17 years FG exp...how hard would the transition be to auto?

[m3thod]

Ok new on the site but not to the job...Comm./Res. is brutal right now and its only going to get worse and real fast. I dont want to be over confident having the fg exp. that I have because I have seen the flip side to that coin and it aint pretty. I respect both sides equally so that's why I have to ask is it possible to switch to automotive, in a timely manner, and still make a decent coin? Or should I throw in the towel?

[TintWizard]

The transition from flat to auto IMO is much tougher than the transition from auto to flat. The only real benefit is that you know the feel of film and know how to handle a knife and some of the tools. Flat glass customers do not Eyefawk your job like auto customers do. Auto is much less unforgiving from a quality point of view. I started the flat and I do both and this is just my personal opinion .

[coast2coasttinting]

I agree with TW completely. Not to mention you are in TX and from what I understand the whole film market auto and flat have almost be beaten to death down your way.you can still make a good living doing auto, but you are going to have to work much harder for it.

[Tint Eastwood]

The transition from flat to auto IMO is much tougher than the transition from auto to flat. The only real benefit is that you know the feel of film and know how to handle a knife and some of the tools. Flat glass customers do not Eyefawk your job like auto customers do. Auto is much less unforgiving from a quality point of view. I started the flat and I do both and this is just my personal opinion .

Couldn't have said it any better. I started with FG and picked up auto a little over 2 yrs ago. One of the toughest learning processes I've ever had with any trade. And I have done a bunch of different stuff. Just a matter of sticking with it. I still have days where I seriously rethink auto. For something that is so simple in concept, it is a bitch when it comes to execution.

FG is a good foundation to go in with but don't expect it to be anything like it.

[m3thod]

I appreciate the input...thats kinda wjat I figured. I have attempted, and I use that word very loosely...to tint my tahoe doors once and I got it done but it took foreeevvver! I didnt know rhe properr order of events and was too stubborn to ask my auto tint friends. But im older now and humbled by the experience so I will go in accepting all the advice I can get.

[Guest Malcolm E Boo]

I agree with TW completely. Not to mention you are in TX and from what I understand the whole film market auto and flat have almost be beaten to death down your way.you can still make a good living doing auto, but you are going to have to work much harder for it.

This

[coast2coasttinting]

it would probably help you alot to goto an auto tinting class for a week. Something like Stan's school or some manny's offer trianing courses. With you being use to working with film. Some one on one time with a pro showing you skills would really cut down on you wasting tons of film learning on your own.

[m3thod]

Dont know how to do the quote thing yet but...to C2C, thats what I was thinking. My first actual exp. with film was in a mobile audio shop and the tinter there was and after 17 years still the best car tinter I have ever seen. I mean he was free handing custom cutouts before plotters were around. he showed me alot and actually is the reason Im a tinter now. Imi still in contact with him after 17 years and was going to see if he wanted to talk bad about me again trying to learn auo...lol. Would anyone happen to know of a place in houston to get some qt with some auto training

[coast2coasttinting]

you might hit up TJ. He took 3rd in the tint off last year. I also think he is close to huston, and looking to get away from auto tinting. You to might be able to work something out together.

[m3thod]

you might hit up TJ. He took 3rd in the tint off last year. I also think he is close to huston, and looking to get away from auto tinting. You to might be able to work something out together.

Touche...saw the quote button...Anyhow..will do, I appreciate the replies. Its been tough trying to make a clear decision because I have been doing FG for so long. It just wouldn't feel right not giving the auto side a valiant effort before switching industries all together. To get honest "useful" opionions has been a great change of pace..II have been a member for a day and already regret not joining years ago. Thanks again..