Window Tinting - General Discussion
An Open Forum for the Window Tinting Industry.
54,095 topics in this forum
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- 1 follower
- 1 reply
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How does Rayno compare to Global, LLUMAR, ceramic pro, hitek?
Last reply by pbalentine, -
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- 2 replies
- 450 views
Hello! Has anyone tinted the new golf? I have one booked for next week and just wondering what I should expect! from the pictures online the back glass doesn't look nearly as curved as previous generations, any insights will be helpful thank you.
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 7 replies
- 310 views
I'm just curious about your thoughts on why there are not many new posts in the car brand section of the forum. I find this forum invaluable when it comes to new models, how to's, etc.... but lately I find that there are very few posts about newer models. Am I missing something? thanks.
Last reply by TintDude, -
Are you an experienced Automotive Window Tint installer with PPF experience. Want to work for a shop that will provide regular continuing training for a long-term career, commissions you can support a family on, in a state-of-the-art climate-controlled facility, with some of the biggest names in the business to support you, daily? Seeking Automotive Lead tinter for immediate hire in our St. Charles MO location. Offering benefits to include: - Paid holidays - Paid vacation - 5-day work week for work life balance - continuing training for a long-term career - VERY competitive base salary with generous weekly bonus Tint World, an…
Last reply by Tint World Saint Charles, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
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was looking into motshield tint, they sell precut tint for specific vehicles. my question is, is this a professional grade film or some cheap crap that will turn purple in a few months. Could I offer this to customers and not have to worry about quality
Last reply by DynamicATL, -
- 3 followers
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So I’m in the process of starting my own tint shop. Very small and local shop. Is there a website or company you all would recommend for making signs and business cards? I don’t really want to spend much money but I want the best bang for the buck. Thank you all in advance!
Last reply by Damien, -
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- 2 replies
- 363 views
New Window Tint Technology, by a controller button can easy from transparency to opaque. Smart Film, easy to install. Turn-On Transparency. Turn-Off Opaque.
Last reply by Mjdive, -
- 1 follower
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Tinters - LONG time lurker, first time poster. Let me say up front, this forum has been a wealth of knowledge and has been tremendously helpful! 🤙 So, I'm not a professional tinter nor do I own a business. I do tinting and PPF for family, friends, and co-workers as a side hustle (great for my OCD!). My question is about Global and their ceramic tint. I saw a Global YT vid about their QDP Ceramic Charcoal (https://globalwindowfilms.com/premium-automotive-films/) and was wondering what the difference is between that and the Global QDP Ceramic that EWF carries. Each have different and distinct VLT percentages. Confusing for someone who is not a well informe…
Last reply by GuitarPlayer808, -
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Is there any manufacture that makes quality color window film. Looking for red and blue 36” rolls.
Last reply by Beto7333, -
- 2 followers
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I’m trying to learn to tint so I can do my own vehicle and possibly other peoples if I can get the hang of it. I’m on attempt #4 trying to shrink the windshield, I’ve gotten pretty much the whole windshield now pushed out to the edges but then whenever I get close to the edge it just doesn’t seem to shrink nice or push out the bubbles and eventually just melt it and cause creases and it likes the curl up on the edge so it doesn’t lay flat. I’ll attach pictures kinda showing what’s going on. Any tips for a newbie beginner? This is on a 22 gmc Sierra too so it shouldn’t be that hard of a window to do.
Last reply by callwild, -
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Just having one of those pondering moments. If SUB comes factory dyed glass - fairly dark (easily 20%) Is there any benefit tinting the Back or the sides of the Rear C/D Pillar Glass ? High Performance tint doesn't really do anything for a parked car / heat soaked. It does show it's benefits when the car is moving, as it can -shed- the heat soaked on the glass. Would you say when doing a SUV, just doing -all glass- is pretty common or the Rear Windows being discussed, whole part of -all glass-, is there real world benefits to this ?
Last reply by Diablo's Tint, -
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I'm looking to tint the east and west sides of my house, which are also neighbor facing so I'm looking to use a dual reflective for privacy. I'm trying not to block all the natural light out and darken the rooms much, but i also want privacy if my neighbor is walking in-netween our houses, or my lawn guy is cutting the grass. All that being said, my main goal is heat rejection, next is privacy, and last is natural light. So, i was looking at a 25-30% VLT. Is that enough? I have one installer offering Avery Dennison OptiTune 30i or 20i. One installer is offering Suntek SYDS 25 I was also looking at Llumar DRN 35, but haven't nailed down an insta…
Last reply by MyFault, -
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I have two installers to choose from with good reputation. One is offering Llumar IRX and the other Suntek CIR for the same price. All I read online about Suntek is that it scratches super easy, has a blue tint, and has worse clarity than the Llumar. The suntek guy says he has been installing it for 15 years and has had no issues with it. What is your thoughts about Suntek CIR vs Llumar IRX?
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 1 follower
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So Iv decided to teach myself how to tint vehicles. Iv been doing it for almost 2 weeks for at least 4 hours a day. I can cut and trim fine but I have so much contamination. Iv tinted around 15 windows and cannot figure out what I’m doing wrong. I spend a solid 10 minutes just trying to prep the window best as possible but it doesn’t help. Thanks in advance!
Last reply by Dano, -
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- 510 views
Its IR rejection seems to be top of the line. Curious how it looks and performs.
Last reply by scorbyeff, -
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Practically, Is a double layer of 20% tint darker than a single layer of 5%? Theoretically, 20% * 20% = 4% which is a lower VLT than a single 5%, but I read some posts about how this formula doesn't really apply to real life and etc...
Last reply by jnfs1121, -
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- 9 replies
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Found this glass drawing board for $60.You think this would work for a peel wall? It's 57x65 Inches
Last reply by Dano, -
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Im using film designs and it says to cover plug in left side of the trunk. Anyone know what’s that about?
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 1 follower
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Hello! I am looking to get all of my windows tinted (minus the windshield) in my Mazda CX-5. I got a few quotes from some shops and need to decide which one to get. Shop 1: $419 ceramic ir Shop 2: $480 for LLumar F1 Pinnacle I would prefer the LLumar one, as it is 40% and not 35% like the ceramic ir due to me having to pass inspections in NC. I have also heard that LLumar tends to be better quality, but some people swear by 3M. I think it’s mainly preference, but correct me if I’m wrong. On paper the 3M looks better, but the shop that is selling LLumar says theirs is slightly better so I could be looking at the wrong nu…
Last reply by Raleighman223, -
Would you please suggest an IR/Solar REFLECTIVE tint for my Mitsubishi Outlander panoramic roof? 1 2
by KMS- 2 followers
- 13 replies
- 839 views
I'm considering tinting the entire vehicle, but I've got to do something about the panoramic roof. It acts like a radiator in direct sun. I've searched the forums here, as well as other sites, but have yet to find (understand?) the best tint/film options for my panoramic roof. The Outlander roof is tinted, but allows a great deal of solar heat. The cover is merely a single layer of thin, opaque, dark (on both top and bottom, dumb) fabric that does very little. I don't want to install anything that merely absorbs solar energy and radiates heat. I'm seeking a solution that actually reflects IR, UV, and possibly even some visible light, if that's possible. …
Last reply by KMS, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
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Hello, looking at adding window tinting to some western facing commercial windows with high sun. Trying to cut thru the hype. Does anyone have any experience with excellent heat resistance, and decent day and nighttime visibility. Was recommended 3M Exterior Prestige 70, however have been reading that it is not extremely durable. We are located in the midwest. Looking for your expertise. Thank you
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
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Rear glass comes factory dyed. It has XR Plus 70% on it In looking at the IR specs... 92 vs 97% etc, not much of a differential of 5% Riddle me this Sitting in the backseat - I raised up the rear window shade. I did feel a difference in -less- heat with the window shade. The window shade is not solid but is semi perforated ? Is it due to an extra -layer- past the window. It wasn't on my radar as it does reduce the -feel of heat- from the sun shining on the window. Here I was thinking the IR 92% was a pretty decent spec in itself but the rear shade does add (less heat feel) for sure. I'm sure someone on TD has …
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
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Hey Guys... first time on the site ! Right up front I'll be honest ...I have no experience with Tint of any kind ! I'm a 3rd Generation Plumber and have over 45 yrs experience in construction / building maintenance. About 30 Years ago I asked the owner of a Glass shop " how to remove window tint film from my work truck ? ... He said " Throw a rock through the window and call your insurance company" So now... I'm much older and hopefully a little wiser and I'm asking the Pros.... Straight up.... How the heck do you remove Flow-on tint ??? I had it applied to some of my windows and a sliding glass door back in the early 90s. You probably have horro…
Last reply by Ryker, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 562 views
Does anyone have any tips on doing tight quarter windows??
Last reply by Dano, -
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So I had a Tesla model 3 with full ceramic installed. This customer got it done two months ago. First complaint was a smudge possibility thumb print on the headliner. Ok no big deal I ask her if she could come in for me to clean. She stated she was busy and unable to come in. I asked if she had glass cleaner and that should remove the mark easily. Next day I get a call saying there’s bubbles. I told her please let it dry and I could check when you make an appointment. She states she super busy and makes an appointment two months later. Today was the day and her boyfriend brings the car in. They’re those arrow stickers to each imperfection. Front windshield two dust specks…
Last reply by Dano, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 526 views
Was wondering if anyone can guide me on the steps to buy core (tint software) or how long does it take for them to get back to you
Last reply by watchdaride, -
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- 4 replies
- 394 views
The best shop in my city quoted about $250 for formula one for the two front windows and about $330 to install formula one stratos (both prices inclusive of labor). It looks like folks on reddit are getting their entire car done for around $400-500 or less! I guess this partially depends on how good formula one is compared to other products on the market. My main objective in tinting is lowering the heat inside the vehicle. Any thoughts on whether these are fair prices? This is for a 2012 corolla.
Last reply by watchdaride, -
- 3 followers
- 7 replies
- 987 views
Last reply by doctor4766, -
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- 468 views
Hello old TD fam, It's been many years since I 've done anything window tint related and I just started a new job as a department manager of a graphics/wrap shop. Day 3 I've been asked by the CEO to have our East & West facing garage bay windows tinted with a mirror tint to keep prying eyes out, and more importantly, to keep the heat out from the Colorado sun. There are 12 windows on each garage bay door; 3 rows & 4 columns, each window measuring approximately 36" wide x 21" tall. We have 20+ garage doors. My question to you is, what window film would be recommended for my type of situation? tyia
Last reply by Tint Eastwood, -
- 2 followers
- 4 replies
- 644 views
Hi everybody, I plan to open a flat windows tinting business in San Francisco, CA. My partner is a pro in tinting with 15 years experience in our home coutry, I am a marketer. We need to set up prices correctly, not to mess up the existing market. Could you please advise the approach to price policy, or probably, the exact cost of the most common jobs? We will start with the most accessible films. We have an LLC, and plan to get all the insurances and licenses, and grow a legitimate business as we had in home country. It could look naive, but i believe that it's always best to ask for advice. I would highly appreciate it. Thank you.
Last reply by Basil, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 1k views
Hey guys! I hope you’re all doing well. You all seem to be educated and maybe can give me a brief lesson on doubling window tint and absorption in the car? Thank you! https://www.xpel.com/web-assets/downloads/XPEL-PRIME-Spec-Sheet-USA-V2-1.pdf
Last reply by highplains, -
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Thought i'd ask the experts here on any opinions between these two films. I'm a believer that the installer is the biggest differentiator and am only looking at what i'd consider the top 2 shops in my area. Two of those stores flipped to XPEL in the last few years since i've used them (both carried Wincos previously). No experience with XPEL and how it compares to Llumar/Formula One stuff. Mainly looking for great heat rejection as well as what's going to hold up well for several years in the southern US (HOT). XPEL shops both quoted their film as having 88% heat rejection, but looking at TSER that looks like BS. Comparing a 30% VLT, looks like 57% XPEL,…
Last reply by highplains, -
- 4 replies
- 504 views
anyone done the panoramic roofs on one of these? is it save to use a dark film? im just trying to avoid any thermal stress facture incidents.
Last reply by DynamicATL, -
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- 492 views
The front WS of current car is tinted in Xpel 70%. Mainly due to reduce heat. However, it doesn't do much for glare. Considering getting the front WS tinted at 55 or even 45 (variables of interior color, light coming in from the sides, etc) For those that do this for a living, what's your take on *exterior* visibility at 55% front WS tint..... While I'm shooting for glare reduction, it's somewhat a consideration of pedestrian and ability to make eye/hand contact if you want to wave them off or acknowledge you see them, etc....
Last reply by DynamicATL, -
- 1 follower
- 10 replies
- 923 views
Hello, new here. I've always gotten all my cars tinted when I lived in FL and again in WA, where I moved to. Had a tint guy I always went to that was really good in FL, barely any specks or gaps. The city I live in WA now doesnt really have any good tint places so I travel 1.5 hours south to get my cars tinted by an one-man tint shop. He also does a great job. Anyways, I got 15% all the way around with a 80% windshield with Suntek CIR tint. It's the first time I got the whole windshield done and didn't know what to expect. I assume the windshield is pretty hard to do since it's a big area. He did an awesome job on all the windows as usual but I did find sever…
Last reply by ykimchi, -
- 2 followers
- 10 replies
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Hello, I have done research, including reading this forum, on choosing a reputable tint shop and after eagerly waiting a week for my appointment I am not completely satisfied with the results. I want to preface this by saying the shop owner is willing to correct anything I am not fully satisfied with but I want to ask the experts here first if my disappointment or expectations were unreasonable. I have had other vehicles tinted in the past and I have never seen anything like this. 1). Large spaces around the entire window. I was told this was because Teslas do not have window frames and putting tint to the edge could cause iss…
Last reply by DynamicATL, -
- 1 follower
- 10 replies
- 900 views
Just got my tint done yesterday will these bubbles go away or was it just a bad job
Last reply by Dano, -
- 1 follower
- 7 replies
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Hi, I at crossroads with picking window tint for my car. I am set on getting a ceramic film, but the options are so many that has me confused but have narrowed down to 4. Here are they.... Xpel XR: $422 Autobahn Black Ceramic: $385 Llumar CTX: $375 3M Ceramic IR: $375 All 3 installers are listed on their respective brand sites. This is for my personal car. I want to pick best performance for $. Thanks!
Last reply by Jerry Hernandez, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 740 views
Hi everyone, I need help picking the best window tint for my car. I want to get a ceramic film and have gotten few quotes. Now while comparing them it got me confused. Here are my options listed from most to least expensive. Xpel XR Autobahn Black Ceramic Llumar CTX or 3M Ceramic IR I am looking for perfomance and longevity.
Last reply by Jerry Hernandez, -
- 1 follower
- 8 replies
- 430 views
I have a 2014 Cherokee and had the front windows done to match the rear factory tint (20%?). I then had 5% put over everything except the windshield (just a strip of 5% there). How would I calculate the percentage of the windows now?
Last reply by Bird Howells,