Window Tinting - General Discussion
An Open Forum for the Window Tinting Industry.
53,995 topics in this forum
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- 5 replies
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I had my window tint layered over because I wanted it darker. I KNEW BETTER than to roll down the windows but of course I went through the drive thru pharmacy, forgot, and rolled the window all the way down approx 5 hours after having the tint layered. I rolled it back up immediately and it didn’t appear to be coming off or anything, but when I got home I checked it out and there’s around a dozen very thin vertical scratch marks and one 2.5 inch horizontal scratch. I don’t know if they were there before I rolled down the window but I am positive they weren’t there before I took the car to get layered because I closely inspected my driver window before I took it in and cle…
Last reply by MaxxedOutTint, -
Has anyone ever used Premium Tech Window Films?
by Guest johndoejohndoes- 0 replies
- 1k views
I’m looking at a few different tint places near me and there’s one that has amazing reviews. They use Premium Tech Window Films and are one of the best rated shops near me. I’ve previously used XPEL Prime XR Plus, but moved and looking for a new shop. There are companies that use brands I recognize, but don’t have the greatest reviews (they have a lot of reviews - but not the highest quality). Any feedback on this brand? As I’m looking to do their Ceramic option.
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Hello All, I had recently did a project using 14 mil security film. It was a last minute “emergency” from one of our top contractors. These were all oversized windows, with an exterior install in the rain. It is obvious to me that we did not get out anywhere near enough water. I have done many installs but never had this result. My fault for rushing to get it done but my question is do you think this film will eventually lay. Picture is from a day after (looked clear the first day) I checked two days ago and about 70% cleared up. The manufacturer seems pretty confident in it clearing out with some time but I really don’t want to put off the inevitable.
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
- 3 replies
- 882 views
I'm trying to get my Corolla tinted. I'm struggling on picking a shop and brand. 3M Ceramic Ir Shop 1 349$ 3M Ceramic Ir Shop 2 450$ FormulaOne Pinnacle Shop 3 499$ Huber Optik Shop 4 299$ I'm not sure why the two 3M shops are such big differences when its the same film. Also, why is the Pinnacle more expensive than 3M or Huber? When they perform about the same and if not the 3M/Huber are better?
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
- 7 replies
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Recently found this Plotter on Amazon and a little skeptical. 53-inches for $400. I want a plotter for window tint and vinyl. Tried contacting the sellers but no response. The images are deceiving and not sure if it can run window tint programs. Any help would be great.
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Jacked ignition
by Guest Lazy lonni- 0 replies
- 281 views
How do I bypass the transponder in the ignition switch in the dash for 2004 QX4
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- 8 replies
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How was this done back in the day?
Last reply by Dano, -
- 79 replies
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We just received the new Ultra Tint Slime. Has anyone used yet? After today we will give our input on the solution!
Last reply by MikeMN, -
Hey guys, This is the first tint job I’ve had on this car. The price was cheap around $300 but I would rather have paid more for a better job. Is this acceptable? Driver side door has a scratch/tear. All windows have 15+ dust bubbles in clusters
Last reply by Angelo, -
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I was going to hire an installer to do residential tinting of all the windows of my house. Two separate installers I found both recommended the Llumar DRN35. I agreed to the one that quoted me the better price. However, the job's been delayed for 2 months now because the installer wasn't able to obtain the window film from his supplier. He said that it's really hard to get LLumar products and recommended another product, Avery Dennison DR OptiTune 30i instead. He quoted me the same price for both the Avery Dennison and LLumar. Which product is better? And how do the qualities compare? What questions should I ask to make sure I'm doing the best…
Last reply by Sterling, -
- 1 follower
- 9 replies
- 485 views
Good lord almighty!! It feels GREAT to be back here! It’s been an insane 2 years, with the world an business it’s been crazy crazy. Just wanted to say hello to everyone I’ve missed! I’ve personally cut back on tinting/detailing/ppf, the whole nine yards! Time for some family time! And of course getting back here to help anyway I can!
Last reply by MikeMN, -
Tinter company owner
by Guest Grant- 5 replies
- 912 views
Hi my customer has faulty double glazed unit that has condensation in it and the glazer is blaming the window film I applied 2 years ago SS20%. I tinted the whole house and only one unit has a fault. I know it is not a fault of applying window film as just about ever second house I tint is double glazed and I'm very carful to apply low heat absorption film. I read something online a while ago to back this up but cant find the info again can anyone help with technical information to back me up. Cheers Grant
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Tinting Sunroofs & Moonroofs
by Guest cuda67- 0 replies
- 381 views
I've done very few sunroofs in the 10 years I've been tinting. Just curious how dark other tinters use when doing one! Anything to watch out for!
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Hello all. I am curious to know if anyone charges a cleaning fee. I am tired of people coming into the shop with filthy cars. Just tinted a '19 Charger ashtray. It adds 20 minutes to the job vacuuming and wiping down the interior. This means that I could have taken in an extra 2 fronts if I didn't have to clean a car before I tinted it. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 1 reply
- 411 views
Hi guys, i am looking for patterns Honda GoldWing 2020 Can someone help me?
Last reply by MaxxedOutTint, -
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Hey all! Whenever I buy film, I buy a 60” roll and have them cut it 38”x 22”. That way I have a large enough roll for BG and one for roll ups. Did an F-150 this last week and I took my 38” roll and cut it 8ft long, then I cut off 13” from the top to make my windshield strip. Seemed to be the absolute smartest way to utilize my film. My question for you is, in your opinion…. What do you believe is the “average” width you think is the sweet spot for doing most of the strips that you do? I ask because I have 3-4 jobs lined up where I believe if I keep doing something similar to this, it will be the smartest thing to do. However a couple of them I won’t be able to…
Last reply by Dano, -
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I am a significant noob when it comes to window tint. I am the very DYI type, I have personally done the window tint on all of my vehicles. I am the TextBook definition of the "back yard - Youtube guy," which also means all of my work looks like trash until I take the true time to learn the art. Ring my own bell - I feel like the intuition YOU are experiencing as you just remotely imagine the work I produce is exactly as YOU are thinking of. BUT, I am truly wanting to get more efficient at this art. Therefore, I am accustom to really low quality film. The type that would make professionals like yourselves absolutely cringe to the unboxing, unrolling, how the f…
Last reply by MaxxedOutTint, -
Xpel Prime XR install.
by Guest Ray77- 2 replies
- 1.2k views
I had tint installed last week on my new bmw. The front windshield and side windows are all perfect. Hard to find a dust bubble. On the rear window I have this one streak that is about 1/3 long. Not sure it is worth reworking for this one spot at the bottom of the rear glass. Wanted other opinions. Rear window picture
Last reply by TINTZEUS, -
- 1 follower
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Hey all, has anyone tried the new solargard vtx pro yet? It seems to be an updated version of the old vortex ceramic film of which I had many issues heat shrinking. It's only been released very recently but I'm hoping they addressed the shrinking issue. Cheers.
Last reply by SenorMeowMeow, -
- 1 follower
- 12 replies
- 1.9k views
I have had windshield tinted for a little under a year. In certain sunlight, you can see odd lines in the film. I have tried to clean both sides of the windshield to no avail so it only makes sense to me that there is something in between the film and glass. should I have the film removed and new tint applied to get rid of this? thanks.
Last reply by badluckmodel3, -
- 16 replies
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Hi all, I am in dire need for advises and opinions. I have spent countless hours tinting and re-tinting my front windshield in 3 shops, and in each shop weird things happen. Previously I went to 2 different tint shops to get my Model 3 tinted for total of 7 times. Both shops had quality issues with the front tint---including numerous light gaps, deep scratches, creases, and weird adhesive distortions (that do not go away after 4 weeks of sun bake). I tried Llumar Stratos 40%, Pinnacle 40% and 3M Ceramic IR 35%, and all had unacceptable problems. Turns out the owners of the shop do not do tints themselves. I went to the 3rd tint shop and…
Last reply by badluckmodel3, -
- 29 replies
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I got my windows tinted on my 2018 Honda Accord Sport 3 days ago and it has been raining the last couple days so today i decide to check to see if there’s any bubbles and I realize there are some minor bubbles but I also find some scratches on the outside of my windows. I’m assuming the tint guy placed the tint over the window and while cutting the shape of the window the razor went through and scratched my actual glass. Can i get some opinions amd thoughts on this please. I have had 1 car tinted prior to this and never experienced this and this guy was recommened by a friend so I decided to give him a try.
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
Am I being too picky? *Customer*
by Guest Guest Kevin- 3 replies
- 589 views
Just had this work done last week been awhile since I've had tint done not sure if I'm just being that customer or if this is just normal. 19 civic sedan. https://imgur.com/gallery/7H2Cryf
Last reply by TQtinting, -
- 3 replies
- 701 views
We'll be tinting my wife's Kona EV next month and trying to find a film that somewhat matches the factory rear glass (fully aware a perfect match is impossible). Already determined that a 35% film on the front glass will meter almost exactly at what the rears do. Any suggestions on a film that has a color closer to the pure grey of the Kona's glass (on the right)? For comparison, my car is on the left with 35% Suntek Carbon. Both windows are against an identical white background.
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 4 replies
- 907 views
hi everyone,,thank you for letting me join im new here so go easy on me its my first post,lol ...So im in the uk and ive been asked by the company i work for to start and tint windows and take the job role on as our window tinting has let ,ive only done it a few times and cutting the film tucking it in the seals i have no problem but when im trying to heat shrink the film i just cant seem to get the hang of it,i know u can only strink the film up or down but do i do this to the factor edge is this why i cant master it ive tried a few times and just end up the film just like curling up across the bottom where im trying to srink the fingers out or it just doesnt work im in …
Last reply by Likemytintz, -
- 3 replies
- 840 views
Gotta say thats nuts
Last reply by pbalentine, -
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I ordered 2 of them and only need one. Selling for $600 obo. My loss your gain.
Last reply by Ryker, -
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- 441 views
Hey guys, it’s been a minute! How is everybody? Ladies and gents, what I am looking for is pics of your vehicle signage. I used to be big into vehicle graphics, but have been out for almost 10 yrs since I quit it…and man am I rusty! I just got a new truck and am wanting to get some inspiration! I do automotive and flat glass and am getting started in PPF if it makes any difference, but TBH…I just want some ideas. I will post up pics when I finally settle on something. Can you guys please help a brother out?
Last reply by Slick, -
- 9 replies
- 1k views
I went to the highest rated shop within 150 miles from me and had my back glass done with a ceramic tint. I waited for over four hours and to me it feels like they rushed the job. When the guy looked at it he said the windows are hard to do and they could throw some vinyl on it if I come back later. I paid 150$ just for the back window and I’m honestly a little disappointed but didn’t want to be rude or jump to conclusions/blame.
Last reply by Slick, -
just built a cheap easy 40 dollar "tint rack 1 2 3 4
by Guest cartek- 32 replies
- 16.1k views
Ok so I was sick of not having a rack at my shop, so today I decided to build one, I dont know if this will help anyone but... here goes. I went to Home depot and bought (3) 10 ft sections of 1/2 conduit. 2 dollars a piece. (10) right angle hangers like what you would use in a closet 3 bux/ea (1) box of #10-12 x 1-1/4" ribbed plastic anchors 5 bux measured it up on the wall, drilled the holes, put in the anchors and screwed in the brackets. took me an hour(that I have cause I had a cancellation :[ ) Not a finished picture I took it while I was still doing it, and I still need to shorten the conduit a bit, but it is the basic idea.
Last reply by TintDude, -
Getting started
by Guest Dark Knight- 4 replies
- 1k views
Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum and wanted to get some advice on how one can get started with automotive window tinting. I want to get into the business but I have no experience. Is it possible to buy window film without a business license? I want to practice on my own cars and family and friends' cars to gain experience before anything. What recommendations do you have on getting started? What do I start with first? What tools and equipment do I need? Any advice is appreciated.
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I'm trying to understand based on what a tint shop told me that Global is the same exact film as xpel. So i compared the specs of xpel prime XR plus and Global QDP ceramic and they don't match up at all in terms of specs. I understand they are independantly tested but how can they be that far off from each other. If you had to choose which would you choose and if it is all made by Garware and just branded with different names is QDP really xpel Prime XR and are the specs for xpel XR plus false? thanks
Last reply by highplains, -
- 2 replies
- 549 views
Hey guys I’m going to be gettin the windshield tinted on both my car and my gfs car, I’ve narrowed it down to 3shops not too far from me. One uses SolarGard XenithIR and the other is with Xpel prime XR ( not the plus ) & the last one is using ASWF excel IR which would you guys advise being a better option? And lastly does anyone know if any of those films have a low angle haze ? I’m suffering with that currently with sunteks CXP line unless the guy that tinted my car used a defective roll….. thanks in advance 🙏🏼 Btw located in SoCal so if anyone knows of any shops that do legit work that I should also check out lemme know also
Last reply by Cheeo, -
- 4 replies
- 1.3k views
Anyone know of a good door panel protector? I see soakshield makes one but I can't find anyone that actually sells it. Found a random Facebook page called door panel protector as well.
Last reply by Ryan1, -
Mr
by Guest Alex- 1 reply
- 593 views
Hi guys I have a problem with my instal after few say loads of bobbles on the egde of the window. Can you guys help?
Last reply by TintDude, -
- 1 follower
- 0 replies
- 823 views
Hello all. I am looking for the best shrinking film available in small to moderate quantity. It's not for a shop I'm a DIY'r and this would be purely for my personal vehicles. I've done about 15 cars over the years and felt fairly confidented until I ran into my latest edition a Model S Tesla. The front window if you can call it that, I say it's a fishbowl. Anywho it is proving to be beyond my skill set with the current tint on hand. Gila, MKBrothers and or Blackmagic. I have tried both wet and dry shrinking. I successfully get the bottom shrunk, but not the top. Or I get the top and the bottom but not the sides. I've concluded to pay a local shop as I have the windows re…
Last reply by gixermann2000, -
- 1 reply
- 919 views
Is it possible to aply a ceramic tint on the exterior side (outside) of the windshield, and then cover it with a protection film? (to prevent tint degradation from environment) In many states inspection stickers are applied and removed to the inside of a windshield annualy, which would damage the tint if it is applied on the interior side of the windshield. It also seems to be a much simpler process to do it on the exterior side. Only interested in IR and UV blocking, to reduce sun heat through the windshield (Land Rover LR4 has really big windows)
Last reply by Ryker, -
- 1 reply
- 807 views
can anyone give me some semi recent exp they have had with maxpro film, more specifically the MJP line? How long can you realistically expect it to last?
Last reply by ami2loud, -
- 1 reply
- 655 views
Anyone here try the Stainless Amazon basic blades? $8 ish for 100 blades. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08D9R7Q68/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Last reply by Tintguy1980,
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Activity Stream
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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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