Window Tinting - General Discussion
An Open Forum for the Window Tinting Industry.
53,994 topics in this forum
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Iv been tinting windows for about 7 months now. Iv worked on over 40 different vehicles with no accidents. I was tinting a 2015 Ford F350 super duty Black ops edition. Went to remove the rear view mirror and a huge chunk of the windshield came with it. Now I’m having to pay to get the windshield replaced. I’ll only be out about 400$. It’s not much but it definitely hurt my profits. I was just wondering if anybody else has had this happen before? The whole metal bracket came off the windshield. Iv never seen or heard of this happening before? Here’s a picture of it
Last reply by civicrice, -
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- 443 views
I'm half way through tinting a Lucid Air and just thought I would give you all a heads up. The rear doors on this model have screens which are in the way. Even if you tint with panels on, it will be a problem. There's a wide rubber molding that is also in the way. Add in $$ for time and effort.
Last reply by no ma'am, -
Hi, I currently work for an XL dealer in Idaho Falls Idaho. I currently make a base hourly wage and a commission percentage on my sales. I am curious if anyone can offer me guidance on what an average percentage of commission the individuals who actually sells the PPF, ceramic coating, and window tinting jobs usually gets paid. my instinct went to 10% based on also making a $16 an hour wage. This is not what was offered and I’m trying to gather some real numbers for a discussion i plan on having with the owner. Can anyone offer any insight into what the average percentage of commission a person who handles all of the sales for PPS, ceramic coating, and win…
Last reply by TripleA, -
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I'm deciding between these two films for my windshield and I'm note sure if the autobahn is worth twice as much, I got a quote for $400! Here in MI I believe there's only one tint ship that even carries the Autobahn brand so I guess he can charge whatever he wants. Looking at the specs there doesn't seem to be that much of a difference. For the last 10 years I've had Solar Gard Ultra Performance 70 on my windshield which I believe has TSER of 40%, so even the XR Prime 70% would be an upgrade. Also, is XPEL XR cermaic? I'm confused about that, I believe XPEL PLUS is ceramic but what about the XR line? It seems that here in MI 99% of th…
Last reply by DynamicATL, -
2023 ayira
by Rickq- 2 followers
- 2 replies
- 500 views
I’m not sure if every Ayira are the same. The rear side windows. Back side along the moulding. I did 3 times bottom loading using tool.film on Back side kept on seeing the line. Film couldn’t lay flat down, one time top loading with shorter pattern. Same. Then remove the door panel. Still couldn’t make it perfect. Realized the glass itself has a defect. On the inside toward back. It has a black hard plastic moulding glued to glass and stick outward pass the door moulding. Doesn’t matter what to do. Film just can’t stay flush or slide in. Only option is to under the pattern. I had to call the owner back and showed them. it s either under cut the pattern or they ha…
Last reply by Rickq, -
- 1 follower
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HELLO EVERYONE!!!!!!!!! NEW HERE AND JUST BOUGHT A PLOTTER IT WAS FROM PLOTTERDEPOT... ANY HOW I WAS WONDERING WHAT ARE MY CHOICES FOR SOFTWARE? ANY AND ALL ADVICE PLEASE IM JUST STARTING OUT I WANT SOMTHING I CAN AFFORD BUT CUT CORRECTLY.
Last reply by InkblitzMedia, -
- 1 follower
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I am currently in the process of getting my detail business going in northern Alabama, and I feel that being able to add tint and ppf, would be a great addition and separate me from some other businesses. I have found a lot of these 2 day work shops, they range from 1 to 5 days, are any of them any good? I would assume the Xpel training etc would be quality, but I was hoping to find something a bit closer to home. I have no issue traveling but if I can find it here or like near Atlanta it would be a lot more convient. Any info on any of these class workshops would be appreciated, and if u got an idea I've overlooked. Let me know that as well,. Thx for the help…
Last reply by Dano, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 454 views
This place is probably one of the worst places to tint windows, no air filtration systems, and just an open garage inside a gas station. Several semi trucks pull up five feet in front of our shop every day to get deisel, kicking up dust and making it really loud while you try to concentrate on tinting. Customers constantly stare at us tinting, making us uncomfortable, even though we have a waiting area with comfortable sofas and a t.v. The Garage doors need to be lifted up with a broom, and are old and heavy as hell. What can i do to improve my tint quality in these conditions? There is always dust in my tint, no matter how long i clean the window. I cant afford to get a…
Last reply by Dano, -
- 2 followers
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- 255 views
4N Tint is currently seeking candidates for the following positions: Window Tinting (commercial, residential, automotive) Paint Protection Film (PPF) Installation Vinyl Wrap Application We offer competitive compensation packages with additional bonuses. Our job opportunities are open in both Houston and Dallas. Will also offer referral bonus for referring For inquiries and applications, please reach out to us at: 817.881.5610
Last reply by 4N Tint, -
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I'm interested to hear everyone's thoughts on this. I have picked up a few dealerships in my area, and I've thought about offering them some sort of incentive from my side to push my services: window tint, clear bra, chrome delete, and/or ceramic coatings. I haven't looked into it much, but I was curious if anyone has done this before or is currently doing this. If so, how much commission makes sense? 10%, 20%, or even 30%? I know in a way, they would essentially be doing the sales work for us, so I would want it to make sense for them and for us. What's a common percentage? Again, I haven't done any sort of deep dive into this, so any input would be welc…
Last reply by Ricardo Perez, -
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Wholly crap. they want you to really fill out all this stuff. Who puts the whole Vin# down - how about the last eight. Why to we need plate number if we have the vin or the last eight numbers of the vin this should suffice to say the car was tinted with a rayno film. This really sounds like an invasion of a customers privacy. And to top that off they want you to send a picture of the invoice as well. So I will have to print an invoice and then scan it , Then find on the computer to attach. 15 minutes later the process is done. No fffffing way am I going to do all this. Also the customer doesnt have a warranty to take with them. Someone at…
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
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Does anyone have some info on the best Canadian distributors of window film. I can find countless American distributors, and very few Canadian suppliers. Thanks for your time.
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
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- 655 views
For the past 3 windows I've done I'm noticing there's always a group of contaminations near the bottom left side, and it's usually a group of them... what could possibly be the reasoning? is it the cleaning process not good enough on those corners? or am I possibly touching something when installing the film? any insights would be greatly appreciated thank you
Last reply by Henry j morin, -
- 2 followers
- 6 replies
- 582 views
I'm from Canada, Alberta, I'm wondering when the slower months tend to be for you guys? and if you guys have any suggestions to keep busy! thanks
Last reply by Henry j morin, -
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Who has used scorpion films and if so which ones.
Last reply by Dano, -
- 1 follower
- 6 replies
- 533 views
I was told buy someone that if you use ceramic tint and bake the window after installation you can go as dark as you want but still let through 70% light. I love dark tint and would like to keep it legal if there is a way and this sounded like it might work. Does anyone know if this actually works?
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 1 follower
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Hi all, I had my windows tinted on my 23 Acura TLX 3 months ago. The window tinter I used sucked, and now I'm having an issue. The tint on my rear back door window has about an inch section at the top of the tint (in the middle of the window) where the tint isn't lying down. If I push and hold it, it lays down flat, but it doesn't want to "stick". It is Xpel window film. Is there anything that I can do to get it to stick (short of retinting it)? The tinter that I used is not local (I had it done before I moved), so I'd like to get it to just hold as this is a leased car anyway. Would applying heat to that part of the tint get it to restick?…
Last reply by DynamicATL, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 528 views
Hello everyone.. where to vet training for automotive window tinting? Thanks
Last reply by alberts316, -
- 1 follower
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Hey everyone and greetings from Greece.I've been tinting professionaly for the last seven years and recently I bought a pressurized water sprayer.Since then I have issues with my slip solution.I am using green Tint Slime and got my mix even slimer but I keep having the film "biting" on the window too soon and thus leaving some glue smears...Any thoughts?
Last reply by GeoFil, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
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HI Guys, I have been working full-time in an office same job for 20 years. I had a side business doing vinyl stickers/decals/ window film etc you get the point. I love cars and enjoyed working with window film and vinyl a lot. I want to start my own business and not work for someone. So my intention is to start a vehicle tinting business and expand into PDF and wraps. I was wondering if anyone could direct me to the right path where in Melbourne I can go to get trained and expand on what I know already. Also, what's a good film to purchase? So many out there that you can burn your brain trying to work it out. Any help will be great at this stage(links, company name…
Last reply by Dano, -
- 1 follower
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- 242 views
https://www.livingetc.com/advice/is-frosted-glass-outdated
Last reply by WearTheFoxHat, -
- 2 followers
- 18 replies
- 1.8k views
Hi all, I wanted to see if I could get some people's opinion, and possibly from some actual installers who do many of these, regarding full windshield tinting since this is the first vehicle I have had done. I just don't have the knowledge/experience to tell if I am just overly sensitive/observant or if there is actually a problem with the install of the film. I have not gotten a response from the installer on my concern as of yet. He has some of the highest ratings in my area and seems like he a kind of a perfectionist (took at least 2.5 hr just to do the windshield). The quick details: the film in question is a 70% nano ceramic covering the entire front wind…
Last reply by LeadfootCJ7, -
- 1 follower
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Hi there, I was wondering if anybody else has had issues using cheap films and controlling contamination? I've been using a cheap film for learning purposes, each install I do with said cheap film I find random spots of contamination all over the film. I originally thought this could be due to my install method but then after I started using a better film (avery dennison) there was little to no contamination. Is it just a conicidence or as anyone else noticed this? All help is appreciated Thanks!
Last reply by RickyBicky, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 456 views
I am seeing a Reflection from Air Vents after tinting 2023 Mercedes S500 when i look into the mirror starting when it gets dark outside. We did 20 percent on side windows and rear window. Any recommendation how to fix it? or what should be done during tinting not to have this problem
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 1 follower
- 5 replies
- 415 views
Hey all, so I’m still new to the game but when I’m hand cutting side windows, I seem to always have a little gouge when I’m making the side cuts. It’s either where I’m starting my cut or ending it. Or maybe I’m hitting a finger when I’m making the cut. Iv tried to fix all of that but it’s still happening. Sometimes it’s big and very hard to hide.
Last reply by Bham, -
- 2 followers
- 9 replies
- 532 views
Hi guys, we are a new flat windows tinting business, and we came across a windows installing company that proposes us to work as their contractors. What could be the conditions in such a partnership from your point of view? For example, we could charge them 20% less then the market price, letting them earn this 20% share. Does it seem reasonable? What's your view on this issue? Thank you
Last reply by Basil, -
- 2 followers
- 12 replies
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Where can I buy the full roll of Llumar air80 irx film online?
Last reply by solcontrol, -
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- 0 replies
- 269 views
What's the going rate for security film subcontractors with dow 995 anchoring
Last reply by Detaildoctor, -
Damage from heat gun VS QC issue
by Guest- 4 replies
- 632 views
I picked up my new car Wednesday and got its windows tinted a couple days after I got it. Yesterday, I noticed some weird roughage on the black triangle plastic piece in the front of the driver's side window. I'm trying to figure out if this is a QC issue or possible damage from the tinter before I reach out to them. I appreciate your input.
Last reply by callwild, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 534 views
Hey all, Planning to DIY some windows on a residence. Would like to try some Geoshield Geo, however it's a strange film as it's specc'ed as Architectural but has a PS Adhesive. Before I make a big mistake, I was wondering if this would be a b%tch to remove if I have to do so, 10-15 years down the line *shrug*. I mean, everyone hates removing adhesive on auto tint, so If I have to scrape all the windows on the house to redo then it might be better to get something that is Dry Adhesive instead. This is going on french pane-styled windows, so uhh yeah. I better think long and hard. Any thoughts? I figure most Architectural lines …
Last reply by doctor4766, -
- 3 followers
- 14 replies
- 1.1k views
I made a video showing my method for heating and stretching tint https://youtu.be/Voo_psl0Vjg
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 2 followers
- 3 replies
- 807 views
Hi all! I live in northern California and I am deciding between Madico Black Pearl vs Rayno Phantom line (s5/s9). Just trying to figure out what tint is better from my C300. Most shops in the area carry these brands and after looking at the forums here they both have there pros and cons. I have a dark blue car with a beige interior what film would be most suitable? I was quote $350 for the madico , $300 for the s5 and $380 for s9. I have read the specs and information online but I want to hear about longevity and personal experiences with these products. Thank you in advance!
Last reply by Steve Jackson, -
- 2 followers
- 1 reply
- 492 views
Rayno S9 and S7 on their site say "Charcoal" and S5 says "Black." This confuses me. The "greyness" of a tint would be determined by the VLT, right? Seems strange to me to label one as black and one as "charcoal." In short, I want the highest quality (S9) but with "black" (even if I choose VLT around 40%). I guess my desire is not an option with Rayno? Can an experienced pro help me understand what this "Charcoal" label actually means in terms of how it will look? For Tesla Model 3. Thank you so much!
Last reply by Steve Jackson, -
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Anybody looking for install work in Texas? Job will take around a week installing 8mil and IPA. Experienced installer only
Last reply by SolarStop, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 766 views
I'm looking for the highest quality tint for my Tesla Model 3 (including big rear window, roof and front windshield). I have a decent understanding of specs (after some research), but how important is brand? Does one brand stand out as superior to the others? Any brands to avoid? In general, can I get pretty much any brand without any major worries or issues? What questions should even be asked to choose a brand? Based in southern California (Los Angeles). Would love to hear it from the pros. Thank you so much!
Last reply by Mikeb2004, -
- 1 reply
- 233 views
Hello. I'm working with a 2006 GMC Canyon and I'm reattaching the mirror foot to the black "frit" portion of the windshield that we just tinted. I heard that I'm supposed to use a LocTite primer and adhesive but are there specific #'s like loctite SF7471 etc. Thanks all.
Last reply by pbalentine, -
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Any one done any marketing on the app "nextdoor" . Is it worth looking into ?
Last reply by TintDude, -
- 2 followers
- 7 replies
- 441 views
Currently I use solarfx film And lately, I've been buying more tools and stuff like that. I've been looking to open a business. And I was wondering if anybody could point me in the direction of a windshield chip repair and headlight restoration vendor. I'm looking at glasweld now and was curious what you guys thought.
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 4 replies
- 683 views
Hi all, Had my local shop put 70% Suntek CIR on my windshield a few days ago. Driving home I noticed it was pretty dark and thought “wow this is 70%?” Seems a shade or two lighter than my 18% CIR front windows. Went back and asked him to check, his meter showed 52% VLT and he said that was correct for a 70% tint on the windshield. So the factory windshield on a 2023 F150 has some tint to it? Is that normal? Thanks I’m advance.
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 2 followers
- 20 replies
- 1.2k views
Hi there guys, first post here. And I don't wanna come across as a Karen but well......... lol I have a car from the 1980's and have the glass out of the car. I have called some tint shops and they are insistent on knowing what type of vehicle it is. I just say "well I'm just bringing the glass separately so make doesn't apply". The reason I try to dodge around it is past experience with dishonest businesses. Kind of 2023 people in general, sadly. Anyways, what I'm getting at is I am trying to see who's going to just dig and dig for that information. I just can't help think that they're trying to price it based on what type of car I have. If I say I ha…
Last reply by pbalentine,
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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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Air80 vs Stratos70 Windshield
Im in TX, plenty of of what you mentioned. While I do sit higher in an SUV, glare reduction is not improved much at all with what I have. My 80% is almost clear, not dark at all. With all tint, it adds a bit of reflectivity from the outside, which I notice makes it slightly harder to see from the outside looking in, in the form of a glare not darkness. At the end of the day, it's not permanent, it's only money! -
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PPF installer for hire in SoCAL
Hello. My name is Adrian i have good experience with paint protection film and i just moved to California, Irvine, i'm open to travel one hour away for the right job. You can contact me at 5717330693 -
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Boat window tinting tips
Best tip would be, “Sorry, no boats”.- 1
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Boat window tinting tips
The answer is to not heat that area too much so that you leave some slack in the film for when you get it to the inside. Also cut your pattern a little large so that you can trim a thread off the edges after shrinking to not have a furled edge. After you do a few of those you'll figure out how much to leave/trim to not have any light gaps. Also I'll leave a hardcard wrapped in a microfiber in the bottom overnight to collect water and keep pressure on the film while it dries. Sometimes you can take the top rail off the glass if the jackwagon boat builder didn't put too much pressure on the glass package when it was installed. If you pull the rail off of a tight package it's a pita to get back on, looking like it could crack the whole time. Congrats on getting it done. I've seen plenty that couldn't, which is why I price them like I do.- 1
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Boat window tinting tips
Thx everyone for the tips the install went fine, however i did run into a new problem on the main curve of the glass from thr outside the tint would lay flat on the big curve but when applying it seemed like there was too much tension and it would not stay down i ended up heating it up and flattening down but some of that area got overheated and warped a little, if you know how to tackle this problem please help me thank you!- 2
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