i just got my windows tinted today and i was somewhat satisfied. the only problem is the back 3 windows. the tint wont stick around the edges where the dots are. whats the best solution or if anyone else has the problem? please help

 

I would try going back to where you had it done. I didn't have that problem with mine, and it sounds like that shouldn't happen.

 

I had the same problem with mine. The probelm is that there is a dot matrix on the rear windows which are raised off the level of the glass. The tint will only stick where it can and theres nothing the tinter can do, unless they can somehow remove the dots....

 

But shouldn't the tint just stick to the balck part of the dots?

 

It does. The problem is that it cant stick well to the glass inbetween the dots. If the tint isn;t flush with the glass, the effect is not the same, which is why you see a light line around the edge of the window.

 

When I had mine done, the guy actually said to just run my thumb around the edge and that will take care of it. He suggested waiting a few days until the tint 'set' before taking it too seriously. As far as I know its just one of the pains of tinting a car with a dot matrix surround.

 

where did you get this done and how much was it? also what % did you go with?

 

It also depends on how dark your tint is. The lighter, higher %, the less you see the "dots". I have 5% in the rear and it is very noticeable.

Here are some pics

 

The tinter can either sand the dots down, so that they're not so high. ...or he/she can use glue in those areas. Both hide the matrix.

The dot matrix is dumb IMO...from what I've read, it's only there to save the glass manufacturer money...and in turn the consumer. Using dots opposed to straight lines makes the silk screens last longer. I'd rather pay more and not have a dot matrix. That's just my opinion.

 

Oh yeah...here's a great message board. It's all about tint.

www.tintdude.com

 

the also told me to wait a couple of days and then run my finger a cross it. my friend had the same problem so waht he did was went to a decal shop and cut strips of black vinyl and cover the edges. i got 35% all around.

 

35% tint in both MINIs I own.

No issues at all.

 

I've seen little rubber rollers at craft stores like Michael's that might do well to help stick down the tint material. Get as narrow a one as you can find, wait a few days and then agressively "rollerize" it (being careful to not scrape the metal frame of the roller aginast the tint - I'd wrap the frame w/ masking tape to be 100% certain). I'm certainly no expert, but doing it on a warm day might help - the tint material will be softest at that point and might stretch a bit better, maybe even all the way down to the glass. Just a thought...

 

Great comments on the tint% but does anyone have a price for having this done...sorry for imposing on the original topic of the black matrix dots.

 

Most tint places I called quoted between $150-$200 for the whole car, including a tint strip at the top of the windsheild. I didn't ask if there was a difference based on tint percentage - I just went with my state's maximum.

 

$185.00-$195.00 for a MINI in Portland, Oregon.

different cars are different in price, for example I was quoted

$245.00 for my e46 M3 (they have to remove the read decklid to do it..)

it also depends on the material used. The 3M Carbon stuff holds its color well. Films are all different.

 

i paid $140 for 3m... its slowly starting to stick since im parking it in the sun. im gonna try that rubber roller..thanks guys

 

Thanks guys for all of the information. It really helps.

 

it really does all depend on the film. my tint shop doesnt use 3m. 3m has a very strong glue compared to the film we use. but the tint not stickin to the black dots cant really be helped sometimes. just be happy we dont have a HUGE section of black dots like on cavaliers or 2 door accord. (just to name a few off the top of my head) pushing it with your thumb will help it a little tho. as everyone else says.
one thing you have to get used to.
and also..the price really depends on wat tint shop and wat film they use.
my tint shop would only charge about $120-$140. depending on how hungry we are. if you catch my drift.