how to get started tinting windows ?

**tooklean** · 10-13-2006, 08:36 AM

I was exploring the possibility of adding window tinting to my shop. How does one get started in this add on service and is it expensive? and is it hard to learn?

**Shaun Carollo** · 10-13-2006, 10:50 AM

From what I gather, the learning curve is quite steep, not something you can pick up right away.

**scottlee** · 10-13-2006, 11:25 AM

I searched Google for (window tint training) and it pulled up alot of info
maybe try that for the info your looking for, hope this helps

**dr_detail** · 10-13-2006, 01:06 PM

my 2¢ based upon experience--

Start by working with a local shop and sub out the work -- most will give you either a wholesale rate, or a kick-back. Customer drops off the car at your shop, you in turn take it to them (the tint shop), or have them pick it up.

As volume increases, find an experienced tinter, and pay them on a commission basis (30-40%). As sales increase, more tinters at commision, or switch out to hourly pay. As a footnote (and some tinters are gonna hate me for disclosing this), wholesale cost for the film is around 40 bucks per car.

**joe.p** · 10-13-2006, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by dr_detail

my 2¢ based upon experience--

, or switch out to hourly pay. As a footnote (and some tinters are gonna hate me for disclosing this), wholesale cost for the film is around 40 bucks per car.

How much does a tint job go for ?

**scottlee** · 10-13-2006, 05:26 PM

well here in texas you cant live without tint, prices vary but for the high quality tint i like and i always go to the same shop for their quality of work and lifetime warranty i have paid 250-300 dollars depending on vehicle size and number of windows

**jaybs02** · 10-13-2006, 05:47 PM

Here is a link to a tint forum that has might be able to help you TintDude.com - Window tinting

Good luck
"J"

**TrueDetailer** · 10-13-2006, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by tooklean

I was exploring the possibility of adding window tinting to my shop. How does one get started in this add on service and is it expensive? and is it hard to learn?

No its not expesnsive yes it can be tricky to get the hang of it. Anyone can tint windows, what makes a great tinter is how long it takes you and how the finsih product looks. bubbles,wrinkles,etc,etc.

Buy a roll of tint and some tools of the trade and practice. And read all you can on the subject.

Have fun.

**dr_detail** · 10-13-2006, 09:38 PM

Originally Posted by TrueDetailer

No its not expesnsive yes it can be tricky to get the hang of it. Anyone can tint windows...

I tend to disagree. Getting into the back seat of many cars, while holding a large piece of film, without kinking it, touching it to any surface, then applying it to the window and squeeging out all the water is not so simple. Knowing how to shrink-fit film to the complex contours of windows, removing door panels, third break lights, and sometimes trim pieces also are not so simple fo just anyone. Even just getting the film to laydown smooth over the micro dots that surround most windows can be a feat. Yeah, tinting a Pick-up or the side windows of some cars might be simple but IMO you might want to re-think the simplicity of the tinters job.

**kbbiii** · 10-17-2006, 09:58 AM

I see Dr. Details points and that is why I sub my tinting out and get a kick-back for the guy. I use the same guy all the time so I know that my customer is being taken care of. I just don`t think I can do it therefore I let the pro`s do it.

Kenny

**Jhdearing** · 12-14-2009, 12:56 PM

Yah....It takes a knack to get the hang of it. It also helps if you have some artistic talent and tons of patience to learn. It can be very frustrating at times because the guys that have been doing it for so long makes it look easy. I have been tinting for more than 20 years and I still remember how pissed off I was all the time learning to install window film....

**njcarting1** · 12-14-2009, 02:59 PM

Call SEGAR products company. They are located in PA??? i think. They are the makers of Lumar window film. Lumar is the best film hands down over other products. Most companies have training schools so you will be taught the right application process.

**Ron Harris** · 12-20-2009, 02:56 PM

I think the best advice here would be to sub it out or higher a tinter to work exclusively in your shop. We use a mobile tinter for our shop and I wouldn`t change a thing. Even if he raised his prices 20% I would still use him. It`s alot less headaches for us this way.
In our area it`s easy to find a window tinter. The hard thing is finding a good one that can pass a drug test!

**GothamAuto** · 02-04-2010, 09:13 AM

Find someone who is good at tinting and sub it out. It`s easy to "learn" how to tint, but it takes about 100-120 cars to really get good at it. It`s not worth risking screwing up a few jobs and allowing the word to get out that you don`t know what you are doing.