Window tinting question

gto78 · 12-12-04, 10:26

okay I just tinted my drivers door and back window. Wow does it look absolutely horrible. It came out pretty smooth, no dirt under it, no air bubbles, but it looks like its full of lines from glue or something. I don't know if this is normal, or if its because I didnt use soap in my spray bottle to apply the tint.

Does anyone know if I HAVE to use soap in my spray bottle? I didnt use it because I'm trying to get the clearest possible job. The job I did looks like if you took your windows and sprayed lots of soapy water on them, and then let them dry in the sun. They're hard to see through, and I don't see how that will clear up in 3-5 days.

Beason · 12-12-04, 10:46

most DIY kits will do that. Best is to spend the 20 bucks on each window and get it done by a pro.

BoxsterCharlie · 12-12-04, 11:12

I second the opinion to use a pro. This is one case where getting your skills up to speed just isn't worth it.

Oh yeah, I had to try it myself a long time ago.

White95Max · 12-12-04, 11:26

I agree about taking it to a pro. Especially since your car gets entered in shows any everything should look absolutely perfect.

I know I had bubbles for several days after I got my tint done. I'm not sure about lines though.

gto78 · 12-12-04, 11:52

i just figured out my problem. I tinted another window using the 15 drops of baby shampoo in my spray bottle, and it looks perfect. Looks like a pro did it. I've done windows myself in the past, it just takes me a while. My roommate used to tint in college for party money, and I helped sometimes, so I know theoretically how to do it, just no experience. Anyways I removed the drivers side tint and reinstalled new tint and it looks immaculate. This tint is very clear, not blurry like low cost brands.

NavindraLR · 12-12-04, 12:39

what brand tint did you use? just curious cause im in the process of learning how to tint

llumar? 3m?

az57chevy · 12-12-04, 12:43

The soap is a lubricant and helps to keep the tintislippery while applying. It burns away and you'll have a clear view

gto78 · 12-12-04, 05:27

yeah i see that now, the couple of times in the past i always used soap, but i didnt think it mattered, this time I know why to use soap. It's crystal clear with the soap solution, and looks like its stained with water spots when you dont use soap.

NavindraLR- it's Huper Optik tint, 40%. It looks darker though with the black interior and factory tinted glass. It's exactly what I wanted since I've been avoiding tint for 1 1/2 years.

91boost · 12-13-04, 10:03

Gto you dummy- you know I could get you some Llumar!!!

rleven · 12-14-04, 08:38

Huper Optik is far superior to Llumar. I just had 50% Huper Optik put on my new 645Ci Convertible and it is gorgeous. The tint was very expensive because it is ceramic not metallic.

Bill D · 12-14-04, 08:44

Hmm..what would you recommed to be the highest quality dark colored ( no reflective stuff) tint? I'm totally in the dark about brands,model names,etc. I'm extremely hesitant to get tint and never had a vehicle tinted before because even on some of the best cars I've seen where money is no object to the owner I still saw tears or delamination at the edges.

gto78 · 12-14-04, 01:30

I had gone to a window tiniting forum (yeah there is even a forum for that where all the tinting gurus hang out) and asked there. V Kleer was much more expensive than Huper Optik, but only goes down to 70%, barely noticeable. Huper goes down to 20%. I don't really remember which others were good besides Huper Optik. They all seemed to dislike 3M for various reasons, you could probably check out their forum to be sure. I basically searched around for a week and decided that Huper was the best quality I could afford on my budget. Huper is only installed at certified dealers, and they wanted $400 to do my 350Z. I got the tint from a guy who said he wasnt supposed to do it but hooked me up with whatever he happened to have around, meaning I didnt have a lot of choices in darkness. If I dont like it then I'll put another layer on.