Jake

Find out if switching is a option first. I called just to try out Solar FX a few years back. I told them I used Global and was informed they wouldn't be able to sell to me.Probably a boundaries thing.

How long have you been installing film?

What kind of car is this? Not a Lexus NX by chance is it?

We install XR black everyday and haven't noticed an haze. I have 35% XR plus on my personal A4 and no haze that I have notice either. But it has a very blue color to it.

Am I mistaking thinking 3m dealers are not supposed to be selling film for DIY use?

15 hours ago, Lauren @ FlexiShield said:

Hi there, 
Just to clarify this, we are a manufacturer based in Chandler, Arizona.  
 

@Lauren @ FlexiShield Can you clarify something for me. You said you are a manufacturer in Arizona. I know your parent company manufactures other products In AZ. Is your PPF (flexishield) also manufactured in AZ also? Not trying to imply it is not. I have just heard some chatter saying otherwise and want to clarify?

3 hours ago, wade_660 said:

My experience was just the opposite. Racked up way too quick for me no matter how much I used. Went back to j&j

I will third this. No matter how much i used it would tack almost instantly.Seems I always try the new slip solution when it comes out and always end up back with JJ. 

So what this test tells use is we should all be using the Suntek 10 mil then. Hahaha. 

I don't do much flat glass work, but I am surprised this hasn't been more of a concern in the industry that i have seen anyway. The last job I did was for a friends newly built shop. It was bad. The triumph blade would scratch with even the lightest pressure. I did end up just cleaning with a scrubbie and installing the film. But I am concerned about a future removal. I did a bid yesterday and test the glass in a bottom corner. Same thing scratches very easy. Not sure what to do.

Not trying to be a fan boy but, we used FVD and TintTek  before DAP. I feel the DAP patterns are way better IMHO. But like Jeff said above, it is the patterns for the last couple model  years that i am referring to.

I would say if your business can stay busy as you want  without dealers, do it. I have many reasons I would want to be 100% retail but chasing money has never been one of them. Every time I have seen shops not get paid from a dealer it was because they had failed to have all the correct paper work and po#'s on their end. I am talking new car dealers. Now the small used places would all be cash on delivery.

Look up Protective Film Solution in Orange county. I'm sure they have done many.

Here is my . Are you being to picky? Yes and no. The dot matrix sticking in 2 little spots is over board. They look good to me. A tinter can't control that 100%. The dots them selves are inconsistent on cars most the time. Saying your car would not have scratches because it is a 2018 is not a good argument. It's more then likely over a year old now.  Take a trip around a car lot and look close at brand new cars and you will find scratches in the glass. Ford especially. Glass is being made so cheap now it gets scratches from the wind.Lastly darkening a window makes scratches stand out more. You may have not noticed when it was clear.Not saying they did not do it but ,saying because it is a 2018 means they did is not correct. The other stuff take back and see if they can do something about it. Remember though, every tinted car will have a sporadic dust spec here and there.

Don't remember it needing felt but not 110% . But I don't think you need to pull the panels. Isn't it open frame?

14 hours ago, VWaholic said:

Just so everyone knows. This is still a problem on the 2019 CLA 250. Just did one and I'm having the same problem. :/ It's for the dealership. time to give them a call. I wish it was just for a customer.

Just a heads up. We had them start working again after a couple days.

I don't respond to post like this normally, but I am seeing it all to often. I understand your not trying to, but this is a slap in the face to many here. You say your extremely determined to start a business? Just any business, or a tinting business? But your not willing to sacrifice and do what it takes to do it right. This is a major issue in our industry. I'm all for new up and coming people, but it needs to be viewed more seriously. Although I was young when I started, I was married, and took quite a big pay cut to go apprentice in a shop and learn the TRADE. In the beginning of our business we struggled for a good amount of years. We invested 10's of thousands of dollars upfront. Even 18 years later it it can be hard at times. So if you really want to enter the window film industry, put in the time and sacrifice to do it right. It's a trade just like any other. The only difference is it has no regulation for entrance. If you just want any business and tint looks like a easy one to jump into, you will be in for a rude awakening. I know some will not like this post, and say "don't worry people will just come to you for the redo's" but I don't believe that's the case. It is a thorn in the side of the window film industry.(automotive mostly).I'm not trying to be rude. I hope you do start in the tint life ,correctly, and thrive in it.

Edge Prep/Probond is a solvent. If you put it on a before install it is going to dissipate for lack of a better term. Use it right before you press the area down.  Just let it dry for a few sec and it will stick. 

11 hours ago, redneckj said:

Xpel DAP allows me to cut a perfect windshield strip.

Are  you referring to if it already has the pattern in the system, or you have away to make the curve in the program? Because many cars still don't have a pattern for a straight cut strip and some none at all. I hate visor strips to begin with, but am in the minority that I don't like the straight cut ones. To me they look like a smiley face on the glass. 

Yes everything is different on them. 

I am actually really glad i posted this. The responses have given me a new outlook.  I just blow it off now. I had a young guy call me boss about 5 times in a short conversation the other day. I was all I could do to not start laughing. He was a really nice kid though. I'm just going to start responding with " hey Tiger" haha  J/K

Worst film in the history of PPF!

On 1/21/2019 at 6:57 PM, jh812 said:

That is absolutely ridiculous for a year and half. 

I'm guessing he bought the car used with the tint on it already a year and a half ago. The car is a 2012. Tint is probably much older.

1 hour ago, Tint Eastwood said:

 Had a bucket but I kept kicking it over.

I could definitely see that happening all the time.

This is ours. I don't have a bucket at the end though. It is just the vinyl gutters from home depot with caps on the end. Just wipe them out with a rag at the end of the day. Soaks up all the water and keeps it clean.  

11 hours ago, Apex Tint said:

 

What chemical do you usually apply with the bagging method?  I've never really got it to work.  Seeing as we have the same climate I though I would ask.

I just use my tint solution. Never found any chemical to work better then another while bagging. For back glass glue removal I use spot shot carpet stain remover.