Second opinions needed about tint

[Jacob_winters]

So I got all windows tinted right when I bought my 4 Runner back in April. I had work done by this company before when they did a car I used to own and it turned out great. After a few months went by after they tinted my 4Runner I noticed small permanent bubbles and some with specs of dirt in them. I took it in to have it fixed and they replaced the tint no problem. It's been about a 6 weeks now since they "fixed" my tint job and I have bubbles and dirt specs again! Do I need to lower my standards? Or should I take it back in again to have them hopefully fix the problems?

 

[SoCal147]

Point out the problems and let them fix it. It might be they have a new employee that is still learning.

 

[Bad_Influence]

It sounds like the person installing the tint isn't cleaning the interior of the window proficiently. The slightest dust specs or even a fingerprint could create a very microscopic bubble under the film that will eventually grow in size when heated in the sun or exposed to rapid changes in temperature.

Sometimes this is related to the type of cloth they are using to wipe the window clean before installation. They could be using some kind of microfiber cloth that can leave tiny particles behind, which is what I would guess is going on. Don't be afraid to ask questions about how they prep the area beforehand.

Another thing that is common with tint "bubbles" is the thickness of the tint film, usually the thicker the film the more prone it is to "bubbling." You might want to ask how thick that particular film is compared to some of that shops other options. Good Luck!

p.s. Don't "lower your standards," It should look perfect for at least a few years. Also, avoid having your seatbelt fling back into the window when unbuckling so it doesn't scratch the tint. When i lived on oahu a few years back, I went to tint zone on kalihi as recommended by my mechanic, they did great work for cheap!

 

[Jacob_winters]

Thanks for the pointers. Just making sure I am not being too much of a perfectionist with something I have never physically done myself. I didn't have any other issues with my Evo they did, so it seemed odd. I got it done by TNT Tinting as part of a special dealer price when I bought from Servco. I will take it back in again. The tint came with a lifetime warranty from Formula One so I guess it will be worth it in the long run.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

It should look perfect for at least a few years.

It should look perfect for way more than a few years. I have a 1991 Mercedes that I bought used in 1997. The windows came tinted. 17 yrs. later the tint looks as good as the day I bought it. My situation may be an exception, but bears consideration.

 

[ice]

I tinted 5 of my previous cars include my 2004 runner, the tint is still good after 10 years. Did you check the tint after they fix it? Are those bubbles just appear after 6 weeks? I am just curious if you just discover the bubbles are there after 6 weeks.