 25 on the Master Bedroom though since it's in the back of the house and facing West. I don't have any neighbors directly behind me due to it being a greenspace where a pipeline runs underground. I've had the samples up and keep going back to look at them, but it's sometimes hard to tell. I don't have a sample of the 45 for the living room, but I think that's as high as it goes, so I'm fine with 45 to allow max amount of natural light through.- 1
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