Window Tinting - General Discussion
An Open Forum for the Window Tinting Industry.
53,995 topics in this forum
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Going to visit the local 3m / Llumar shops to see but their current lineup at 50%, what coloration hue is it. Some brands tend to sway on a bit on the brown, green, etc to it. Have had Xpel 30, 20 and 70% primarily in the last few years and it's always perfect in a charcoals tone. The 50% in XR and Plus - wasn't too crazed about the slight blueish hue.
Last reply by mobiledynamics, -
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Recently I brought some tint on line it was thick, 2mil 2 layer. When I used it was very thin & light film and had heaps of issues with it, I need more tint for annexe windows and am looking at a 2ply 1.5ml tint. My question is the 2 ply 1.5ml tint a bit thicker tint to use. I am only beginner at doing tinting
Last reply by tony27, -
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- 37 replies
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I recently had my car tinted which has rear privacy glass. Where I live the fronts can be 35% vlt and rears 20% legally. I opted to stay in this range. Due to the privacy glass on the back I put 70% there and 40% on the front. I knew this wouldn’t match darkness, but it’s closer than they were factory and stayed without the legal range. The manufacturer of the tint is Global who I understand to be quite good. Due to varying vlt options, I used two different tints on the back and front. So same manufacturer, but different ‘line’. Otherwise the back would have had horrible heat properties and the front more lighter in shade. It was the best combo for heat/vlt. From the out…
Last reply by Drassic, -
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- 21 replies
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Hi all, a bit of background: I'm paranoid, and always worry about the security of my home when I'm away. It makes holidays abroad and even visiting friends a bit of a downer, though I realise it's totally a psychological problem, as I've yet to actually experience a break in. However, that doesn't mean I can't try to alleviate the concerns! Basically amongst other things (like door armour) I was considering window film to make it harder to get in my house - I know a determined burglar will always get in (after all, the houses around here are just wood, so they could just take a reciprocating or circular saw and make a new hole) but window film seems like it'd …
Last reply by TintDude, -
Labor rates 1 2
by RacerX64- 1 follower
- 17 replies
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As the director of accessories for a new high end new luxury dealership in Atlanta GA, Buckhead, for 17 years, we handle all our accessories in house. We are at the end stage of our new tint center being completed. We have a great tinter that we have sublet all to. We have decided to partner with Eastman films and their products. My installer has proposed the following for labor. Keep in mind, my goal is to have all labor in house as flat rate with existing employees( someone from detai, etc) 1 window 30 2 window 60 5 windows 130 7 windows 140 9 window 150 11 window 170 Single sunroof 30 Full pano 80 Visor 20 Back glass…
Last reply by pbalentine, -
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I've been having customers call for tint then asking if i do the tint that you cant see in but can see out ? they describe it as a tint that can be dark as a limo but easy to see out similar to OEM tinted glass. Anyone heard of this? something about a carbon/ceramic , ceramic. I do keep having a "gabes detailing shop" guy come up on my instagram feed. He shows off this magical tint and when I commented about it he just says its a 100% ceramic with 99% IR rejection. doesn't mention what brand or anything like that. can't find any reputable carbon film suppliers that are worth stocking aside from maybe flex film (newer stuff held up for 7 years on baby mammas whip). judgi…
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
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Does anyone have any experience with TintWiz or DigiCut?
Last reply by Rich S, -
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Hi guys, I’m looking for advice on some architectural film. I hope I’ve posted in the right place. I want to tint the windows in my apartment. It would be nice to have some degree of added privacy and UV/heat protection but those are secondary. The main thing I’m looking for is something with low internal reflectivity because I don’t want my internal lights to interfere with the view. I saw 3M’s “Sun Control Window Film, Night Vision Series” and it looks great but it’s quite a lot more than I want to spend. It looks to be about $1750 per roll and you get a lot more than I need. Is there anything else that has similar non-ref…
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
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Hello. Anybody finding the 2024 Accord back glass a little tricky? Using a bulldozer on the bottom when you draw it out is wants to fill any excess water back between the glass and film.
Last reply by Steveo, -
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anyone know what the market is like for Tinting and Wrapping in LA? thinking of moving out there to set up shop
Last reply by jaycee, -
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Has anyone used this and know it lasts in the hot AZ sun? A reputable installer in my area uses this Film, but I’ve not heard half as much about it as others. I’ve heard a couple people say their Llumar ceramic turned green. Not sure what’s been tried and true, but I plan on keeping my Bronco for a long time and want this ceramic tint to last for awhile.
Last reply by Shesadragon, -
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Hey guys, I’m going to start by thanking all that have helped me become a window tinter. I started from scratch about a year ago learning off of youtube and this forum mainly from @DanoI hope he sees this. I have had steady business for the past few months. Bussiness is steady but not enough of it. I’m getting around 3-4 cars a week. I use a carbon film and I’m only charging around 160$ for full installs. And half of those jobs are factory match jobs that I charge around 80$ This is what I’m needing help with… I really need to raise my prices because I’m not making enough money to continue doing this. I live in a small town and I’m the only tinter in the county. But Iv tr…
Last reply by Dano, -
- 1 follower
- 15 replies
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Hello everyone, This is an unusual request so please feel free to let me know if I should post elsewhere. We are looking for a one-way view solution for a study on fish behavior. We are looking at how fish choose who to group with. We will have a fish in one tank that can see two groups of fish in neighboring tanks. We want to use a one-way coating/film on a piece of glass or PVC so that the subject fish can see the groups, but the group can’t see the subject fish. (So, the group of fish is like the suspect in an interrogation room – we’ll make their tanks brighter so the one-way works). This is to stop the group seeing and interacting with the subject f…
Last reply by Bham, -
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- 5 replies
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I don't see any topic open yet for this brand. I have one coming in and have not done one yet. any tips or tricks?
Last reply by jbrekkie, -
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- 338 views
Looking for advice on cured Dow 995 removal from frames . Is there anyway to remove this product from aluminum and metal frames without damaging the surfaces.
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
- 1 follower
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Maybe I'm just getting old.....last eye dr visit was about 9 months ago, still healthy... 70% Xpel XR Plus upfront. Heavy fog, overcast, raindriven water on windshield@ speed, etc.... Interior glass is clean. I was just having overall -decent clarity- issues. It was a bit of a struggle at times seeing what I believe should be better clarity through the glass Is it me or the dang tint.
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
- 3 followers
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- 238 views
I hope everyone has a nice Christmas and a happy new year!
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
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Hey guys, I have a Roland GX 500 plotter and the Teflon rail that goes along. The whole plotter has cuts in it and I’m noticing my film is punching up where those cuts are made. How can I fix this? Is there anything I can do to repair this or do I need to order a new part for it?
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
- 2 followers
- 8 replies
- 600 views
I've read a lot of horror stories about tinting front shields on Jeep and Dodge with modules getting wet behind the dashboard i have a customer wanting the front shield on a new Cherokee but i don't know if i want to get involved with it and end up with a can of worms
Last reply by Dano, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
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Hi My car has factory-installed privacy glass. I believe its VLT is around 27%. I applied an additional tint that blocks 50% of the light, but I'm not happy with the result. If I apply another layer that also blocks 50% of the light, what will be the final VLT? thankx
Last reply by Dano, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 284 views
So…. I’ve been a professional in this industry for about 30 years. Back in the day, there was a rumor about an architectural film that was made in a 84” wide roll. Always thought it was a myth until today. In the course of inspection during a project site visit for a residential project, I found that such a film was installed at some point by a previous homeowner. The window measured at 104” wide by 82” tall and had a film on it that was at about a 70% VLT with no seam. Does ANYBODY out there have any info about such a product past or present?
Last reply by alberts316, -
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Just tried to tint my first CLS500 Sedan, it was a 2008 model. I successfully tinted the sides but I got to the rear and couldn’t get the film or any of my tools behind that break light. Iv never had a rear were the break light was so tight against the glass. Just wanted to see if anyone has any tips or tricks to tinting them.
Last reply by TintGal, -
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If you are looking to increase your sales SF is the way of the future! Get out with the old and in with the new like our newest instal company Auto Armor located in Arvada, CO. We just set up our newest dealer with our Window Film and PPF (Clear-Bra) display boards so he can take his install business to the next level. Check out our website at www.supremefilms.com to discover what makes our films far superior to the others in the marketplace.
Last reply by Supreme Films And Coatings, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 364 views
Back in the days ......when my cars had comfort film in it, there was cutout up top and Botton in the middle of the windshield to accommodate for this. So far, in my experience, I don't think my toll pass transponder is working behind Xpel Plus Windshield. For those more familiar, are the EZ Pass readers working behind Ceramic Tinted Windshields ? Out here we have many readers that are based on camera reads. But the ones that are reading the physical transponder, this is where it appears to not be working
Last reply by mobiledynamics, -
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- 3 replies
- 489 views
I’ve been using global but not happy with them. Who should I go with
Last reply by Ryker, -
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- 278 views
I have a new residential/commercial flat glass business and want to hire an experienced installer who is very good. What would be an competitive rate to pay someone by the Sq Ft assuming they are experienced, professional and motivated?
Last reply by 333filmguy777, -
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- 300 views
I live in a second story apartment and there are two windows in my living room, one facing east and one facing north. My TV is against the wall facing left and my couch is against the north wall right next to the window. In the late morning and early afternoon the sun shines through the east window and casts an annoying reflection on my TV, and sometime around 1 or 2 pm every day the sun gets right in my eyes when I am sittin or lying on my couch even when I am facing the TV. I want to cover these windows with just the right film for solving all of these problems while also making it not look obvious that I tinted them, and I'm not sure what kind I should use because a…
Last reply by DynamicATL, -
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- 187 views
Anyone using a Mutoh valuecut-2 for cutting tint? I have one that I use for vinyl and plan on buying another cutter just for tint if it will work. Looking to stay with the Mutoh as I am familiar with it. Thanks
Last reply by Hookedup, -
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- 4 replies
- 595 views
I'm sure you are aware of this problem - that Lexus and some other manufacturers decided to install this super sensitive coating to the inside of the glass, that cannot be razor scraped at all. I had one a couple years ago and I had no idea what I was getting into you, and figured it was a one-time deal where the manufacturers realized what a stupid idea it was, & wouldn't do it anymore. Well, a week ago I had a brand new all electric Subaru SUV. It had the exact same thing on the front 2 windows - IR or UV coating that cannot be touched ! Didn't know about it & gouged the coating with my razor blade ... SO ... Does anyone know or have access to some sort of a com…
Last reply by Bham, -
- 2 followers
- 2 replies
- 354 views
Hey guys I'm new here and I have a question. What do you think of smart film companies that has car window tint as a side line? I tried their main products smart film a few years ago and figured it's acceptable, but I'm not quite sure if they remain quality and professionality in side products as well. Thoughts guys? This is the tint page my old supplier has on their page. https://www.smartfilmbase.com/smart-film/smart-film-for-cars.html
Last reply by Proger76, -
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I had my windows tinted yesterday and now today I have this weird white crystallized substance under the tint. Can’t see it from the inside only the outside. I texted my tint installer and he said it was moisture to give it time to dry out fully. I don’t believe that. Any ideas what it is?
Last reply by Dano, -
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- 454 views
Has anyone tinted the full windshield on a 2024 GMC Sierra? I have a loyal customer that got a new truck and wants me to tint the full windshield. I use a Soak Rope when installing full windshield’s and I have changed methods of pushing out the solution bc of the electronics and sensors so I push the bottom out first then pull up after bottom is locked. When I squeegee I have a dry Soak Rope when I’m done. But are there any issues with this 2024 I should be aware about? My customers are told they must sign a windshield waiver form before we do any work on the windshield. My film rep told me not to tint full windshields on any 2024 Fords bc of electrical problems with sens…
Last reply by pbalentine, -
Hi everyone, We've recently moved to a new city and are looking at setting up some additional strategic partnerships with dealer groups in our area. I don't believe these dealers would not have access to tint services or ppf services, however I'd like to start planting seeds through cold email outreach and see how far that gets me to start. We ideally only want 1 dealership to start as we're a smaller shop with only 2 workers. I'm curious, has anyone had success with cold outreach through email? I will be approaching these same places in the future, however I'd like to screen the unlikely ones through email first if at all possible (theres like 30 deal…
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
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Beginner here with tinting. Just got the cayenne latest model ( white ). Dealer sent me quotes for a few manufacturers but I'm not even sure where to start. Lamina Cerametrix 720 + 140 SR BLAUPUNKT Antarctica 625 + 165 SR Midas Photochromic 920 + 200 SR Midas Wolf Ultimate 800 + 140 SR 3M Crystalline 900 + 220 SR V-Kool VK10 1110 + 380 SR V-Kool Black xEV 720 + 230 SR V-Kool Solitaire Energy Pkg 1000 + 360 SR V-Kool Eco Starture Pkg 610 + 210 SR V-Kool Ozone Signature 470 + 110 SR Reading the forum previously not many people heard about Midas and Blaupunkt brand was sold by the Germans to Chinese? ( or w…
Last reply by ptint, -
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- 0 replies
- 289 views
Actually heat reflective has better performance in heat rejection during summer.
Last reply by Windsor, -
- 4 followers
- 10 replies
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I have been using Avery Dennison's NR Nano Ceramic IR but I keep seeing cloudy results or low-angle haze. I think some haze is acceptable as a trade-off for performance, but there are just some customers who may not be happy with the result. Does anyone know of a tint manufacturer that has little to no low-angle haze? Preferably one without a $10k minimum monthly buy-in or something crazy like that. Does this only affect ceramic tint?
Last reply by Windsor, -
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- 9 replies
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I have a Lucid Air coming in a couple of weeks. The sides seem a bit complicated. Anyone tinted one and know if the sweeps come off easily? Any tips?
Last reply by TintDude, -
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- 710 views
Hi, I'm wondering if there is a pen you recommend to touch up a hole in the tint. It's about the size of a pinhole. I've got a sharpie but am worried that it might look worse.
Last reply by JamesR, -
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Hello All ! Curious what scheduling software is being used out there? Which one and what are the best features of your chosen software?
Last reply by pbalentine, -
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- 602 views
CAN SOMEONE HELP PLEASE WANTING TO TINT THE ABOVE CAR BUT WAS TOLD THAT WINDOW MOVEMENT UP/DOWN WILL SCRATCH TINT APPARANTLY THIS IS APROBLEM WITH A LOT ON CONVERTIBLES HAS ANYONE HAD THIS EXPERIENCE ? FRANK
Last reply by pbalentine,
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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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Removable rigid window tint sheets - WTF?
Sucks that you got screwed. Sorry to hear that. But that is what we all kinda figured.- 1
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Commercial Residential Window Tinter Needed - Colorado
We need commercial/residential window film installer. 303-986-0190 info@columbinewindowtint.com -
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Removable rigid window tint sheets - WTF?
I created an account just to respond here. I'm not a "tinter" or whatever yall may call yourselves but I came across this product and thought that it looked pretty cool and something I could do myself. I ordered from Lazeway and spent like $150 for two packages. The product is from China although they claim all this America stuff on the website. All i received was two simple rolls of tint, nothing special. I was totally scammed and now I'm looking all over the internet for anyone talking about this product to let them know. Dont buy from them.- 2
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Air80 vs Stratos70 Windshield
Since there is no limit of darkness on the top strip, I have wanted to tint it. But I would go very dark, to help with sun glare in the evening. -
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Air80 vs Stratos70 Windshield
Yeah that’s a very fair point to a degree I’m probably overthinking it. I don’t see really significant glare reduction until you get into much darker tint. Like you I think visibility for me is more important living in the country. I’ll probably see what the specs list the differences between 70% and 80% and then double check with the tinter as to what they recommend. Likely will end up with 70% with a strip along the top. Air80 seems to be much more popular, not sure if it’s due to performance or the difference in cost being so much more for the stratos. thank you -
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Process
Hey guys - so I work for a vinyl graphics company that is adding window tinting to their repertoire and I had a question about your guys' ideal process. I have my plotter set up and my window tinting software ready to go, but I am completely ignorant about the way that tint installers prefer that things be cut. Currently, I will plot/weed the tint and cut the backing away as much as I dare before handing it over to the installer. I was thinking that the installer would prefer the tint to be cut to shape which I believe I can achieve with the perf cut on my plotter. Is that the typical process or should I not be worried so much about it being cut to exact shape?
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