Tint Ideas

[Rocket Man]

Yet, I've seen these gold films on other vehicles. Any comments?

go to a different tint shop

Sponsored

 

[Lakersfreak]

Some reference photos, taken just now.

XPEL ceramic tint. Full Sun. 30% sides and back, 70% full windshield.

How is your light refraction at night? I did the same 30% Xpel Ceramic and the light refraction from the rear window is driving me insane!

 

[Skye]

How is your light refraction at night?

Everything seems normal. Clear.

I do wear glasses when driving. Polarized lenses. "Normal" (average) prescription.

It's been a few years since the install, so materials and practices might have changed. I was given at least three days for the materials to cure before cleaning, handling the materials or using the windows. If possible, it was a good idea to keep the car in the Sun, to facilitate the process.

I've had no issues, with degradation or visibility. It's as good as the day I received it.

 

[Mspider]

I have tinted my cars for years and have tried all different kinds of combo/shades. The best look is when all the windows match (not including front windshield) in my opinion.

One thing to note with tinting is that the factory glass is slightly tinted from factory. Its not 100% transparent. So even putting a 70% tint on still isn`t legal lol.

 

[Lakersfreak]

Everything seems normal. Clear.

I do wear glasses when driving. Polarized lenses. "Normal" (average) prescription.

It's been a few years since the install, so materials and practices might have changed. I was given at least three days for the materials to cure before cleaning, handling the materials or using the windows. If possible, it was a good idea to keep the car in the Sun, to facilitate the process.

I've had no issues, with degradation or visibility. It's as good as the day I received it.

So your rear window doesn't have light refraction like mine in my photos?

 

[RLE55]

So your rear window doesn't have light refraction like mine in my photos?

From your posts, you just had the car tinted less than a week ago. Most, if not all, tint shops will tell you allow 2-3 weeks for the tint to cure and haziness, etc. to go away. I let mine (ceramic) sit in my garage for 3 weeks, untouched, brought it out to sit in sun for 1 day and it's crystal clear. On day 1, yes there was some haziness, distortion, but that was expected. Give it a few more weeks, if still not satisfied, hopefully you had it installed by a dealer/shop that offer 100% satisfaction guarantee??

 

[Lakersfreak]

From your posts, you just had the car tinted less than a week ago. Most, if not all, tint shops will tell you allow 2-3 weeks for the tint to cure and haziness, etc. top go away. I let mine (ceramic) sit in my garage for 3 weeks, untouched, brought it out to sit in sun for 1 day and it's crystal clear. On day 1, yes there was some haziness, distortion, but that was expected. Give it a few more weeks, if still not satisfied, hopefully you had it installed by a dealer/shop that offer 100% satisfaction guarantee??

ok makes sense, I will give it more time. I did have it done at a reputable shop and they will make sure I am happy. I guess I'm just trying to figure out if my photos are normal, or if it's a tint film or installer issue? I'd love to see some photos of rear windows of other S650's that have been tinted.

 

[Skye]

So your rear window doesn't have light refraction like mine in my photos?

I do not. All imagery appears normal, without refraction or other distortion.

 

[Lakersfreak]

I do not. All imagery appears normal, without refraction or other distortion.

Since we have the same brand and shade %, I would love to see a photo from your rearview mirror (similar to my photos) so I can compare and show the shop.

 

[Skye]

so I can compare

I can remember that. I'll be going into winter storage soon, but I might be able to get a few pics before then.

I looked through my records on the brand and type. I'm using "XPEL PRIME" tint. This is the first bullet in the brochure on film care:

"Keep in mind that your window tint may have a hazy appearance or moisture bubbles for up to thirty days after installation. These conditions will disappear once the moisture used to apply your tint dries completely."

This affirms and aligns with @RLE55 's comments earlier.

Next bullet:

"Wait 5 days after installation before cleaning your windows."

This matches the guidance I received: hands-off for several days. I didn't touch PPF or tint for seven full days. I left the car outside during the day as often as I could, to facilitate any drying and curing.

 

[Lakersfreak]

I can remember that. I'll be going into winter storage soon, but I might be able to get a few pics before then.

I looked through my records on the brand and type. I'm using "XPEL PRIME" tint. This is the first bullet in the brochure on film care:

"Keep in mind that your window tint may have a hazy appearance or moisture bubbles for up to thirty days after installation. These conditions will disappear once the moisture used to apply your tint dries completely."

This affirms and aligns with @RLE55 's comments earlier.

Next bullet:

"Wait 5 days after installation before cleaning your windows."

This matches the guidance I received: hands-off for several days. I didn't touch PPF or tint for seven full days. I left the car outside during the day as often as I could, to facilitate any drying and curing.

I would totally appreciate some photos at night before you store

 

[Skye]

so I can compare and show the shop

My car is not my Daily Driver. But I did have an opportunity to take some photos this morning. I'm attaching two; they're both fails. I'll explain why below. This topic got me thinking of a wide range of subjects to comment on, for anyone considering tint.

Please continue to follow the guidance of the detailer and XPEL. Tint and Paint Protection Film (PPF) take time to dry out. Things may have changed since I received my XPEL tint. The brochure I referenced said up to 30 days. Newer materials and install techniques may shorten that. I'd expect anyone, any brand of tint, to have a clearer, better view, once cured.

When I received my car back from the detailer, I remember several bubbles in both the PPF and tint. I do not remember any cloudiness, but it could have been so faint I didn't notice. I was also getting used to viewing through the tint itself (first vehicle with tint). If I remember correctly, I was given three days before I could use my windows. The PPF was not to be handled at all for almost two weeks.

Before the job was considered complete, I was to have a follow-up appointment with the detailer. The overwhelming majority of the bubbles in the tint dried out and left, so much so I didn't ask them to go further. The PPF did have some small areas that needed help; the installer worked these out and I haven't had any problems since.

Three years on, the PPF and tint are doing fine. If you were to look at the car in passing, you wouldn't know it had PPF, until you got within inches of the surface or I pointed out one of the lines. I even have to check myself sometimes. Regarding the tint, I do have some small bubbles on the windshield. I think the Ford Soundscreen is effecting that. The bubbles are very small and are in a way I have to be in certain lighting and angle to point them out. Otherwise, I cannot see them. When driving, at unique angles and light, I can see things in the windshield, very minor tells. But everything is otherwise clear.

The conditions I point out above, for all but those unique moments, everything is crystal clear. All other windows (sides, quarters and rear) are fine. I've never considered getting any of the original work re-accomplished.

Some of us are less tolerant of these blemishes and inconsistencies than others. It's akin to one of the previous threads on panel gaps. To some, the gaps were considered horrific and a total fail. To others, it was a condition that was for the most part unrecognizable, until you fixated on a point. The blemishes I have in my car (gaps, paint, PPF, tint, and vinyl) are the same. I'm OK with that. Others, maybe not. To a passerby or passenger, they won't notice until I point them out. You have a vehicle for several years, work and detail it, you'll see things.

After all the tint has had time to cure, if you're still having visibility or quality concerns, discuss with the installer. Maybe they'd like to re-install a piece. Maybe there's another product they might want to use for a specific area. Maybe there's nothing they can do, and will give you a partial or full refund.

Anyone driving should have their vision checked. Before arriving at my most recent location, I'd been in parts of the country where I didn't have to renew my license for a long time, or get an exam. I started wearing glasses after a DMV visit. I was not having problems. I needed a new license to support work. I didn't think anything of it. When I sat down and began looking into the machine, it was like, "OK. What are we looking at here?" I was dumbfounded. After I received glasses it was like everything started showing in HD.

If someone has glasses, great. Get your script checked. Most organizations recommend every two years.

If your vision is good, anyone still might benefit from polarized lenses. For those unfamiliar, a polarized lens allows light to pass the lens when oriented only in one way. Other rays, the glare, is blocked. For nighttime driving, a polarized lens might help.

Specific to the rear window, the fastback design of the Mustang does not lend itself well to good viewing. Physically, it's much smaller in height. The angle of the glass and the wiring of the antenna are going to impact how much light and at what orientation it enters. The glass, tint or not, should still be clear. It simply doesn't lend itself to easy viewing and perception. Even during the daytime, I not only look through the rear mirror, but crane into my blindspot often.

As to the photos, it was my camera. I'd setup a torch in the driveway while downing all other lights. While the average person changes their cell phone every 18 months, I replace mine every 5+ years. The camera I'm using is at least two, if not three generations behind what most people have. I did not attempt to adjust the aperture or shutter speed; these were at the default. No flash. The camera sometimes had difficulty understanding where (close or far) to focus. Don't mind the specs in the glass; it's debris from some large winds we had earlier.

While my camera struggled, I did not. Looking back with an unaided I, I was able to resolve the light in the driveway, down to the individual LED emitters. If I put on the glasses I drive with, I could resolve anything across the street with ease. In all checks, things were what I consider clear and normal.

To you and others, hope that helps.

 

[Lakersfreak]

My car is not my Daily Driver. But I did have an opportunity to take some photos this morning. I'm attaching two; they're both fails. I'll explain why below. This topic got me thinking of a wide range of subjects to comment on, for anyone considering tint.

Please continue to follow the guidance of the detailer and XPEL. Tint and Paint Protection Film (PPF) take time to dry out. Things may have changed since I received my XPEL tint. The brochure I referenced said up to 30 days. Newer materials and install techniques may shorten that. I'd expect anyone, any brand of tint, to have a clearer, better view, once cured.

When I received my car back from the detailer, I remember several bubbles in both the PPF and tint. I do not remember any cloudiness, but it could have been so faint I didn't notice. I was also getting used to viewing through the tint itself (first vehicle with tint). If I remember correctly, I was given three days before I could use my windows. The PPF was not to be handled at all for almost two weeks.

Before the job was considered complete, I was to have a follow-up appointment with the detailer. The overwhelming majority of the bubbles in the tint dried out and left, so much so I didn't ask them to go further. The PPF did have some small areas that needed help; the installer worked these out and I haven't had any problems since.

Three years on, the PPF and tint are doing fine. If you were to look at the car in passing, you wouldn't know it had PPF, until you got within inches of the surface or I pointed out one of the lines. I even have to check myself sometimes. Regarding the tint, I do have some small bubbles on the windshield. I think the Ford Soundscreen is effecting that. The bubbles are very small and are in a way I have to be in certain lighting and angle to point them out. Otherwise, I cannot see them. When driving, at unique angles and light, I can see things in the windshield, very minor tells. But everything is otherwise clear.

The conditions I point out above, for all but those unique moments, everything is crystal clear. All other windows (sides, quarters and rear) are fine. I've never considered getting any of the original work re-accomplished.

Some of us are less tolerant of these blemishes and inconsistencies than others. It's akin to one of the previous threads on panel gaps. To some, the gaps were considered horrific and a total fail. To others, it was a condition that was for the most part unrecognizable, until you fixated on a point. The blemishes I have in my car (gaps, paint, PPF, tint, and vinyl) are the same. I'm OK with that. Others, maybe not. To a passerby or passenger, they won't notice until I point them out. You have a vehicle for several years, work and detail it, you'll see things.

After all the tint has had time to cure, if you're still having visibility or quality concerns, discuss with the installer. Maybe they'd like to re-install a piece. Maybe there's another product they might want to use for a specific area. Maybe there's nothing they can do, and will give you a partial or full refund.

Anyone driving should have their vision checked. Before arriving at my most recent location, I'd been in parts of the country where I didn't have to renew my license for a long time, or get an exam. I started wearing glasses after a DMV visit. I was not having problems. I needed a new license to support work. I didn't think anything of it. When I sat down and began looking into the machine, it was like, "OK. What are we looking at here?" I was dumbfounded. After I received glasses it was like everything started showing in HD. I was disappointed I'd lived for IDK how many years like that.

If someone has glasses, great. Get your script checked. Most organizations recommend every two years.

If your vision is good, anyone still might benefit from polarized lenses. For those unfamiliar, a polarized lens allows light to pass the lens when oriented only in one way. Other rays, the glare, is blocked. For nighttime driving, a polarized lens might help.

Specific to the rear window, the fastback design of the Mustang does not lend itself well to good viewing. Physically, it's much smaller in height. The angle of the glass and the wiring of the antenna are going to impact how much light and at what orientation it enters. The glass, tint or not, should still be clear. It simply doesn't aid itself to easy viewing and perception. Even during the daytime, I not only look through the rear mirror, but crane into my blindspot often.

As to the photos, it was my camera. I'd setup a torch in the driveway while downing all other lights. While the average person changes their cell phone every 18 months, I replace mine on average every 5+ years. The camera I'm using is at least two, if not three generations behind what most people have. I did not attempt to adjust the aperture or shutter speed; these were at the default. No flash. The camera sometimes had difficulty understanding where (close or far) to focus. Don't mind the specs in the glass; it's debris from some large winds we had earlier.

While my camera struggled, I did not. Looking back with an unaided I, I was able to resolve the light in the driveway, down to the individual LED emitters. If I put on the glasses I drive with, I could resolve anything across the street with ease. In all checks, things were what I consider clear and normal.

To you and others, hope that helps.

I appreciate you for doing this. Yours doesn't look as bad as mine. I'll wait a week or two, then bring it back to the installer of things don't improve by then. Or I'm going to just add a digital rearview mirror with a rear camera. I like the look of having tinted windows so I don't want to remove it.

 

[Sofa King]

30 days for full cure... in fact I always bring my newly tinted cars back to the tint shop at about the 30 day mark for them to give a thumbs up or replace if necessary. Usually no issues, but they can be even pickier than me as far as job well done. Take it in at 30 days and address any concerns, a reputable shop should make it right.

 

[Lakersfreak]

Just want to say that I am over my OCD of my tint! I am happy that I didn't remove it, and just learned to live with it over the last few weeks. I guess it is what it is. I would've been miserable if I removed it only to find out that the difference was not that significant, and that I just wasted $500.

Sponsored