Window Tinting - General Discussion
An Open Forum for the Window Tinting Industry.
54,004 topics in this forum
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just built a cheap easy 40 dollar "tint rack 1 2 3 4
by Guest cartek- 32 replies
- 16.2k 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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- 10 replies
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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
- 551 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
- 600 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
- 842 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
- 920 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
- 814 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
- 657 views
Anyone here try the Stainless Amazon basic blades? $8 ish for 100 blades. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08D9R7Q68/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
- 4 replies
- 442 views
Can I ask a question. I have a tinter working for me for a few years.i pay him 35 % on commissions. Worked our great so far. Now he thinks he should be getting 35 % or the cars I upgrade to ceramic.Hes not involved on sales or talking to customers promoting Jobs He just installs window film. He's doing the same amount of work weather it's regular or ceramic he's installing so My question is should I be giving him 35% of the upgrade money if he's not really involved in it. I pay My$tsecretary to do that. I want to be fair with him he's a great worker. Can you tell me or point me in the right direction to find out.
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
what insurance co do you use? and tint?
by Guest integrals- 2 replies
- 2.6k views
hello all. im new here and looking to get into the business. I have a few questions. 1st im in new york state. I already have a business and tax id number is there a type of lic I need to do work? residential or commercial? what insurance company do you use? residential ins co? commercial ins co? does one company insure both residential and commercial? what coverage would I need? what do you pay for your insurance? any links or phone numbers of the ins company? also when you tint windows and you have a window break who insures that window? your ins company or does the manufacture of the window tint cover it? what distributor do you get your tint from? and su…
Last reply by hilalrazaseo@gmail.com, -
Hello, I have just recently started a tinting business and have been using mobile tech rx for my scheduling and CRM. It works pretty well but is lacking in a lot of areas. I have called their service line and they seem to only be interested in supporting the PDR guys. I was looking into tintwiz but for the price difference I am trying to see if it is worth it. Has anyone used both and can you recommend one over the other. I only do automotive currently. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Last reply by DC- Judd, -
- 8 replies
- 1.9k views
Hello guys first post but long term observer of this group! The information here is still far better than any Facebook group so thought I would add this question here as well! My question is for you Flat Glass Pros! What is the real reason that Dual Pane glass breaks more than when the glass is single standing? everywhere I read It is different.. - Some say its the two panes moving different to each other? - Others say its the fact the gas in the middle ads to the overall heat build up thus causing the tinted window to be absorbing too much heat and crack? Really curious as to why it breaks! And I may as well slide another question in while I'm here! …
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
- 2 replies
- 995 views
Anyone using Global heard of Global IR supreme? https://www.global-windowfilms.com/
Last reply by Dano, -
Acceptable Tint? 2020 Tesla Model 3
by Guest Pegasus2020- 2 replies
- 1.4k views
Hi, I had my 2020 Tesla Model 3 tinted yesterday with XPEL XR Plus 20% all around and 70% on the windshield. This is the first time I've had a car windshield tinted so I'm not sure if these are real issues or it will cure with the upcoming days. Strange thing as well the rear window tint was used with 3M even though my documentation states XPEL XR PLUS. Long story short -- I'm concerned with the 4 door window edges, the containments on the windshield, and for some odd reason I was asked to bring back the car in 4 days to have the air bubbles pushed out. My brother has a 2019 Tesla Model 3 and I had it taken to a Llumar installer and I did not have …
Last reply by pbalentine, -
Windshield sensors
by Guest Tintchick- 1 reply
- 296 views
The last month ive had windshield problems. Sensors for ldws and forward collision alerts on a 17 sonata and a 07 impala. I do a lot of windshields and keep my water to a minimum. Im about rrady to put my application in at McDonald’s. Can i get some pointers?
Last reply by civicrice, -
- 3 replies
- 645 views
I've been tinting car and suv windows for a year now. I have been using some non reflective charcoal tints and like the out come. I have been reading online and seen something's that not all auto tint is good on flat glass. I need to tint some windows on the camper part of my RV. I have already tinted the front truck doors on it which are regular curved auto glass. Should I use something different for the rest of the flat glass windows? They are single pane. I have also been asked to tint the windows on the cab of some heavy equipment which are also flat glass. The other thing I read about residential tint is ment to reflect heat because there is…
Last reply by EclipseTS, -
- 0 replies
- 455 views
So I decided to buy a quickdraw tools side slinger pouch and safe to say its a massive disappointment. Huge design flaws on the lower loops which is painful to turn and put any tools in not to mention the poor treatment I received by Jeremy Shapiro. Mistakes have been made by him throughout this experience which he is reluctant to admit to. -Messed up my PayPal address which was only later fixed by a staff member of his. -charged and sent me extras I told him multiple times I didn't want - basically told me I was using the pouch wrong and he would show me but never sent a video - before I made this post I sent him a few messages which I was told I was a ti…
Last reply by tall.tinter, -
- 0 replies
- 315 views
Last reply by Delores B. Morris, -
- 7 replies
- 1.5k views
I got the first tint job done on my new Honda CR-V 16 days ago in Texas, I paid 150$ for two front windows tint with 35% “CARBON” film. Driver side window has about 60+ dust bubbles , passenger side window has around 30 dust bubbles plus 2 creases/scratches. I noticed those once the tinter done the job, but he told me those bubbles and creases will disappear after 3 weeks. I also called them today and still told me need to wait until 3 weeks! But I did see the dust/hair in the bubbles! So it supposed stay there forever. Is this normal or acceptable? I do understand no tint job is perfect and I do not like to complain if I don’t have to. BU…
Last reply by deadjame5, -
- 17 replies
- 13.1k views
I’m currently using Solargard and I think I like it but I don’t know how it compares to others like 3m, expel, llumar etc. can you please share your opinions and experiences? Thank you in advance.
Last reply by Whyme, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 520 views
Heres a question, why does one crack under heat very easily, and one doesn't crack at all? Never seen this asked or answered in here
Last reply by clear solutions, -
Should I just ask for a refund at this point?
by Guest oliver- 2 replies
- 969 views
Any thoughts on this tint job? They used Xpel. Paid $700. https://ibb.co/mDmXvCm https://ibb.co/B6cGTBX https://ibb.co/3mGhk9X https://ibb.co/fXM4n7f https://ibb.co/mvYRJh7 https://ibb.co/sgS2NNk https://ibb.co/mSSBfLv https://ibb.co/wLg5NLB https://ibb.co/nQRLFcw https://ibb.co/ZNqJ5S1 https://ibb.co/DfGyXVf
Last reply by highplains, -
- 3 replies
- 4k views
Can anybody tell me what to put on 20% to make it 5% or somewhere around there? Please and thank you.
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- 5 replies
- 345 views
Happy Independence Day weekend everybody. Long may it wave.
Last reply by TintDude, -
- 13 replies
- 3.9k views
Hows it going everyone? Hope this section is ok for my question, but has anyone ever installed Chrome window tint? If so, where did you get it from and does it apply harder than the other stuff? I currently have a customer who wants this particular film for a vehicle of him. I made him aware that it was illegal to have installed on a vehicle that was going to be driven on the roads. I'm not sure what his use with it is but I told him I will search around for him. Currently I carry Solar FX window film but I am not sure where to search for the chrome film at. Everything I find brings me back to ebay and I would like to apply a decent film on the windo…
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And the writer of the story should mention it closer to the top of the story....!! https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/verify/weather-verify/aluminum-foil-windows-cool-heat-wave/536-69a28e6f-0cef-4ae4-a730-fb29e42733a6?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=website&utm_content=link&ICID=ref_fark
Last reply by Roach, -
- 8 replies
- 6.5k views
Hi All, I thought I would join ya'lls forums and ask a question. I have a strong suspicion the 3M 70 crystalline tint I had put on yesterday by a certified installer is fake (sourced from EBAY). Please see the 50 second mark of the Youtube below. I want to get a little more confidence before I report it to 3M. Here is why: I can feel the infrared from the windows. The car has a slight blue hue whereas real crystalline is said to have a brown/bronze hue. Here is a high-detail photo of the watermark (2 were left on the car). As you'll see, it matches the mark in the fake film.
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- 0 replies
- 630 views
Barely used OM DGI Plotter in excellent condition for sale. This plotter is THE plotter recommended for ComputerCut but is compatible with other sign & tint cutting software. It's a great& plotter for both mass production and smaller art jobs. It holds 6 rolls of film, vinyl, or paint protection film. Original manuals in perfect condition included. Originally purchased for $7000 in 2007. Located in South Florida. Asking $4000.00 Or Best Offer. Contact me at andresg9805@gmail.com or 305-338-7015.
Last reply by tintcenter, -
- 2 replies
- 1.9k views
Deciding on tint to use on my BMW M340i in Portimao Blue down in central florida and have read some posts saying that Formula One would have a more green hue but regular Llumar more blue hue. I contacted a few of the highly reputable shops in the area and received prices of $250/CTX, $290/Pinnacle, $420/IRX, $490/Stratos (no real intention to use Stratos, but figured I'd throw it out for price comparison). When I compare all the specs, I am seeing Pinnacle and IRX are basically identical so Pinnacle is a much better deal for me. I'm just concerned about possible green hues since that doesn't sound like it would look very good on the deep blue paint. I wo…
Last reply by no ma'am, -
- 0 replies
- 439 views
The last three weeks have been awesome and BUSY! Raphy (TINT) came to visit from California for a week then Heather (BOO) came to visit for a week from South Carolina. It was great finally getting to meet in person and, let me tell you, both Raphy and Heather are excellent tinters! Raphy can tint a car flawlessly in an hour and poor Heather can tint 420 commercial windows in a week and still have a smile on her face 😂
Last reply by mountainman, -
Window wont go down after removing tint
by Guest Dewayne- 2 replies
- 1.2k views
So I loved so old tint that was bubbling from back window. They where working when I removed them but now they won't roll down. What do I do??
Last reply by Diablo's Tint, -
- 1 reply
- 561 views
I recently switched to pump up sprayers from the normal spray bottles but heard that they spray some plastic deposits as they age. Question for the pump up sprayer people. How often do you change out the sprayers to avoid contamination issues? I would hate to ruin a piece of expensive ceramic film.
Last reply by highplains, -
- 0 replies
- 206 views
Hello; I have a customer that wants some loaders tinted and he wanted an a few estimates for carbon and ceramic films. The loaders are JCB 541-70 and Volvo L110F. How should I price these? Thanks for any advice!
Last reply by Peacheytint, -
- 0 replies
- 304 views
Hello; I have a customer that wants some loaders tinted and he wanted an a few estimates for carbon and ceramic films. The loaders are JCB 541-70 and Volvo L110F. How should I price these! Thanks for any advice!
Last reply by Peacheytint, -
- 0 replies
- 342 views
Hi I am a predominantly a large format graphic installer by trade, and I am looking to move on to having my own small business where I tint residential windows. I am able to install the tint and have been doing so for other companies on commercial jobs sporadically for around 5 years, but there are large gaps in my knowledge when it comes to what tints are suitable for what types of glass. My business plan was originally was that I would take calls, get measurements over the phone or by email, give a quote in Silver 20 (as I thought that was suitable for everything), and they would either have it or not. I wouldn't offer tints with a higher solar a…
Last reply by Daniel, -
- 10 replies
- 10.1k views
Anyone used lexen carbon window tint tint over 3 years . Would it last at least 3 yrs in florida . Looking for a cheap film for cheap ass customers . https://lexenfilm.com/ . I got some from someone and shrinks really well and color looks good .
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- 15 replies
- 7.5k views
I am a newbie at tinting and I'm currently using Global QDP. A lot of others that are doing it on the side around me are using Northern Tint. I noticed Northern Tint is cheaper than Global. Do you have any cons on Northern Tint or Global? I want to be able to explain to my customers why I don't use a certain brand.
Last reply by smookee408@yahoo.com, -
- 8 replies
- 1.8k views
Has anyone used the Milwaukee m18 cordless heat gun my heat gun went out and thinking about getting one but idk if it makes enough heat or airflow to be worth it
Last reply by jameslandry,
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Olfa blades are not as sharp as they used to be
I switched so long ago... first to KDS but they went away. NT are great though. I use a piece of white strapping material as a cutting buffer between the blade and glass. Some use a button but I didn't like the feel..- 1
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Headlight Taillight Vinyl question... (Looking for CHROME)
I'm looking for a chrome/mirror wrap for headlights/taillights. No NEOchrome, just a mirror or chrome appearance. Looking to spice up a project. Looking for transparent so can see lights thru film. I have looked and can't find what fits the bill. Any help appreciated. Thanks in advance. -
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Stratos 70 on windshield, what is this?
I can't win with getting tint decent on the windshield. I had 3M on my F150 done twice and still has major defects. Recently did Stratos twice on my F350 and I see this granular spotted, texture pattern on the tint. It's super obvious in the corner here but also right in my view when driving. It's honestly hard to point out and show someone but when your driving and stuff is moving behind the windshield, it becomes more obvious. The lighting also matters. The first time I did the windshield, I had a two foot line on the windshield. Thinking it was tint, they removed the tint and it was apparently a defect in the Ford windshield. An issue between the laminated glass layers caused this big defect. So they removed the tint, I had Ford replace the windshield on a 2024 F350 but when the tint shop removed the tint, they made a bunch of micro scratches in the front windshield, probably from scrapping the glue off. I told them but I didn't care since Ford was replacing the windshield anyways. So if basically I'm trying to figure out what this texture stuff is and if I should have them replace or remove it. Replacing it might just have different issues but also afraid they will scratch the windshield. -
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Wtb Solar Gard Supreme NR 40
I would direct you to Express Window Films web site. They sell Global brand after setting up an account with them. They are reasonably priced and they do partials. Can't go wrong with Global.- 1
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Need some help
Never overlook the condition of the floor. Back when I did install, I used to mist the floor between the vehicle and the peel board. This is done between misting the window and walking toward the peel board to mist the pattern liner, peel liner and spray adhesive for install. Tacks any dust for the duration of each pattern install, so repeat each time a pattern is going to be installed. -
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Olfa blades are not as sharp as they used to be
Yeah, at least a decade ago rumored to be different as a result of a US based manufacturer making Olfa blades sold here at home. Of course, Olfa would deny coupling up with a US maker. I, too, switched to NT.- 1
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Olfa blades are not as sharp as they used to be
Olfa has been terrible for years. Switched to NT a long time ago.- 1
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Olfa blades are not as sharp as they used to be
We have been using olfa blades forever but in the past year we have noticed the quality of the blades is not the same as it used to be. Blades are not as sharp and pressing harder is starting to etch the glass on certain vehicles. Would like to know if anyone else is experiencing this or is there a better brand ss blades that you have been using that is a better trusted brand. -
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Help Needed! - Graphtec FC4100-75 - Software/Compatibility/Drivers/Communication/Blades/Setup
Bump on this. I spoke with Film & Vinyl Design and the rep told me their cutting software contains the drivers for the Graphtec 4100 models. They also mentioned it will work with Windows 11. Any one have experience with this program, good or bad things to say about it? -
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Need some help
Push out all the air you can then… Heat up area with heat gun and use a hard card to press them down while everything is still fresh… don’t over heat prep work is key… you can also use masking tape on the gaskets and carefully peel the tape out once you have all the fingers out- 1
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