Hey all,

I'm confused about all the different types of tint out there. The tint I just got is a film, I know that because it's already bubbling after a day. I have to take it back, so I'm wondering if it would be better for me to just tell them to refund my money, or fix it.

What types of tint are out there?

 

Don't DIY. Have a pro install it. Mine looks perfect and I never could've done it that well.

 

Yes, agreed, don't DIY. There are various tints out there....in terms of percentage 5% (limo), 20%, 30%, 35% (legal limit in several states)....50%

then you have reflective tint, smoke, oh....let's see, gray, charcaol....gosh, there's all kinds really. it seems like there's a "common" tint variety that is just dependent on the percentage of light it lets in.

Couple of pointers:

--some states only allow tint on the rear windows...some allow only up to a certain point on the front windows....check to see what are the rules for your state.

--just in case, warn your installer that the windows on the doors drop when you open and close the car so he can compensate for that.

--if you're going to tint the front window, because of the curvature to it, you can curve the cut of the tint down as it goes to the edge of the window to ensure a smoother line in the cut (this also help tint the area of the font window that isn't covered by our pathetic visors).

here's a pic of the tint i have - this is 20%

:smile:

 

>>I'm confused about all the different types of tint out there. The tint I just got is a film, I know that because it's already bubbling after a day. I have to take it back, so I'm wondering if it would be better for me to just tell them to refund my money, or fix it.
>>
>>What types of tint are out there?
Your local tint shop will know what the state laws are in your area regarding legal tint for your car. The rules may vary for vans, trucks, cars and limos. The strictest rules usually apply to cars.

Prices for professional installation including the tint film for a MINI is about $100 to $200. Some people tint the sunroof to cut down on the heat. Most people choose the darkest legal tint they can. The darker the tint the more you cut visibility (visible light) at night. Think of the darkness as providing privacy.

Tints also provide protection against infrared light which keeps heat out and helps you AC keep you cooler and also protection against Ultraviolet light which hurts your skin and ages your interior upholstery/plastics.

Tints come in colors- grey, browns and have reflective surfaces or not. Warranties vary- look for something with a 7 year warranty or better.

 

I know it's not legal to int the front windws in CA but it's like the tage on matresses that says it's a crime to remove the tag. I don't know anyone that's been pulled over for it and there's a lot of cars with it. I would imagine you'd have to be doing something like revving your engine to get a cop's attention to have them write you up for that alone.

 

Ok, maybe I should have been more clear.

I had the tint done at the dealership today... They have a guy that comes out and does the tint on their BMW's and Mini's. I had it done, he did a film 35% all around. It started to bubble a bit on the rear windows, and it just looks weird to me.

I thought there were different types of tint rather than just films. Are there different types of tint such as paint-ons, or what not?

 

>>I had the tint done at the dealership today... They have a guy that comes out and does the tint on their BMW's and Mini's. I had it done, he did a film 35% all around. It started to bubble a bit on the rear windows, and it just looks weird to me.

You can call and let the tint specialist know about the bubbling and usually he can do something to get them out.
It takes a day to get the film to adhere I thought.

>>I thought there were different types of tint rather than just films. Are there different types of tint such as paint-ons, or what not?
Tint film is the most common method used these days. I have tint like that on my 1995 car and it is doing fine.

 

>>I know it's not legal to int the front windws in CA but it's like the tage on matresses that says it's a crime to remove the tag. I don't know anyone that's been pulled over for it and there's a lot of cars with it. I would imagine you'd have to be doing something like revving your engine to get a cop's attention to have them write you up for that alone.
>>
>>
Stay out of El Cajon they WILL pull you over and make you remove it IF they see it.

I have 20% back three and roof and 50% on front.

done by a pro. The ONLY way to go.

Earl

 

Just a point of interest.

A customer of mine in Guam said they have no laws about tint and guys are doing limo tint on the windshield!

Earl

 

Yeah... I wouldn't be that stupid... I got the tint done by a professional...

Anyway, that's crazy! Limo tint on the windshield? Wow...

 

>>Anyway, that's crazy! Limo tint on the windshield? Wow...

As dangerous as that sounds.......that car must look really nice. My car prior to my MINI was charcoal grey with limo tint all around (except 50% on the windsheild). I'm still surprised I didn't get a ticket. I wanted to go illegal again with my tint for my MINI being that it's black.....but I don't want the hassle.

Show us some pics....I love your LY/LY....looks great!