Window Tinting - General Discussion
An Open Forum for the Window Tinting Industry.
54,083 topics in this forum
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- 1 follower
- 9 replies
- 740 views
Hi guys, we are a new flat windows tinting business, and we came across a windows installing company that proposes us to work as their contractors. What could be the conditions in such a partnership from your point of view? For example, we could charge them 20% less then the market price, letting them earn this 20% share. Does it seem reasonable? What's your view on this issue? Thank you
Last reply by Basil, -
- 2 followers
- 0 replies
- 436 views
What's the going rate for security film subcontractors with dow 995 anchoring
Last reply by Detaildoctor, -
Damage from heat gun VS QC issue
by Guest- 4 replies
- 872 views
I picked up my new car Wednesday and got its windows tinted a couple days after I got it. Yesterday, I noticed some weird roughage on the black triangle plastic piece in the front of the driver's side window. I'm trying to figure out if this is a QC issue or possible damage from the tinter before I reach out to them. I appreciate your input.
Last reply by callwild, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
- 1.1k views
Hey all, Planning to DIY some windows on a residence. Would like to try some Geoshield Geo, however it's a strange film as it's specc'ed as Architectural but has a PS Adhesive. Before I make a big mistake, I was wondering if this would be a b%tch to remove if I have to do so, 10-15 years down the line *shrug*. I mean, everyone hates removing adhesive on auto tint, so If I have to scrape all the windows on the house to redo then it might be better to get something that is Dry Adhesive instead. This is going on french pane-styled windows, so uhh yeah. I better think long and hard. Any thoughts? I figure most Architectural lines …
Last reply by doctor4766, -
- 2 followers
- 14 replies
- 1.4k views
I made a video showing my method for heating and stretching tint https://youtu.be/Voo_psl0Vjg
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 1 follower
- 3 replies
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Hi all! I live in northern California and I am deciding between Madico Black Pearl vs Rayno Phantom line (s5/s9). Just trying to figure out what tint is better from my C300. Most shops in the area carry these brands and after looking at the forums here they both have there pros and cons. I have a dark blue car with a beige interior what film would be most suitable? I was quote $350 for the madico , $300 for the s5 and $380 for s9. I have read the specs and information online but I want to hear about longevity and personal experiences with these products. Thank you in advance!
Last reply by Steve Jackson, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 728 views
Rayno S9 and S7 on their site say "Charcoal" and S5 says "Black." This confuses me. The "greyness" of a tint would be determined by the VLT, right? Seems strange to me to label one as black and one as "charcoal." In short, I want the highest quality (S9) but with "black" (even if I choose VLT around 40%). I guess my desire is not an option with Rayno? Can an experienced pro help me understand what this "Charcoal" label actually means in terms of how it will look? For Tesla Model 3. Thank you so much!
Last reply by Steve Jackson, -
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- 339 views
Anybody looking for install work in Texas? Job will take around a week installing 8mil and IPA. Experienced installer only
Last reply by SolarStop, -
- 2 replies
- 874 views
I'm looking for the highest quality tint for my Tesla Model 3 (including big rear window, roof and front windshield). I have a decent understanding of specs (after some research), but how important is brand? Does one brand stand out as superior to the others? Any brands to avoid? In general, can I get pretty much any brand without any major worries or issues? What questions should even be asked to choose a brand? Based in southern California (Los Angeles). Would love to hear it from the pros. Thank you so much!
Last reply by Mikeb2004, -
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Hello. I'm working with a 2006 GMC Canyon and I'm reattaching the mirror foot to the black "frit" portion of the windshield that we just tinted. I heard that I'm supposed to use a LocTite primer and adhesive but are there specific #'s like loctite SF7471 etc. Thanks all.
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 1 reply
- 475 views
Any one done any marketing on the app "nextdoor" . Is it worth looking into ?
Last reply by TintDude, -
- 2 followers
- 7 replies
- 560 views
Currently I use solarfx film And lately, I've been buying more tools and stuff like that. I've been looking to open a business. And I was wondering if anybody could point me in the direction of a windshield chip repair and headlight restoration vendor. I'm looking at glasweld now and was curious what you guys thought.
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 4 replies
- 950 views
Hi all, Had my local shop put 70% Suntek CIR on my windshield a few days ago. Driving home I noticed it was pretty dark and thought “wow this is 70%?” Seems a shade or two lighter than my 18% CIR front windows. Went back and asked him to check, his meter showed 52% VLT and he said that was correct for a 70% tint on the windshield. So the factory windshield on a 2023 F150 has some tint to it? Is that normal? Thanks I’m advance.
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 2 followers
- 20 replies
- 1.6k views
Hi there guys, first post here. And I don't wanna come across as a Karen but well......... lol I have a car from the 1980's and have the glass out of the car. I have called some tint shops and they are insistent on knowing what type of vehicle it is. I just say "well I'm just bringing the glass separately so make doesn't apply". The reason I try to dodge around it is past experience with dishonest businesses. Kind of 2023 people in general, sadly. Anyways, what I'm getting at is I am trying to see who's going to just dig and dig for that information. I just can't help think that they're trying to price it based on what type of car I have. If I say I ha…
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 1 follower
- 4 replies
- 383 views
Hey guys, I’m about 4 months in on being a self taught tinter. I started out bottom loading meaning removing door panels and all that fun stuff. I try two staging but it just does not work good for me. What is yours all process when it comes to damaging customers vehicle? I don’t not have business insurance yet. How do you all go about informing the customer of the damage?
Last reply by Dano, -
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- 656 views
What's the best heat rejection film with the lightest visible color? (Also scratch resistant from a dog.)
Last reply by Dano, -
- 2 replies
- 468 views
Come on guys…we’re better than this. You take one screw out & pull out the sweep. Then you don’t need to have a big gap, because thar mirror side is so short. These Mazda CX5 rollups, along with Lexus’ are peer misery to tuck.
Last reply by pbalentine, -
Xpel Prime Plus vs. Huper Optic Nano Ceramic 1 2
by Guest Tint Novice Darren- 15 replies
- 14.1k views
I'm in Los Angeles. I have two tint shops on standby for my coupe. Based on their yelp reviews (volume and stars), they are both reputable as far as workmanship. For the same price of $400, covering all windows except front windshield: -Shop A is offering Xpel Prime Plus -Shop B is offering Huper Optic Nano Ceramic. If desired, Shop B also offers Drei on the sides for an extra $100. Tint Pros, what do I do here?? I care mostly about keeping heat out. Appearance wise, I only care that the tint stay one color for 2.5 years (this is a lease) and doesn't sway a certain hue to distinctly. Please advise - thank you in advance for your …
Last reply by Howard Yehti, -
- 1 follower
- 27 replies
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I recently tried out the xpel film and it was a lot different than what I'm used too, other films I have used include Avery Denison, when applying heat it becomes normal smiley faces that I can just push down without any tension and feels smooth, but today when shrinking the xpel film I kept getting these long tense smileys that felt extremely stiff but could be pushed down with a hard card, I usually prep in the H pattern, and I use soapy water and then wipe it clean and just let it dry, could that be happening today because the surface didn't fully dry and was damp? or that's something exclusively with xpel film
Last reply by DynamicATL, -
Polestar 1
by boomer- 2 replies
- 588 views
Has anyone done this car?
Last reply by Dano, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 384 views
Please let me know
Last reply by JW Choi, -
- 1 reply
- 833 views
Hey guys, trying to get through all the muck and make a decision on residential window tints. Wanting reduced heat. Have 3 different options each from a different installer. The Huper Optic Therm-X 70 from one installer has been quoted $300 cheaper than both the Huper Optik ceramic 50 and the 3mP70. I've seen the stats on NFRC for the Ceramic50 and the P70, other than visible light transmission they seem pretty similar (I don't know how big of a difference 0.03 is), wasn't able to find stats for the ThermX 70. HO Ceramic 50 Operator Type Default Glazing Reference …
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
- 2 replies
- 670 views
Hey guys, I had my 2001 E46 M3 convertible retinted on Thursday 7/20. I had the tinter tint the car mostly with the top down. Every glass including the windshield. I didn't tint the rear windshield because I'm having the convertible top replaced this fall with a new OEM part. My question is - the humidity has been crazy here in NY these past few days. The car is parked indoors with the top down and the doors slightly open so the glass doesnt touch the weather stripping during the curing process. Should I allow more curing time since it's been humid? The dewpoint has been higher than the humidity which is a recipe for a moisture disaster lol. …
Last reply by Tintguy1980, -
- 2 followers
- 0 replies
- 488 views
Has anybody had issues tinting the sunroof on the brand new Lucid?
Last reply by awt, -
- 2 followers
- 4 replies
- 614 views
Hello forum, New here to the forum but not new to window tinting. I've been installing commercial and residential film for almost 10 years with our family business. I'm starting my own business tinting commercial and residential window and I'm looking for a quality manufacturer that sells to small home based business'. I'm very familiar with the big brands and I'm on that level to open an account with them yet. So I'm looking for an alternative that sells quality tint to the little guys. I've search some of the forum but there's a lot and couldn't find what I was looking for so sorry if this is a common question asked. Any info will help and thanks in advanced…
Last reply by Jerrybigbird, -
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- 569 views
I've been hemming and hawing at this so dare I ask I do want to get my front WS retinted Just the mere idea of the steps involved on removal and cleaning to get a good base for new tint scares the heckuva out me...... And the windshield is on a slope, unlike a door so I presume it's even harder for the installer to manage the whole cleaning process than standing straight on a door. So let me hear it. Pro's do this everyday and shiiiiiii happens sometimes. Or no, steam, peel off and there will be minimal to clean = less potential for damage.
Last reply by Dano, -
- 7 replies
- 678 views
My back HURTS! Had a damn 02 civic coupe in the shop for 20% ceramic all around and between having 0 space in the back and having such a tight decklid, I’m HURTING. I’m genuinely considering becoming an SUV/hatchback/truck only shop, I’m tired of crawling all up in the backseat and trunk for the same pay as a truck that I can do in 1/4 of the time with less effort. Rant over, this shit sucks
Last reply by Dano, -
- 1 follower
- 13 replies
- 2.7k views
So, I got my windows tinted on a new BMW 8 series GC. I've never been to this shop before but the reviews seem decent. The guy comes up to me when he's finished and says to only have the AC on my feet and to not roll my windows down for 2 weeks. I've had probably 6-7 tinted cars and I've never been told 2 weeks. Nor to have my AC on feet only. I think nothing of the AC on feet suggestion and leave everything on auto as I usually have it. I leave the shop, and maybe a 30 minute drive later, I stop and get gas. I notice the back window tint is already peeling. I return the next day. His excuse was, "you must have the AC blasting". I've never in my life heard of AC affecting…
Last reply by HemiCoupe, -
- 2 followers
- 9 replies
- 753 views
Hey all, I have my first paid job coming up next week and have 4 more scheduled after that one. Iv been practicing non stop for the past month or so. Iv went thru 3 different 100 ft rolls on my vehicles and other friends and family vehicles. Just seeing if anybody has any tips or suggestions for the start of my business journey? I’m starting my prices supper cheap. I’m doing a complete 4 door car install for 80$ using a decent carbon film. I know that’s super cheap but I’m trying to build a good customer base before I raise the prices. Thank you all in advance for any tips and suggestions you all give me.
Last reply by Dano, -
Tint Slime 1 2
by IPATinting- 1 follower
- 19 replies
- 2.1k views
Anybody still using tint slime? I’ve still been using it and still love it
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 1 reply
- 767 views
How does Rayno compare to Global, LLUMAR, ceramic pro, hitek?
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 674 views
Hello! Has anyone tinted the new golf? I have one booked for next week and just wondering what I should expect! from the pictures online the back glass doesn't look nearly as curved as previous generations, any insights will be helpful thank you.
Last reply by pbalentine, -
- 7 replies
- 461 views
I'm just curious about your thoughts on why there are not many new posts in the car brand section of the forum. I find this forum invaluable when it comes to new models, how to's, etc.... but lately I find that there are very few posts about newer models. Am I missing something? thanks.
Last reply by TintDude, -
Are you an experienced Automotive Window Tint installer with PPF experience. Want to work for a shop that will provide regular continuing training for a long-term career, commissions you can support a family on, in a state-of-the-art climate-controlled facility, with some of the biggest names in the business to support you, daily? Seeking Automotive Lead tinter for immediate hire in our St. Charles MO location. Offering benefits to include: - Paid holidays - Paid vacation - 5-day work week for work life balance - continuing training for a long-term career - VERY competitive base salary with generous weekly bonus Tint World, an…
Last reply by Tint World Saint Charles, -
- 1 follower
- 1 reply
- 488 views
was looking into motshield tint, they sell precut tint for specific vehicles. my question is, is this a professional grade film or some cheap crap that will turn purple in a few months. Could I offer this to customers and not have to worry about quality
Last reply by DynamicATL, -
- 3 followers
- 4 replies
- 574 views
So I’m in the process of starting my own tint shop. Very small and local shop. Is there a website or company you all would recommend for making signs and business cards? I don’t really want to spend much money but I want the best bang for the buck. Thank you all in advance!
Last reply by Damien, -
- 2 replies
- 712 views
New Window Tint Technology, by a controller button can easy from transparency to opaque. Smart Film, easy to install. Turn-On Transparency. Turn-Off Opaque.
Last reply by Mjdive, -
- 2 replies
- 726 views
Tinters - LONG time lurker, first time poster. Let me say up front, this forum has been a wealth of knowledge and has been tremendously helpful! 🤙 So, I'm not a professional tinter nor do I own a business. I do tinting and PPF for family, friends, and co-workers as a side hustle (great for my OCD!). My question is about Global and their ceramic tint. I saw a Global YT vid about their QDP Ceramic Charcoal (https://globalwindowfilms.com/premium-automotive-films/) and was wondering what the difference is between that and the Global QDP Ceramic that EWF carries. Each have different and distinct VLT percentages. Confusing for someone who is not a well informe…
Last reply by GuitarPlayer808, -
- 2 replies
- 501 views
Is there any manufacture that makes quality color window film. Looking for red and blue 36” rolls.
Last reply by Beto7333, -
- 1 follower
- 11 replies
- 1.8k views
I’m trying to learn to tint so I can do my own vehicle and possibly other peoples if I can get the hang of it. I’m on attempt #4 trying to shrink the windshield, I’ve gotten pretty much the whole windshield now pushed out to the edges but then whenever I get close to the edge it just doesn’t seem to shrink nice or push out the bubbles and eventually just melt it and cause creases and it likes the curl up on the edge so it doesn’t lay flat. I’ll attach pictures kinda showing what’s going on. Any tips for a newbie beginner? This is on a 22 gmc Sierra too so it shouldn’t be that hard of a window to do.
Last reply by callwild,
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2025 Camry UVU coating on all the glass??
You have to look at the watermark on the bottom corner of the glass. It will have a large UV marking on it if it had the coating. If it does not have the coating it will have the normal watermark that is on all the other vehicles. I have tinted multiple Toyota Crown's and just not used a blade anywhere for cleaning. If you are installing decent film that will last 10 years or better then you shouldn't be worried about failure. If it does fail by then it more than likely will not be an issue for the shop that installed it.- 1
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2025 Camry UVU coating on all the glass??
Hey guys! We have the new 2025 Toyota Camry that has just hit. My question is does anyone know if the UVU coating is on all of the glass? If so, how are we supposed to tint these cars? It seems to me that if we tint over the coating, and in the future, the window tint fails and needs to be removed, then what happens when we try to remove the film? Especially on the rear window. Let me know your thoughts. -
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Fulltime Auto Tinter Needed in San Antonio, TX
Premier Window Tinting 3M Pro Shop and Prestige Dealer in San Antonio, TX is hiring an experienced window film and PPF installer. We can keep you busy year around with both auto and flat glass work. Must have auto tinting experience. Flat glass experience preferred and be willing to work on both auto and flat glass jobs. Must have PPF and Ceramic Coating experience Must have experience working w/ a plotter and/ or the ability to hand cut Full time Commision and benefits Drug free and subject to background checks for some flat glass jobs. Please send resume to susan@premierwindowtinting.com -
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What’s the best bang for buck film
Depends on your climate, the cheapest quality films can last 10 years in the right climate. There have been a few posts on here from dealers having some failures after a few years. On Reddit, a guy had a bubbled-up rear window of Pinnacle after 3.5 years. They had some defective master rolls in 2017 causing the films to be much lighter than normal. I haven't seen any issues with IRX or AIR, just ATC and CTX. I don't know if the current ATC is the original but CTX (gen 2) has been out for over a decade, same for Pinnacle. If you're using ATR, it is more bulletproof like many HP films.- 2
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What’s the best bang for buck film
Fair call, but I don't remember the last time I had a warranty with Llumar film -
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What’s the best bang for buck film
Just FYI, Llumar does the same...6 bubbled up ATC/CTX windows and 1 delaminated CTX windshield all denied due to being below legal.- 2
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What’s the best bang for buck film
Their films have always been good to me. Over the last 40 years I've used several brands but Llumar and Suntek have been some of the best. I remember I shop I was contracting for in the early days of my own business were using Sunguard and they were getting catastrophic failures after only 18 months in some instances. Bubbled rears and distortion on side glass. When they tried to claim warranty on some 20% films that were advertised as Lifetime warranty, they were told that because 20% VLT wasn't legal (At the time) in Australia, there was NO WARRANTY CLAIMABLE- 1
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35 year experienced tinter looking for work and willing to relocate
35 years experience Auto residential commercial know a little bit about some vynal and clear braws but I know all glass in every form on every vehicle some better than most but all of it I can do in the middle of a sandstorm blind folded with both hands tied behind my back and still get 150 percent I'm a hard worker...I'm not perfect but I'm an honest hard worker with a vehicle willing to relocate with a little help I do ask for 40 percent commission on every ticket regardless of entry level film or ceramic I can and will sell 75 percent of your work......100 pecerent on all removals that I do you need a good tinter I got your back but you gotta have mine too my names Dave let me know with a text if you need some help let's talk 409-525-9973-409-525-9973- 409-525-9973
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