CaliTINT

I started with Blue Max, used Orange Crush for a bit then went back to Blue Max. I recently ordered the Go Doctor (blue) and I like it the best. Very ergonomic, less fatigue, super light weight. Only thing is the blue feels a little more stickier to the tint but I think over time it starts to slip better. I also think it expels more water easily and I also started using it as my cleaning squeegee prior to laying down the film. 

I have a 40" roll. I hate to waste also so I bought a 30" also. Once the 40" goes down to maybe 20-30ft I plan on ordering a 36" next. 

I pretty much keep a stock of 40" in everything just in case you do get that one big window whether its the front or rear windshield. 

WARNING:

Just a heads up on my experience with these towels. We switched to these a while back from the regular blue shop towels because I read that these were better. They work very well (don't tear apart and last long). However, I wouldn't use them too long (for installation at least). I do just  like one of the previous commenters said and toss them in a box for later use (cleaning other things, etc.) I was reusing them for too long and you can see the big strings of lint on them. Well they kept ending up in my tint jobs and the lint was sooooo big that it couldn't be pressed out and I had to redo several (perfect) windows because of it. I finally realized it was the towels (and my technique) I now only use them for about 1-2 cars then they go in the box or they are used only for cleaning seals etc. I was mainly using these to wipe my squeegee down while cleaning the windows prior to installation which is why I'm sure they ended up in my tint. 

Whenever I put 30% over factory there is not a huge difference so I always recommend they put 20% to achieve a darker (but not super dark) look. 

Thanks! Have one coming in tomorrow!

We recently switched to State Farm if they are available in your state. We pay just under 1k a year and I think our garage keepers is at 75K

Make sure you have extra money for rent. Most people say have 6 months saved up for your shop. 

Also maybe enough for an advertising budget. 

Definitely a lot more to running business than renting a building and knowing how to tint. If you aren't ready to go at it with your guns loaded, I say take a step back and reevaluate your situation. Don't feel rushed into it because of the rental opportunity. Aside from your 3 years of part time experience from your garage, there is much to learn about the business and tinting cars itself, and I think in a small town you probably only have one chance to do it right. 

I think one of the bigger things you need to also ask yourself is are you financially able to do this? start-up costs, and making sure that you have extra money on hand because it might be a slow start. 

These dudes message me too! I always drag it on for weeks going back and forth! 

Pics

10 hours ago, Tconnor said:

Thank you.  I agree with the 6 months timeframe.  My knowledge on "how to do it" is vast, but actually getting to the point where a customer comes in with a VW GTI or a Porsche GT3, and confidently being able to handle the job without hesitation is where I want to be.  I'm in the process now of gathering as much information as possible, reading, watching videos, techniques etc....I will never just jump into anything for the sake of doing it, as I want to be confident, and be able to back it up with quality work.  

 

Thanks for the help!

Yeah I totally get that. Sometimes you have to be honest with customers and tell them what you can and cannot do. Unfortunately we can't do it all. Even though I have been doing this a long time there might be a few cars/jobs that I will turn down. I will simply let them know that that is out of my skill level and they might be better served by going to someone else. It sucks, but sometimes you gotta turn some down. Good luck!

Here in California it is also illegal to have film installed over the entire windshield. I think this would be the case for most every state but you'd have to check with your particular state. 

I don't think anyone would really know if you had CR90 on your windshield unless they really really looked up close. 

They do that in Baja California also. Just give em $20 and you are on your way!

Yup, pretty much boils down to zoning for your city. While most allow certain "home-based" business, customers are not usually allowed to come to the home (again depending on zoning). And there are limitations on what you can do, store, etc. Check with your city. 

Just did this the other day. I prop with an old yellow turbo with the pointy side up so it doesn't slip as easy and flat part against the window. Tape is so when I adjust the squeegee more to the right the wiper won't go down and touch the glass. 

I'm not trying to be harsh, but just honest. I think if you have these particular questions, you should ask yourself if you are really ready to be offering this service professionally to retail customers since I understand you are new to the business. 

But to answer some of your questions: 

Window size: I never remember the size of any back window. You should stock enough tint in different sizes and lengths to cover most vehicles. I personally stock 40", 30", 24", and 20" to cover all (or most) of my bases. If you are starting out and on a budget I'd just buy 40" inch rolls and that should cover most of the back windows out there and also you can do the sides by cutting it in half. 

I don't personally know of any manufacturers that do 25% but when customers ask me if I have a particular % I just tell them the closest one to it that I have and they are usually ok with it. So I wouldn't specifically try and look for a 25% just for this customer. 

I wouldn't splice that window and like TD said an inexperienced tinter probably wouldn't get it done in one piece anyway. Honestly, save yourself some stress and pass that vehicle up. 

22 hours ago, Super Dave said:

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve bought distilled water for installs before. (Mobile or on-site work) But if your tinting at the same place everyday, why don’t you guys rig up a good filter system? I’ve worked in several different places over the years, one shop even ran on well water, (free) in the middle of a big ass city. (Strange) Water was horrible, but maybe $50 bucks at Home Depot and an hour worth of work it was fine.

That's the long term plan. The quick fix for now was just to buy it in gallons

1 hour ago, wade_660 said:

The worst window I've done recently with a wiper is a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. It's like you're in the Olfa olympics cutting that back glass.

1 hour ago, Bham said:

 

Yes Sir.    I don’t keep many patterns, but. I actually keep that pattern on hand. 

DITTO! I keep that pattern as well. Saves the heartache. I'm too old for the Olympics

I'm lazy and don't remove them haha. I know many people do. I have a old yellow turbo that I use to prop them up when I have to. Sometimes use tape to keep part of it from touching the glass. Works for me!

22 hours ago, quality tintz said:

Yes this came to me one day and i thought im not wasting distilled water to cut out patterns and clean im just using the good stuff for install hahaha!

RIGHT!!!! It's kind of annoying having 2 different bottles but I'm frugal haha

23 hours ago, quality tintz said:

Thanks calitint!  im gonna do this then use old water just for cleaning bottle!! So i dont waste it!!! Orange slime or green i love the orange but it costs some bucks!

Agreed. I have separate bottles for my distilled water with tint slime and the rest of my bottles are for cleaning, prep, etc which I use J&J and regular water

You already sound like you have your head in the right direction and the background and support to succeed. 

If you are practicing mostly on the weekends  I personally think you are going to need way more time than 6 months though before you should start offering your service to the public. Takes quite a bit of time to learn. Not only do you need to learn how to tint, but you need to learn the industry itself, and also how to market and sell it. Seems like your business background should help you with everything else though. 

Keep reading, asking questions, watching the 100s of videos online, get some training, and practice practice practice!

There was a thread regarding this a while back, let me see if I could find it. Used to have these issues before. I don't know if making a fresh bottle matters but I wouldn't want to dump out my water especially if you are buying distilled. I usually dump the half full bottles together and then make fresh ones with empty ones. No problems. But every few months I clean out my bottles with rubbing alcohol and warm water. For every fresh bottle I make I usually put a little tap water in there, shake it up real good, and then dump it out for cleaning maintenance. 

We no longer use baby shampoo for installation anymore that much. Tint slime rocks!

On ‎5‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 1:00 PM, quality tintz said:

What is good ceramic film for good price??? Do you use a heatbox  to sell it???

I currently use Global Window Films - Quick Dry Plus Ceramic. I think it's a pretty reasonable price (still expensive though) and I use their Ice Cool Grey (ceramic) 80% for windshields. I like the film but it does have more of a greener tone to it (which I'm not a fan of) but once it's on the car and in darker shades its not too noticeable. 

I do use a heat box to sell it and it really helps. Some people specifically want ceramic because that's what they hear from other people and read on the internet so for those folks I just do the heat box for show. But if I need to convince someone the heat box definitely seals the deal. Great investment otherwise I feel like people will think I'm BS-ing lol

Dam that sucks! That is my worst fear! I think your response is perfect though. 

Try reporting the review and maybe it will get flagged and removed or at least "not recommended".