Window Tinting - General Discussion

54,083 topics in this forum

1. 

   Haze after Llumar IRX install 1 2

   June 5, 2023 by readthebook

   • 3 followers
   • 13 replies
   • 3.6k views

   Have had many vehicles tinted and have used various films from Suntek, 3M, Solargard and Xpel over the years. This is the first time having Llumar IRX or any Llumar branded film. Only 48 hours in but I never recall seeing the amount of haze I’m seeing with this stuff. Also noticing very intense uniform vertical bands when looking through the window with my sunglasses, like the roll of film was creased? I don’t know. The whole thing seems a little off. Looking for any advice and experiences with this film. Thanks

   

   Last reply by ChoiceWindowTint, March 20

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2. 

   Great to be back to the best tint forum ever 1 2

   February 16 by shineorshade

   • 2 followers
   • 10 replies
   • 1.2k views

   When you start getting old you start to reflect on why and how you are where your at in life now..Went to school in Martinsville Virgina for a week in 2000..class was a bunch of young people I was 38..Already had a booming Dtail shop at the time but i knew times were changing and I didnt want to b detailing in my 50s..Tint dude was a must for my learning curb and such great advice since school only taught the basics..I see its still a great place to come to for Tinters all over the world to bond and get advice..Will try to be more active on site since Im slowing down and try to contribute for the 24 years I have experienced..Yes at 61 I still Tint a few cars a day and du…

   

   Last reply by Bham, March 20

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3. 

   Same Brand:Model Film - Does Optic change

   March 19 by mobiledynamics

   • 1 follower
   • 0 replies
   • 368 views

   Batch production aside as in a bad roll. Take 2 films. Xpel XR Plus 70% vs 50% I had 50% installed on the same windshield. I have zero issues with clarity since it was done a month ago.... I was expecting some cloudiness depending on sunlight, LAH, etc until it finally cured On the original 70%, that was my issue. I was experience cloudiness Which led me to the four and you guys taught me about LAH LAH etc in certain lighting conditions and this lasted for 5 months until 1 day it all disappeared. For my own Wiki, was it because the 70% might have had too much water on the install . I was expecting the sam…

   

   Last reply by mobiledynamics, March 19
4. 

   Experienced Tinter Salary?

   March 12 by Coyote504

   • 1 follower
   • 2 replies
   • 618 views

   Hello, curious to know whats a Good Salary for a Experienced Window Tinter These days?? A tinter that can average about 5-7 Full Cars a day.

   

   Last reply by Coyote504, March 12
5. 

   Window tint dust

   March 8 by Jaked

   • 1 follower
   • 3 replies
   • 709 views

   Just asking a question that had made me very irritated lately. I’m relatively new in the tint game but I can tint doors flawlessly. However when I tint windshields in particular I cannot figure out how to not get small dust spots on the side of the windshield every single time. I have watched many videos on the reverse roll technique I try to take not hitting the side panels very serious when applying the tint however still seem to run into issues with dust specs. Please help!

   

   Last reply by pbalentine, March 9

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6. 

   Looking for a tool

   March 6 by vmamay64

   • 3 followers
   • 2 replies
   • 459 views

   Ребята! Еду из России в Орландо (Флорида) в гости к сыну. Хочу купить инструмент для тонировки в Орландо. Где это можно сделать? Guys! I'm going from Russia to Orlando (Florida) to visit my son. I want to buy a tinting tool in Orlando. Where can this be done?

   

   Last reply by vmamay64, March 8

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7. 

   Looking for an experienced(more than 3 years) tinter in Maryland.

   March 6 by joe cho

   • 1 follower
   • 0 replies
   • 275 views

   We are looking for Window tinters in the state of Maryland. We are looking for team player. Tintinc : 1011 crain hwy south Glenburnie MD 21061. Please call 410-761-0003 or email greenbere12@gmail.com

   

   Last reply by joe cho, March 6
8. 

   Window Tint Installer Looking for Commercial Automotive Residential Work

   March 2 by Newwave Window Tint

   • 1 follower
   • 0 replies
   • 348 views

   I’m a traveling Window Tint Installer 8yrs experienced in Automotive commercial Residential Looking for Out Of Town Work I’m interested in Flying to different states depending on the Jobs an pay I’m a experienced hand Cutter if you have work need an experienced Tinter Give me a call are Text. ( Bryant) 760-662-9666

   

   Last reply by Newwave Window Tint, March 2
9. 

   OG tinter

   February 22 by tintpioneer

   • 3 replies
   • 501 views

   Hey. how are we all doing. Im one of the original members back to say hello

   

   Last reply by tintpioneer, February 23

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10. 

    I think I might have messed up my tint by accident

    February 17 by Hmuser123

    • 2 followers
    • 2 replies
    • 695 views

    I just got a fresh tint on my car today. It was a ceramic tint with xr plus if that’s relevant. Anyways someone in front of me drove over a big puddle which splashed water all over my windshield when I was driving and windshield wipers to get it off so I could see. and then later I was in a parking garage where I had to get a ticket from the machine and like an idiot I rolled the window down to get the ticket. I realized when I rolled it back up because the window was super blurry for a few seconds but it cleared up after. It’s been hours since those moments but I’m seeing little vertical and horizontal lines on my windshield and driver window. All…

    

    Last reply by WearTheFoxHat, February 20

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11. 

    Looking for cheap wholesale provider

    December 12, 2023 by williamheap09

    • 5 followers
    • 4 replies
    • 752 views

    Hi guys, I work for a company called Lustalux in the UK, we have recently setup a new ecommerce store selling building window film and decorative film. We have 2 main competitors in the UK, both of which manage to source their film at a hugely cheaper cost than Bonwyke and other commercial suppliers in the UK. Does anyone know of any cheaper Asian/European suppliers of film that can provide alternatives to the commercial films we already buy, but much cheaper? Thanks in advanced.

    

    Last reply by JW Choi, February 16
12. 

    Advice - is this tinting job acceptable? 1 2 3

    January 22 by Pbear

    • 2 followers
    • 28 replies
    • 2.2k views

    Had a mobile tinter come and apply Rayno S9 nano-ceramic coat on a new sports sedan. I get that no job is perfect, but there's a fair amount of dust bubbles and a couple of fibers trapped on all 4 doors. Thoughts on this job? Am I being unreasonable in asking for this to be fixed?

    

    Last reply by doctor4766, February 16

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13. 

    Driving instructor busted for "extreme" tint

    February 10 by WearTheFoxHat

    • 1 follower
    • 1 reply
    • 469 views

    https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/driving-instructor-charged-in-peel-region-after-allegedly-operating-school-vehicle-with-extreme-window-tint-1.6762131

    

    Last reply by Dano, February 10

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14. 

    Is LAH or haze different in Lighter vs Darker Film

    February 3 by mobiledynamics

    • 1 follower
    • 4 replies
    • 558 views

    1st time ever having WS tinted. Previous cars with comfort, solar, etc film on it - never a issue visually. I originally had 70% Xpel done. I came to to forum to ask what I was seeing, and LAH become a topic... The film was installed circa Late August-September and I feel like LAH was always here and there depending on the exterior lighting and after about 5-6 months later, it just disappeared. I dunno if it was moisture , etc, but LAH was just gone in all lighting conditions. Fast forward today. Had the WS done 2 days ago, and while it's not enough driving time, it's been optically clear to me at all times. Here I was think it's go…

    

    Last reply by mobiledynamics, February 5
15. 

    3M / Llumar 50%

    January 31 by mobiledynamics

    • 3 replies
    • 560 views

    Going to visit the local 3m / Llumar shops to see but their current lineup at 50%, what coloration hue is it. Some brands tend to sway on a bit on the brown, green, etc to it. Have had Xpel 30, 20 and 70% primarily in the last few years and it's always perfect in a charcoals tone. The 50% in XR and Plus - wasn't too crazed about the slight blueish hue.

    

    Last reply by mobiledynamics, February 2

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16. 

    Which is thicker, heavier tint

    February 1 by tony27

    • 2 followers
    • 4 replies
    • 705 views

    Recently I brought some tint on line it was thick, 2mil 2 layer. When I used it was very thin & light film and had heaps of issues with it, I need more tint for annexe windows and am looking at a 2ply 1.5ml tint. My question is the 2 ply 1.5ml tint a bit thicker tint to use. I am only beginner at doing tinting

    

    Last reply by tony27, February 2

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17. 

    Tint different colors/work quality 1 2 3 4

    January 25 by Drassic

    • 4 followers
    • 37 replies
    • 2.9k views

    I recently had my car tinted which has rear privacy glass. Where I live the fronts can be 35% vlt and rears 20% legally. I opted to stay in this range. Due to the privacy glass on the back I put 70% there and 40% on the front. I knew this wouldn’t match darkness, but it’s closer than they were factory and stayed without the legal range. The manufacturer of the tint is Global who I understand to be quite good. Due to varying vlt options, I used two different tints on the back and front. So same manufacturer, but different ‘line’. Otherwise the back would have had horrible heat properties and the front more lighter in shade. It was the best combo for heat/vlt. From the out…

    

    Last reply by Drassic, January 31

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18. 

    Seeking advice regarding residential security window film 1 2 3

    November 14, 2017 by electric_monk

    • 2 followers
    • 21 replies
    • 6.7k views

    Hi all, a bit of background: I'm paranoid, and always worry about the security of my home when I'm away. It makes holidays abroad and even visiting friends a bit of a downer, though I realise it's totally a psychological problem, as I've yet to actually experience a break in. However, that doesn't mean I can't try to alleviate the concerns! Basically amongst other things (like door armour) I was considering window film to make it harder to get in my house - I know a determined burglar will always get in (after all, the houses around here are just wood, so they could just take a reciprocating or circular saw and make a new hole) but window film seems like it'd …

    

    Last reply by TintDude, January 31

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19. 

    Labor rates 1 2

    January 23 by RacerX64

    • 1 follower
    • 17 replies
    • 1.4k views

    As the director of accessories for a new high end new luxury dealership in Atlanta GA, Buckhead, for 17 years, we handle all our accessories in house. We are at the end stage of our new tint center being completed. We have a great tinter that we have sublet all to. We have decided to partner with Eastman films and their products. My installer has proposed the following for labor. Keep in mind, my goal is to have all labor in house as flat rate with existing employees( someone from detai, etc) 1 window 30 2 window 60 5 windows 130 7 windows 140 9 window 150 11 window 170 Single sunroof 30 Full pano 80 Visor 20 Back glass…

    

    Last reply by pbalentine, January 31

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20. 

    what is this tint witchery?

    January 25 by civicrice

    • 6 replies
    • 715 views

    I've been having customers call for tint then asking if i do the tint that you cant see in but can see out ? they describe it as a tint that can be dark as a limo but easy to see out similar to OEM tinted glass. Anyone heard of this? something about a carbon/ceramic , ceramic. I do keep having a "gabes detailing shop" guy come up on my instagram feed. He shows off this magical tint and when I commented about it he just says its a 100% ceramic with 99% IR rejection. doesn't mention what brand or anything like that. can't find any reputable carbon film suppliers that are worth stocking aside from maybe flex film (newer stuff held up for 7 years on baby mammas whip). judgi…

    

    Last reply by Tintguy1980, January 27

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21. 

    Tint Software

    January 25 by Rich S

    • 2 followers
    • 3 replies
    • 405 views

    Does anyone have any experience with TintWiz or DigiCut?

    

    Last reply by Rich S, January 26

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22. 

    Advice on internally non-reflective architectural film 1 2 3

    December 25, 2023 by Tintem

    • 5 followers
    • 21 replies
    • 1.9k views

    Hi guys, I’m looking for advice on some architectural film. I hope I’ve posted in the right place. I want to tint the windows in my apartment. It would be nice to have some degree of added privacy and UV/heat protection but those are secondary. The main thing I’m looking for is something with low internal reflectivity because I don’t want my internal lights to interfere with the view. I saw 3M’s “Sun Control Window Film, Night Vision Series” and it looks great but it’s quite a lot more than I want to spend. It looks to be about $1750 per roll and you get a lot more than I need. Is there anything else that has similar non-ref…

    

    Last reply by Tintguy1980, January 25

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23. 

    2024 Accord Backglass

    January 20 by bee knob

    • 1 follower
    • 2 replies
    • 515 views

    Hello. Anybody finding the 2024 Accord back glass a little tricky? Using a bulldozer on the bottom when you draw it out is wants to fill any excess water back between the glass and film.

    

    Last reply by Steveo, January 22

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24. 

    Tinting in L.A

    January 19 by jaycee

    • 6 replies
    • 506 views

    anyone know what the market is like for Tinting and Wrapping in LA? thinking of moving out there to set up shop

    

    Last reply by jaycee, January 20

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25. 

    Solar Gard Xenith IR

    January 19 by Shesadragon

    • 1 follower
    • 0 replies
    • 491 views

    Has anyone used this and know it lasts in the hot AZ sun? A reputable installer in my area uses this Film, but I’ve not heard half as much about it as others. I’ve heard a couple people say their Llumar ceramic turned green. Not sure what’s been tried and true, but I plan on keeping my Bronco for a long time and want this ceramic tint to last for awhile.

    

    Last reply by Shesadragon, January 19
26. 

    Advice needed and appreciated!!! 1 2

    January 12 by Damien

    • 2 followers
    • 11 replies
    • 1k views

    Hey guys, I’m going to start by thanking all that have helped me become a window tinter. I started from scratch about a year ago learning off of youtube and this forum mainly from @DanoI hope he sees this. I have had steady business for the past few months. Bussiness is steady but not enough of it. I’m getting around 3-4 cars a week. I use a carbon film and I’m only charging around 160$ for full installs. And half of those jobs are factory match jobs that I charge around 80$ This is what I’m needing help with… I really need to raise my prices because I’m not making enough money to continue doing this. I live in a small town and I’m the only tinter in the county. But Iv tr…

    

    Last reply by Dano, January 16

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27. 

    Advice on one-way films for studying fish 1 2

    January 4 by Fish1

    • 1 follower
    • 15 replies
    • 1.4k views

    Hello everyone, This is an unusual request so please feel free to let me know if I should post elsewhere. We are looking for a one-way view solution for a study on fish behavior. We are looking at how fish choose who to group with. We will have a fish in one tank that can see two groups of fish in neighboring tanks. We want to use a one-way coating/film on a piece of glass or PVC so that the subject fish can see the groups, but the group can’t see the subject fish. (So, the group of fish is like the suspect in an interrogation room – we’ll make their tanks brighter so the one-way works). This is to stop the group seeing and interacting with the subject f…

    

    Last reply by Bham, January 14

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28. 

    Rivian Truck

    December 22, 2023 by outtydad

    • 1 follower
    • 5 replies
    • 1.1k views

    I don't see any topic open yet for this brand. I have one coming in and have not done one yet. any tips or tricks?

    

    Last reply by jbrekkie, January 14

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29. 

    Dow 995 removal

    January 6 by Solar Control Specialists

    • 1 follower
    • 1 reply
    • 605 views

    Looking for advice on cured Dow 995 removal from frames . Is there anyway to remove this product from aluminum and metal frames without damaging the surfaces.

    

    Last reply by Tintguy1980, January 6
30. 

    Clarity of Ceramic under Foggy Overcast Rainy Conditions

    December 29, 2023 by mobiledynamics

    • 1 follower
    • 4 replies
    • 811 views

    Maybe I'm just getting old.....last eye dr visit was about 9 months ago, still healthy... 70% Xpel XR Plus upfront. Heavy fog, overcast, raindriven water on windshield@ speed, etc.... Interior glass is clean. I was just having overall -decent clarity- issues. It was a bit of a struggle at times seeing what I believe should be better clarity through the glass Is it me or the dang tint.

    

    Last reply by Tintguy1980, January 6

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31. 

    Merry Christmas!

    December 25, 2023 by TintDude

    • 3 followers
    • 4 replies
    • 401 views

    I hope everyone has a nice Christmas and a happy new year!

    

    Last reply by Tintguy1980, December 28, 2023

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32. 

    What to do if the rail on my plotter is cut up?

    December 27, 2023 by Mikeg21

    • 1 follower
    • 3 replies
    • 391 views

    Hey guys, I have a Roland GX 500 plotter and the Teflon rail that goes along. The whole plotter has cuts in it and I’m noticing my film is punching up where those cuts are made. How can I fix this? Is there anything I can do to repair this or do I need to order a new part for it?

    

    Last reply by Tintguy1980, December 28, 2023

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33. 

    front windshield 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

    December 17, 2023 by JBoyd2023

    • 2 followers
    • 8 replies
    • 970 views

    I've read a lot of horror stories about tinting front shields on Jeep and Dodge with modules getting wet behind the dashboard i have a customer wanting the front shield on a new Cherokee but i don't know if i want to get involved with it and end up with a can of worms

    

    Last reply by Dano, December 28, 2023

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34. 

    Help me calculating final vlt

    December 19, 2023 by irshad

    • 1 follower
    • 4 replies
    • 453 views

    Hi My car has factory-installed privacy glass. I believe its VLT is around 27%. I applied an additional tint that blocks 50% of the light, but I'm not happy with the result. If I apply another layer that also blocks 50% of the light, what will be the final VLT? thankx

    

    Last reply by Dano, December 19, 2023

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35. 

    84” Wide Architectural Film??

    December 14, 2023 by SWS Window Films

    • 1 follower
    • 1 reply
    • 443 views

    So…. I’ve been a professional in this industry for about 30 years. Back in the day, there was a rumor about an architectural film that was made in a 84” wide roll. Always thought it was a myth until today. In the course of inspection during a project site visit for a residential project, I found that such a film was installed at some point by a previous homeowner. The window measured at 104” wide by 82” tall and had a film on it that was at about a 70% VLT with no seam. Does ANYBODY out there have any info about such a product past or present?

    

    Last reply by alberts316, December 14, 2023

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36. 

    CLS500 Merc

    December 12, 2023 by TintGal

    • 1 follower
    • 2 replies
    • 411 views

    Just tried to tint my first CLS500 Sedan, it was a 2008 model. I successfully tinted the sides but I got to the rear and couldn’t get the film or any of my tools behind that break light. Iv never had a rear were the break light was so tight against the glass. Just wanted to see if anyone has any tips or tricks to tinting them.

    

    Last reply by TintGal, December 12, 2023

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37. 

    BOOST SALES WITH SF WINDOW TINT & PPF

    December 11, 2023 by Supreme Films And Coatings

    • 0 replies
    • 309 views

    If you are looking to increase your sales SF is the way of the future! Get out with the old and in with the new like our newest instal company Auto Armor located in Arvada, CO. We just set up our newest dealer with our Window Film and PPF (Clear-Bra) display boards so he can take his install business to the next level. Check out our website at www.supremefilms.com to discover what makes our films far superior to the others in the marketplace.

    

    Last reply by Supreme Films And Coatings, December 11, 2023
38. 

    EZ Pass Readers - Ceramic Tint

    December 8, 2023 by mobiledynamics

    • 1 follower
    • 4 replies
    • 798 views

    Back in the days ......when my cars had comfort film in it, there was cutout up top and Botton in the middle of the windshield to accommodate for this. So far, in my experience, I don't think my toll pass transponder is working behind Xpel Plus Windshield. For those more familiar, are the EZ Pass readers working behind Ceramic Tinted Windshields ? Out here we have many readers that are based on camera reads. But the ones that are reading the physical transponder, this is where it appears to not be working

    

    Last reply by mobiledynamics, December 11, 2023
39. 

    Top 3-5 window film manufacturers

    December 7, 2023 by TXShade4110

    • 1 follower
    • 3 replies
    • 630 views

    I’ve been using global but not happy with them. Who should I go with

    

    Last reply by Ryker, December 8, 2023

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40. 

    Flat Glass Installer Pay

    December 1, 2023 by 333filmguy777

    • 2 followers
    • 0 replies
    • 452 views

    I have a new residential/commercial flat glass business and want to hire an experienced installer who is very good. What would be an competitive rate to pay someone by the Sq Ft assuming they are experienced, professional and motivated?

    

    Last reply by 333filmguy777, December 1, 2023