Window Tinting - General Discussion
An Open Forum for the Window Tinting Industry.
53,995 topics in this forum
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I am seeking a shop that installs 3M 2080 in the Tampa area. I am in Greenville SC and we did a job for a dealership that was shipping a car to Tampa. When the car left the shop it looked fine. We received a call from the dealership yesterday and said that the customer had a problem. The primary issue is that the vinyl on the spoiler on the hatchback is lifting. I can ship you the film to do the job (same roll). Please feel free to email me (roland@masterscarstereo.com) or call me (864-271-6890). I can send the pictures we received. Thanks
Last reply by MastersTint1414, -
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Have any installers used Johnson Insulatir?? It's their nano ceramic line of film.Pros and cons?? I've heard it can be difficult to remove. I will mostly be using the IR 85 for front windshields.
Last reply by Todd, -
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So it looks like I’ll be getting meniscus surgery pretty soon. I’ll be walking pretty soon after surgery, about a week with crutches, but I’ll be in a straight leg brace for a few months. Have any of y’all tried doing anything similar? Obviously knocking out a pair of front doors or even a full hatchback wouldn’t be too bad, but I’m worried about back windows on sedans and coupes
Last reply by florida tinter, -
Too picky? 1 2
by Stewie- 12 replies
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Hello all, Long-time lurker, first-time poster. Unfortunate victim of lifelong OCD. I had the windshield of my vehicle tinted this morning with 3M Crystalline. The same, very reputable shop, did the rest of the car a few months ago. At that time there were a few imperfection in 2 windows and they redid them without much fuss. On the drive home it looks like a very good job, except of course, I notice a fiber / hair trapped in the tint close to my primary field of view. If looking straight out, it is just above the hood so I would not say it is directly in my field, but close. It is about 1/2 cm long, and right now surrounded by som…
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
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I have been in the window tinting industry for 11 years. I started my company The Tint Lab, LLC in Fort Myers, FL. I have installed everything from solar films, and vinyl graphics to 23 mil security films with all types of attachment systems. I recently went back to sub contract installations for commercial and residential projects after working for several shops for a few years and running large scale project for them. I am based out of New Jersey/New York City. I can travel anywhere in the US and Canada. I am fully insured. If you're looking for reliable installers to help with large projects or to use our services on a regular basis call Jonathan at (732) 333-1299 or (…
Last reply by Jonathan, -
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I know...i know... I have purchased film off sleaze bay before and have regretted it. Anyone use this film or know who makes it? https://www.ebay.ca/itm/184300774395?hash=item2ae92ea3fb:g:olkAAOSwOIxc5xJz Wanted a low price no warranty alternative roll for the greasy cheap "make darkest" crowd.
Last reply by autographixdesign, -
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I am purchasing a soak rope. Should I be using a soak rope on back window to prevent too much water going into electronics? Is it necessary to use on back windows trunk area? I think I heard some person had issues with the keyless start function not working on a mercedes due to electronics being wet in the back window, however I'm not sure.
Last reply by Dano, -
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I’m phasing my way out of the toxic dealership game after almost 10 years to get my own thing off the ground. Starting off mobile before I dive into brick and mortar. I’ve sourced a solid film, a trailer, software and a plotter. What I’m trying to figure out is what’s the best yet cost effective way to power the plotter and heatgun? I don’t know if an inverter with 2 big batteries ran in parallel are the move, or getting a gas generator and making sure to open the door in the back and gave it facing out so I don’t get carbon monoxide poisoning. any insight would be appreciated.
Last reply by Dano, -
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Hey all, I'm located in Australia and am looking for 20 inch rolls of backing sheets to cut new templates with. Does anyone know where to buy them in Australia? Or even overseas if possible? Thanks.
Last reply by SenorMeowMeow, -
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Hey guys Check out Tint Racks great way to display and storage your window tint or vinyl rolls. you can get it here https://www.premiumgard.com/products/tint-rack-8 here is a coupon for free shipping code: free1 IMG_1807.MP4
Last reply by Premiumgard, -
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This is more for the smaller shops that might have an employee working by themselves. The bigger shops with multiple employees rarely have someone working alone and usually have a manager of some sort to track everything. Keep in mind that I have never had employees, only been one. And really haven't had anyone worry to much about film usage, soooo ,,, How you keep up with film being used? How can you tell if your employee is wasting too much film or stealing film off the rolls if they are working by themselves? Say, all day on a Saturday or for a few day while you are on vacation? Other than cameras everywhere, what is the best…
Last reply by WearTheFoxHat, -
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Hey guys, Sorry if my post does not belong here. 3 years back, I have had my F1 tint installed but I scratched one of my window a few months ago. Unfortunately, every dealer near my area have jumped out of carrying F1 tints and now I am forced to redo the entire car with a different brand unless I source the film myself for the dealer. Does anyone know anyone or any shop that is willing to sell me a window or two worth of film so I can repair my window? Hell, I am willing to buy the entire roll if you have to special order this on my behalf. I have literally called every dealer within 250 miles radius and no one is carrying the film. Thanks in adv…
Last reply by 981M3, -
Cutting plans 1 2
by TotalTint- 1 follower
- 11 replies
- 1.2k views
Hey there, I'm new to the site and have been contract tinting for a couple of years now and am branching out and getting my own jobs. Just wondering how everyone creates their cutting plans? Do you do it manually or do you use you use software? If so what software? I currently use a CAD software called Vectorworks as I have a background in CAD design. It works for the most part but I still have to nest the panes manually onto the chosen roll size. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Last reply by Sterling, -
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Hello All, I am looking for experienced window tinters (commercial and automotive), PPF Installers, Vehicle Wrappers, and Detailers for an upcoming shop in the Port St.Lucie Florida. We are currently in the process of opening the shop and should be fully operational by the month of February. Interested candidates please send your resume to Sunnydazemodz@gmail.com. I look forward to working with you!
Last reply by SunnyDazeModz, -
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Have any installers used Wincos 90 on front windshield? I have done two and hate it. Way thin and difficult to apply (the film is thinner than the liner). Small creases were made when applying film. It does look nice and easy to heat shrink. Feedback?
Last reply by Todd, -
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- 552 views
Please help me, score points with the GF, she is special for me. 2019 Honda Civic, newly tinted. When looking through the back window it appears as if the tint is not sitting well over the window heater wires. The effect is that when looking through the back window, especially at night, the lights are distorted. What I think is that it is either air OR the light having more tint to go through at those wires. She wants to take it back to the shop and I want the interaction to go well and her not get snowed by someone that doesn't want to fix it. "oh it's supposed to be like that" Help? thank you!
Last reply by mikeforrest, -
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I got my rear window tinted and the quality of the video has been affected. Is it a bad film installed or expected compromise with tinted windows?after Before
Last reply by Cooper82, -
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Sun Pro Glass Tinting is now hiring experienced installers for all the following *Residential & Commercial window tinting *Security film *Wet Glaze attachment system *Decal & logo installs Please sent your resume or contact information to info@sunproglasstinting.com or call 281-242-0222
Last reply by SunProGlass, -
- 4 replies
- 556 views
I've been working at a shop for a year and a half now with no experience. However in the year and a half I've been at the shop as a prepper, I can successfully fully prep a sedan(5 years or newer) by the time the owner and boss (been tinting for 20 years) is installing his first window. I've been told about future money making insensitives when I am a tinter, how he wants me to learn and grow, however it seems like there is never time for me to really practice. We fill our schedule (7-9 vehicles a day with just him and I), he will leave in the middle of the day and will come back when our appointment is in, will leave early at the end of the day leaving me to do odds and …
Last reply by Shrug, -
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Hey I’m 22 and currently live in Vegas and wondering what is the best way to get started tinting? Should I go shop to shop and see if they’re taking on apprentices, or on my off days just start practicing on my car or old beaters I can find until I feel comfortable enough to charge and start from there?
Last reply by Bham, -
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I’m looking for some advice on film for my new car. I’ve historically had 35% Solar Guard Galaxie installed on all my VWs and really enjoyed the look of it. I think they metered out at 28%ish the last time I got pulled over. Now I just picked up a 3 series BMW and the shop I want to use carries 3M products. They have FX High Performance 5,15,20,30,35&50%, Color Stable 5,20,35&50% and Ceramic IR 5,15,25,35&50%. In my reading it seems like 3M’s advertised percentage is what your end result is, so I’m not sure what film or percentage to go with. I don’t care about heat rejection, just get tint for looks as I’m in Wisconsin. What would you recommend? Any …
Last reply by highplains, -
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I have a customer with a rear section in a bronze colored metal film. Does anyone know of a film that has those characteristics. The car looks like it came from Texas or Arizona. Thanks
Last reply by highplains, -
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what are the benefits of installing a Solar Blinds? what are the cons and pros?
Last reply by Uscfan, -
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Hi! Any tinters from Austria / Germany here? I am from Austria 😅
Last reply by tintworx_austria, -
I am a consumer looking to get my windows tinted on a 2011 Jeep Liberty. There are several installers in the area and these are the brands of film that are offered: -3M FX Premium -3M Color Stable -Johnson Silhouette -MaXpro The installers all seem legit, so that is not a concern. I just want to make sure I get the best film on my SUV and wanted your all's expert opinions. Any thoughts and input as to what the best film is from these choices would be much appreciated! Thanks!
Last reply by florida tinter, -
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I had a "professional" apply tint to the driver side, passenger side, and rear windows. The door windows look just OK. The rear window... not so much. The window was perfect without having ever been tinted (B4 pictures). The first attempt left bubbles and streaks (they remained past the wait period). The company volunteered to replace the tint at no cost. After removing and replacing the first tint my rear window now looks as if someone scribbled an eraser over the rear defroster lines. The company owner insists that there's no way he could have caused damage to the defroster, air bubbles along the lines are normal, and that I should be happy with the way it looks now…
Last reply by Todd, -
- 1 follower
- 21 replies
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I feel as if I'm getting the hang of auto tinting, for every 10 cars that come i can complete 7 of the cars and send the other 3 on there way without tint. 7:3 ratio. But the little things suck (deteriorating felt, annoying customers, researching brand new cars, having a panic attack if I left the ignition on for too long or not, BMWs, etc.) So, everyone says commercial is where the money is and im sure its easier than automotive (right?)... Why the hell am I not doing flat glass!? Summary: what are the pros and cons of doing flat glass tinting over automotive tinting?
Last reply by Dano, -
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Anybody use this, can this to be used to bottom load instead of pulling panel or sweep?
Last reply by Young Tinter, -
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If I tell you not to be in the room when I'm installing, stay the fuck outta the room and stop bothering me. I'm sure many other tinters go through this but don't wanna be rude. I couldnt imagine people acting this annoying way towards mechanics
Last reply by kevin@kgautospecialties.co, -
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- 575 views
Hi guys, gotta a customer asking for tint on a Ford Transit ( the ones where the front window is divided in half) anything I should look out for for the front windows are quite odd. I saw youtube video of a guy cutting on the inside of the door. Should I just get pre cut film from one of my suppliers? I dont pull panels or seals Ps. The forum didn't allow me to post this in auto makes topic for some reason
Last reply by Young Tinter, -
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Is purchasing a membership with the IWFA worth it? As far as I can tell they offer the ability to add their logo to your marketing and you get their newsletter (which I already get for free) earlier. They also state you can get discount but there is no clarity to what kind of discounts you can get.
Last reply by Ryker, -
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Cant believe noone has been doing this as a side gig https://www.reddit.com/r/facepalm/comments/qws5rs/diy_window_frosting/
Last reply by WearTheFoxHat, -
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How many of you guys can guarantee a perfect job with no dots in any of the windows. Is this even possible. I have a customer that thinks it possible. What do you do with customers that want this type of service on their car.
Last reply by civicrice, -
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Hi Everyone! I'm new to the forum and this is my first post here. I am in need of your professional opinions here. I had my little old (2005) Camry’s windows tinted 5 days ago. Not a luxury or sports car but still of some value to me of course. I have taken great care of it. The shop I went to is a local reputable shop. Very courteous and friendly service with great reviews as well. Long story short, I met with the salesperson and was told about different film options they have. The shop installs 3M and BlackMax. I decided to go with what he said was BlackMax Titanium window film which is supposed to be a HP tint. 30 on front windows and 20 on re…
Last reply by Combover, -
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- 483 views
I'm looking into to investing in a plotter but cant find basic information. I dont know how plotters work at all. Questions: 1. Does a plotter just plug into the wall with a power cord or is there an additional cord like LAN cables or something? 2. If I don't have an account with a major film supplier (ex. Xpel) how do I get the software or database for the computer cut patterns? 3. How would I connect my computer to the plotter to send the pattern info to cut? 4. If I have an issue with the plotter that needs to be dealt with in person do I call the company that i bought it from customer's service or is thier buisnes…
Last reply by Young Tinter, -
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Can anybody help me out with some tints. I’ve always just had the dealerships do it and have no clue outside of darkness what they use. Well I have a new car on the way and want to get a better more professional job done. I’ve noticed all the highly rated shops by me all use Suntek. Reading through reviews though it seems that’s tint is bottom barrel garbage and these are highly respected shops using it. Is it still as bad as it used to be? I can get Suntek CIR for $400 which is their top of the line I’m being told, but reading to stay far away. So what tint brands should I be looking for and can anybody recommend a shop in salt lake?
Last reply by Premiumgard, -
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Hi guys still a new tinter, sometimes I get fingers on the side of the film. They are unable to be heated and pushed out with the chizler. What am I doing wrong??? (Picture included)
Last reply by Young Tinter, -
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- 502 views
Hey all, I'm trying to improve my speed on back glasses. One thing I've heard people doing is pre-cutting their tint to be ready to throw on, before shrinking. That way there is no need to custom fit the shrunk tint to the window. I typically cut the tint to the rough shape of the window which allows for some wiggle room when shrinking, but I then need to custom fit the tint on the glass afterward which can be a little time consuming. Has anyone tried this? If so, is it worthwhile, or, are there any pitfalls to look out for? Cheers.
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Is this normal?
by Guest Erik- 1 reply
- 703 views
I have what look like serrated lines or the lines on highways between the roads on my tints... I'm noticing it on 3 windows atleast... I've waited over 2 weeks and still have not rolled down windows... Is it end of roll? The tint is Kavaca ceramic IR... The picture doesn't do it justice but it looks like ghost lines with gaps at about a 45° angle and maybe 1-2 cm between them
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If you are a new inexperienced tinter avoid window visors, either tell them to take it off or send them away. I've tinted cars with window visors in the past but recently I had a car I literally could not finish (luckily customer is really nice) I basically wasted his whole day. Window visors make hand cutting very hard on a new tinting with the shifting and the tint sticking to the visor and not being able to shrink the film on the outside of the glass. FYI never use the heat gun on the inside of the window it takes long and can potentially damge panels and seals. And ALWAYS BOTTOM LOAD, just do it
Last reply by The ///Man,
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Applying PPF profitable?
Do you want to make your business highly profitable and have accurate fast patterns with minimal waste of your film? you can go from scan to pattern faster and you won't have any waste of your film. Please check this video: -
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Air80 vs Stratos70 Windshield
80% meters 69 on an f-150 shield with the sound screen option -
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High speed material feed
The Graphtech plotters are all about the same from 7000 to 8600. I doubt that the machine was the problem If changing software fixed the issue. -
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High speed material feed
Update to this.... We were using a Graphtec FC7000-100 plotter and the Digi Cut software and the machine wouldn't work correctly. We contacted Digi and they did a live modification on our software which solved the issue. Strange thing, the plotter would still never cut through the pattern consistently. (parts would cut totally through and parts would not cut even through the film) We switched to Core and instantly everything cut 100% consistent and without need for software modification. Perhaps if we had a newer plotter than the FC7000 perhaps the Digi would work as expected ??? Dunno -
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2013 Suzuki Kizashi
Hi Bobby, sorry for the confusion, the makes and models section here is for tinting windows, not performance related. -
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What is an established commercial/residential business worth?
I sold my business in '96 that had as assets: tools and inventory and goodwill. I bought it 2.5 years earlier for 5k. It had a gross sales # around 30K and very little goodwill since the owner only worked it part time. In the 2.5 years I ran the company, gross sales went from 30K upward to 177K as a one person operation. To be fair, the final year @ 177K included an installation sale involving 35K sq ft. Still I increased the gross from 30K to 100K under my direction in the 2.5 years of ownership. I sold the business in a short sale for 10K because I landed a corporate job at a film manufacturing company. I lacked the desire to further expand the business, but it was considered reputable even by my competitors. One of them bought it. Don't know if that helps but, maybe you'll find this helpful in determining the goodwill of the one you are considering buying. https://www.freshbooks.com/hub/accounting/calculate-goodwill- 1
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Window Tinter for hire in Rockville, MD
Must have experience and knowledge in the automotive window tint industry. This job requires people skills, a positive attitude and willingness to be a team member are essential to this position. Having experience operating a window tint plotter a plus. Pay will be determined during interview process. Please Call TJ Flores 301 979-1313 -
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What is an established commercial/residential business worth?
Gross 50-60? You could find that kind of revenue picking up cans. Whatever you're about to spend should be spent to market your own brand unless I'm reading this wrong. -
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What is an established commercial/residential business worth?
Looking to buy an established commercial/residential business. The company has grossed about 50-60k annually for the past few years. There's not really anything as far as assets go. So I'd basically be buying the phone number and 25+ years of being an established business. Just trying to get an idea of what I should be paying! Thanks in advance!!
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