Golf983

Finally got my tint done couple weeks back, drove couple hours to a well known tinter with good reputation. It came out pretty much flawless, not one bubble or spec on the side windows. Plan on going to him for all my cars, pleased with his work. I went with pinnacle 35, they actually carry pretty much all the shades available (30,35,40 etc). Told that lady that shows you the options I wanted pinnacle 35 and also told the installer pinnacle 35 when we went over my car and he asked me what I wanted. I was so impressed with his work I didn’t look at my invoice/warranty sheet until I got home and it said pinnacle 30, lol. Called them up and he said lady up front wrote it up wrong on the invoice but that it was pinnacle 35 which I requested. Said he put it in the plotter himself and would show me with the light meter if I wanted. They sent me an updated warranty card with pinnacle 35 on it. I think it looks great.

I didn’t realize this is a forum for only window tinters, I’m confused why there are so many posts from those asking about tinting their car if that’s the case. I’m into all things cars, thought his comment was interesting in regard to money made tinting cars. I came here wanting to read up on tint films that are available and what constitutes a good tint because I bought a sweet car that had limo tint all around and needed to switch it out. In regard to lazy comment, I have come across many tinters in my area who basically whine about having to remove tint or anything that is more than just slapping some tint on an easy car for 400 bucks. I have however found some good tinters who take pride in their work and I’m not calling them lazy at all, in fact they have my business. Ryker kept coming at me and said need to have thick skin around here, thought I was ok with my comment it that was the case.

I don’t own a shop but as single operation would have to schedule farther out I suppose. Maybe do 3 one day 2 the next day pattern.

100 cars a month= 4 cars a day if your open 6 days a week. 3 hours per car = 12 hour days with no breaks as a single man operation, in other words not manageable if you are actually that busy. You would have to hire some people

Don’t be a lazy tinter, I’ve seen too many of them in my search for window tint but I suppose that comes with being a “window tinter” for a living

I did ask and he said it takes longer to cure but they tint year around. On my particular car forum there are guys who have done it in winter and been fine but some did say they had haze issues, bubbles etc for a long really time while curing. I think my tint would of turned out ok in time given what people have said but I don’t really need tint now during winter. My tinter also broke his foot and covid is going crazy, not a good time. Had I not researched I admittedly would of regretted getting it done in winter had I ran into some issues I mentioned above, might as well do it in better conditions to dry out faster

haha your full of ..., maybe next time I order a car I’ll have the experienced car salesman tell me what color and options I want without looking into it. That way I won’t think I could have got something better. See how ridiculous your reasoning is. I am also asking tinters their advice and the shop I’m using, not saying I know better. My neighbors car is the same year, model, trim, and interior. Exterior color is different and tint is different but it gives me a close enough idea. I’m on a forum for my particular car and 35 all around is one of the most popular choices and generally they are satisfied with it. Really though I don’t have much of a choice, 35 all around is the law in my state so that is what I’m going with. In Chicago, they are ruthless with tint tickets. First offense is like 250, second offense becomes a misdemeanor. I’m not a dumba** 17 year old and just going to throw dark tint on it

Also my neighbor has the same car I’ve got and has 35% tint, I think it’s perfect. I wouldn’t go any darker but that’s my taste. That’s the reason I’ve done my homework, so I don’t regret what I have installed. it sounds like you have dealt with a lot of people who don’t figure this stuff out prior to getting tint and just bring it to the shop nearest to them on the corner, then have regrets, which ironically you are accusing me of being the opposite. You should want customers who ask first and research like myself

Your nuts man, my car had tint when I bought it and it had a few tiny dust bubbles, I thought it was a fine install. It was 5% tint, 20% front and wasn’t ceramic so I’m changing it out. I didn’t notice any sparkling on my defroster lines with the limo tint on back, in fact it was much better vs. being blinded by cars in my hatchback. ive also checked out the tint installs on cars at my gym where there are alot of nice cars and they all seemed like pretty good installs to me. ive looked up your shop and I wouldn’t do much talking if I were you

dude, chill out, you don’t have to read my posts and no I don’t have a garage right now. I’m asking simple questions and yes it is getting below freezing at night and I’m waking up to frost on my windows, forecast has changed some. I’m planning on just waiting until spring, I don’t need the tint for winter really and covid is going crazy.

Yea, I have used the search, most say doesn’t matter with some saying not to do it below freezing temps. I have asked the shop, said it just takes longer to cure. Obviously, he isn’t going to turn me away to make money so researching it as well

so I don't really need tint this winter but could get it tinted on monday next week. Do you guys think these forecasted temps are worse than ideal or should I wait until spring if I want the best tint job possible? I know its possible to tint in cooler temps I just want the best tint job and don't really need it this winter.

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Here’s close up pic of the rear window wonder what kind of tint it is too

Yea, its at least 35 and pretty clear in person, looks slightly darker in pic. I was wondering if it was 35 or 40. There is no way that’s 50 percent tint right?

What percent you guys think this tint is?

be honest with him and tell him it doesn’t look like crystalline but another 3m film. Doesn’t have the same qualities, get it removed and refunded. I wouldn’t let him touch my windshield again. Find a better installer even if you have to drive more than two hours or pick a different film

Call and tell the manager your concerns that it’s not crystalline they installed. I wouldn’t let them do it again though, I would have them remove it and refund. I think the only way to prove it’s not crystalline, is to remove and send a small sample of it to 3m

I’ve noticed if you look on the bmw, Audi etc, more luxury cars forums, they tend to like the lighter tint shades, 40 and up a lot more than others.

well this is pretty much the last week that it's going to be mild weather, 60's. After that is 40 or below, I would be a better tint job in warmer 60 degree weather, right?

I’m thinking of checking out crystalline now as well, I have a feeling it was crystalline on that Audi, seemed like a lighter tint. anyone have experience on crystalline tints? I’m wanting to stay legal

qdp35 specs on their site is 38 vlt, llumar IRX35 specs is 38 vlt and ctx35 is 37 vlt. The qdp35 has the same vlt spec as the llumar and was 27 on my front windows. I just don’t see how ctx35 or IRX35 would be 30 or higher on my windows but the stores tell me it will be. They don’t carry a 40. im asking you guys because you guys lay these tints 5 days a week on factory windows. I don’t want to drive two hours to these places for my appointment that carry llumar and have it test below 30 so am just doing my homework. Ryker, your in Illinois, whats the lowest you use for people who want to stay legal on sedan? I understand there aren’t many who care about being legal but it can become a major pita if cops do care, only takes one.

so why are these shops telling me llumar ctx, IRX 35 won’t go below 30 on my factory windows with 75 percent factory tint already? I’ve had multiple tell me that which are too far away to just have them test it first. my test with shop close to me says that is not true, the qdp ceramic 35 held up to window was 27, are they lying to me just to get sales?

I was at the gym today and walking in I saw this white Audi that had tint that I liked, wasn’t too dark and looked like a good install. Waited for them to come out and asked where they got it done, they didn’t know and said they bought it like that. going to try getting a pic to see what percentage and type of tint you guys think it is next time they are at the gym

Well it’s the qdp 35, think it measures at 38 though