Window tint opinion?

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luv2eat

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I had the two front windows titnted about 6 weeks ago. I've noticed there are multiple tiny little bubbles on both windows. You'd really have to look at them closely and I'm really anal when it comes to details; this is why I work on my car myself, if I can help it. The tint guy is telling me that "no tinting is perfect". I take it that this guy does not take pride in his work. I don't have time to waste getting this thing redone but I will if I have to. My question is this. Are these tiny bubbles going to grow over time? I'd rather have it redone but I really hate wasting my off time. What da ya'll think?
 
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^+1 When I got my windows tinted, the installer stated that there might be small bubbles that appear in the tint as part of the curing process. However, they should be well gone after one week. I was also told not to roll down the windows for 3 days. The last thing he told me was not to clean the tinted windows with any ammonia based cleaner. Did you by chance do this?
 
desertred said:
^+1 When I got my windows tinted, the installer stated that there might be small bubbles that appear in the tint as part of the curing process. However, they should be well gone after one week. I was also told not to roll down the windows for 3 days. The last thing he told me was not to clean the tinted windows with any ammonia based cleaner. Did you by chance do this?
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Ha. That's almost word for word what mine said too.
 
luv2eat said:
I had the two front windows titnted about 6 weeks ago. I've noticed there are multiple tiny little bubbles on both windows. You'd really have to look at them closely and I'm really anal when it comes to details; this is why I work on my car myself, if I can help it. The tint guy is telling me that "no tinting is perfect". I take it that this guy does not take pride in his work. I don't have time to waste getting this thing redone but I will if I have to. My question is this. Are these tiny bubbles going to grow over time? I'd rather have it redone but I really hate wasting my off time. What da ya'll think?
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multiple??? 1-3 4-8 or a crap load?? can you take a close up picture of it?

There could be a spec of debris under it. It is very hard to have a flawless 100% perfect install. I have one or two spots on my windows. I would bet I could find a flaw in anyones tint if I looked hard enough. It shouldn't have a lot of bubbles though.
 
A few small bubbles are going to happen on any film type tint it is gonna get a few I had all of my windows tinted even over the factory tint. The Tinter has been tinting windows for 10 years and said this was the hardest vehicle he has ever tinted he had to redo 5 windows. I have a few small bubbles but nothing to worry about they are hardly noticeable. As for the amonia it won't make the tint bubble it will turn it purple. If you have alot of bubles and it has been more then 3 days I would take it back and have them redo it.
 
I've had tinted windows on every car that I've owned, except my wife's current SUV. I did exactly what the tint guy told me to do/not do (ie. not roll down the windows for 2 days, not use ammonia, etc.). I don't think my camera will capture these tiny bubbles. I'll post it if it does.
None of my other cars had tiny bubbles on side windows. I have seen a couple on the rear windows (curved windows with a few bubbles around the defroster wires).
I found them as I was cleaning my windows. At first, I thought they were water spots. When I pressed on them with my finger, I can tell that they are definitely bubbles.
Lesson learned: Always ask around for reputable work!
 
hamiltonj2w1 said:
How long have they been tinited?
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Almost 2 months.
I'm beginning to think if I'm being a little too critical. These bubbles are not noticeable unless I really look for them. It's just that I've never seen them on my other cars, atleast on the side windows. I can probably live with them but my biggest concern is that they may get bigger over time.
 
My TE has all the windows tinted even the front and moon roof. Ceramic tint all around, very light light blue in the front. My 2 front windows are not as dark as the rears but my tinter mirrored the other statements use non ammonia cleaner, don't roll the windows down, but he asked to keep my cars outside in the sun as much as possible for the three days following his advice the tint dried very well.
 
My cars are garaged. I was not aware of keeping the car in the sun. That could well be the solution! I will have to get it redone. Thanks for the posts.
 
I would take it back. If you are not happy now, it will continue to eat at you. The bubbles shouldn't grow however.

I second the recommendation to keep your car parked outside for a couple of days. I have always done this with my cars and haven't had a problem.

For those out there, be sure to shop around for a reputable tint place. Get a recommendation from a friend if possible. Not all tint shops are the same. Make sure you get a quality tint with a lifetime warranty. They even have computer cutting machines now. These machines can get the tint to the edge of the glass and at first glance make the tint look factory. The guy who tinted my 4runner used this machine, and I am very impressed with how even and close to the edge of the window he could get.
 
The guy that does our tinting is great. He's very detail oriented and guarantees his work, he always leaves after the installation saying "if you are not happy, I'm not happy". He also said to leave the vehicle outside for a few days in the sun to cure the film. I echo what someone else said earlier, ask around about reputable tinters. The kid down the street paid about half of what I did, and the quality of the job he got was probably about a quarter.
 
I would take it back as well or at least take it to a different shop and see what they recommend. I had all my windows tinted, the sunroof along with the strip at the top of the windshield. It's been a couple months now and I don't see any imperfections. The stuff he used is guaranteed not to turn purple or bubble I think or anything really for that matter for the life of the vehicle. As far as warnings after installation, only one he told me was to not roll down the windows for a couple days.

About 7 years ago when I was still driving around my 88 4Runner, I had all those windows tinted by the same guy and they are still holding up, no bubbles, nothing and my mom owns it now and keeps it parked outside about 90% of the time and drives my two youngest brothers around and occasionally transports her dogs. It's not her primary vehicle but still, pretty impressive stuff.

edit: Luv2eat, just noticed your in So-Cal, where about exactly? If your somewhat local I can give you the name of the shop and guy that did both my 4Runners. PM me if your interested.
 
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Mine had the same problems after a couple of days. Left it in the sun on a warm day and they dissapeared.
 
iDRiVaT4R said:
edit: Luv2eat, just noticed your in So-Cal, where about exactly? If your somewhat local I can give you the name of the shop and guy that did both my 4Runners. PM me if your interested.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the offer. The tint guy is going to come by next week to redo my windows. He guarantees his work and I'm willing to give him another shot at it. I'm going to park it outside this time and let it bake for a couple of days, like some of you've said.
Thanks everybody!
 
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