Looking for a start in the tint industry

soflo · March 25, 2016

Good morning, guys/gals. Brandon here from Central Florida. Over the past some odd weeks now, Iv been thinking about getting into the whole auto tint industry and thought id join here and ask for some pointers.

I currently run my own vinyl & signs business out of my house for 4+ years now. Iv got similar techniques such as proper squeegeeing, certain tools that tint and vinyl installs use, and of course, PATIENCE.

Iv been turning down lots of business for auto tinting and even window tinting for new businesses here in town. I thought, what the hell I could try it and possibly like it more and offer it as a new service along with my vinyl. Iv been working alone for 4 years, Iv built up a solid reputation in town and my social networks are booming.

I also got myself a new house and have a big 2 car garage, so nice clean space is there. Where do you recommend I could pick up some local tint to practice with, auto zone? advanced auto?

Is there a list of necessary tools that are a MUST when tinting? So I could go out and buy them and give it a try..?

Thanks!

bman848 · March 26, 2016

Please dont buy any film from an auto parts store or hardware store. There are some sponsors here that can get you started. EWF, Solor fx, you can get with Johnson window films. They have some good affordable film.

Since you do vinyl you may have a bit of a jumpstart on most vut it is still alot different and will take alot of practice before you even consider making money. IMO, you need to complete around 100 vehicles before you call yourself a tinter and even then you will have a long ways to go. Might want to consider some dormal training. A member here called Flat Rock Stan owns a tinting school. Johnson window films has Johnson University. Look around and you may find others. This forum is full of great information as well but the best way to learn is hands on.Good luck and welcome.

soflo · March 26, 2016

Thanks!

TintDude · March 26, 2016

Please dont buy any film from an auto parts store or hardware store. There are some sponsors here that can get you started. EWF, Solor fx, you can get with Johnson window films. They have some good affordable film.

Since you do vinyl you may have a bit of a jumpstart on most vut it is still alot different and will take alot of practice before you even consider making money. IMO, you need to complete around 100 vehicles before you call yourself a tinter and even then you will have a long ways to go. Might want to consider some dormal training. A member here called Flat Rock Stan owns a tinting school. Johnson window films has Johnson University. Look around and you may find others. This forum is full of great information as well but the best way to learn is hands on.Good luck and welcome.

X2

Tintguy1980 · March 27, 2016

X3

If you pick up on film from the places mentioned in your post, you would learn how to install DIY or some of the low-end films of the industry. Switching to professional grade may throw curve balls at you. It is best to learn of a film product more comparable to what you would use once skill sets are honed well enough to deal with public scrutiny.

Here is a list of tools to consider having, they are not indicative of what everyone chooses to use but, the list will serve as a platform to fashion your like or dislike for a particular item. I am sure others will have recommendations.

-Tool Apron

-Tool Box
-Olfa Silver 2 Auto-lock Knife or NT A1 Pro Knife (Red Dot)
-Stainless Steel 1" (single edge) Blades
-Pro Unger Handle (1)

-Unger 6-inch channel and (black) blade
-5.5" Yellow Turbo
-Teflon Edge Squeegee-Black or Blue (blue being the softest)
-6" X 10" White Scrub Pad (to be used with the Scrubber)
-50-pak Olfa, NT or KDS Stainless Steel (replacement) Blades
-HD 1" Razor Scraper
-5" Blue Max Auto Blade (optional spare)
-Teflon Edge Squeegee-white
-Sideswiper or Stroke Doctor
-Blue Max Power Squeegee (Unger handle and angled blue max blade sold as unit)
-Yellow Film Marker
-The Slammer

-EZ Reach

-Slim Foot

-Bulldozer (auto)

-Scrubber (in bulldozer family)
-Li'l Chizler
-Squeegee 4" Tube (optional)
-Teflon Edge Squeegee Gold or Purple (can be exposed to higher temp than others in the Teflon family of cards)
-Conqueror or Titan (one is the Johnny Holmes of this squeegee concept, the other is the average guy)

-Heat gun (2) (always good to have a spare)

-Impact or Poly2 sprayer (minimum 2)

-J&J baby shampoo or FilmOn or Tintslime (concentrated slip agent)

-Sprayway foam glass cleaner

-SuperStripper (for easy breakdown of adhesive during film replacement or removal process)

-Drop Cloth

-Peel board (glass, preferably tempered)

-18 or 36-inch straight rule and or Circle Template

-Blue Shop Towels

Edit: Tools can be bought through Pro Film Suppliers or by going direct to conquerortools.com, filmhandlertools.com or 44tools.com