Window tinting question(s)…

[JSPADES]

Just made an appointment with one of the more reputable shops here in town to get my windows tinted, but I have some questions to ask those of you on here who have had it done.

I have been informed about the "dot-matrix" (or "dot-halftone") pattern and the dark borders on the edges of some windows (specifically, the 3 rear windows), that the dark areas (including the dots) are teflon and will not allow window tinting films to adhere to them easily, if at all. I have also read that when there isn't enough glass between these dots, the film can/will bubble and eventually fall away from the glass.

The last car whose windows I had tinted ('92 Honda Civic) didn't seem to have this problem.

There is a REALLY WIDE band of this tightly packed dot pattern (about 5 to 6 inches' worth) at the top of the rear window. The technician at the shop suggested that this area may very well be problematic, since there is so very little glass between the dots to allow the tinting film to adhere.

My question goes out to anyone who has had their rear windows tinted: have you noticed any problems with tinting film bubbling away from these "teflon-covered" areas of the glass on the rear windows, in particular the upper 5 or 6 inches at the top of the rear window?

While the tinting film carries a lifetime warranty, I'm just trying to anticipate any potential problems I might have to deal with later.

-b-

[Mr.Coupe]

You will have no problems at all with the rear or anyother windows after you tint them. As long as the shop is reputable as you say it is and doesn't do a crap job on the tint you will be just fine .

Ricky C.

[maxentropy]

My tint guy sanded the rear dot matrix a tad bit to get the tint to stick better and I have not had any peeling or bubbling! Looks Perfect!!

[Ricko]

The person who did mine is actually a Home service tint guy. he was able to throw limo on 3 rears and 35% on side driver and pass side for 160. did it all in my garage with no problems what so ever.

[Rob.Vegan]

Got mine done for 150 and took 4 hours. They didn't mention any problem about the dot matrix. I have had the tint on for about a year and a half now and it's holding up wonderfully.

However I'm going back pretty soon to get all my windows (except windshield) redone with a 5% because I'm over this 35/15 tint. I was looking at my car today while in a parking garage, the way the lighting was, pretty much showed me what it would look like with limo tint and I was ecstatic. I want it real bad now

[1125Altima3.5]

Check out tintdude.com - the dot matrix topic has been discussed to death over there.

Three main approaches:

1. Spray paint the dot matrix2. Use a glue stick (Elmers) on the dot matrix and then apply the tint (extra adhesion and provides a smoother surface)3. Apply a black vinyl covering to the dot matrix

(or you could just not tint the matrix)

My tinters just tinted over it and it has lifted a little bit here and there (maybe 20%). You can notice if you're looking hard and it bothered me for the first couple days, put you can push it back down as the adhesive cures to minimize the effect. I just forgot about it after a week...maybe I'll take another look tomorrow!