Window tinting advice?

[scottdk]

I don't even pretend to know your business but I can't imagine how it would look if an amateur freehand cut this stuff ...much less the damage to the trim aroundthe window... I was actually amazed to see how the machines work!

When I first started tinting, geez I think I threw away my tint tools 3 or 4 times because the frustration of tinting, but I always would go dig the tools out of the garbage a couple of hours later

Kept with it, and in time tinting kept getting easier.

 

[scottdk]

Here is a G6 that I installed 18% Carbon film. Just like the Genesis, the 3rd brake light is at the bottom of the window, so I just made a cut out for the light. I personally like the cut out, as I think it looks really clean, but either way is fine, I just do what the customer wants.

The second picture is of a Honda CRV which I applied a 35% Metallic film, which matches the paint almost perfect. The 3rd brake light is located on the top of the window and I did a cut out on this also. Getting an error message with the 2nd pic.....I'll try messing with the size and hopefully can post it.

 

[ASHDUMP]

I think it would look more "factory" with the tint cut out around the break light but this would not be a deal breaker if the guy doesn't want to do it.

Thanks for the input guys/gals... I appreciate it.

I actually have my Genesis going in for some body work. Someone backed into my right front fender wheel well and someone else really hit my right rear door and put a nice size dent in it. Sucks, but after thats all fixed, I'll get the tint done.

 

[ASHDUMP]

Got 30VLT on all 4 windows and 35 on the back window.... not much of a difference but looks really sweet!

 

[BocaDave]

Is it safe to tint the sunroof, esp. In desert areas

I've been getting conflicting advice from reputable local window tinting shops in South Florida, where the sun is extremely hot, and temperatures often at near desert conditions (summer temps of up to 100 degrees for 8+ hours a day are not uncommon, and occasional temps of 105 are an annual occurrence).

All agree on the need for tinting, but they differ on whether it is safe to tint the glass sunroof.

Most will not tint it because they feel it is too exposed to cracking under extreme heat. Even those who agree to do it, warn you that it may crack.

Do any of you experts out there have any advice? I'd really like to do the sunroof, because I get a lot of heat thru it (when the insulating panel is in the "open" position).

Thanks,

Boca Dave

 

[Mark_888]

Re: Is it safe to tint the sunroof, esp. In desert areas

All agree on the need for tinting, but they differ on whether it is safe to tint the glass sunroof.

Most will not tint it because they feel it is too exposed to cracking under extreme heat. Even those who agree to do it, warn you that it may crack.

Do any of you experts out there have any advice? I'd really like to do the sunroof, because I get a lot of heat thru it (when the insulating panel is in the "open" position).

The sunroof glass can get very hot if the shade is closed. But I would think a good reflective tint (a metallic or ceramic) would be best to avoid heat build up that would crack the glass. I would definitely avoid a dyed or charcoal film, because it absorbs heat instead of reflecting it.

But I might defer to the tint shop, since they have obviously had experience with this issue.

 

[scottdk]

Re: Is it safe to tint the sunroof, esp. In desert areas

All agree on the need for tinting, but they differ on whether it is safe to tint the glass sunroof.

Most will not tint it because they feel it is too exposed to cracking under extreme heat. Even those who agree to do it, warn you that it may crack.

Do any of you experts out there have any advice? I'd really like to do the sunroof, because I get a lot of heat thru it (when the insulating panel is in the "open" position).

Thanks,

Boca Dave

I wish the shops would explain their concerns more on the subject. If the moonroof glass is no different then the back window on the car, I wouldn't pass up tinting it. I've tinted them many times in the last 10 years.

Most tinting concerns that have an installers attention are residential and commercial tinting, do to the glass being dual panned windows. If they correct film isn't applied, the film can absorb too much heat and cause thermal fracture of the glass.

I've read that on cars that have the laminated glass like the Genesis does (just front 3 windows) that 35% or lighter is recomended to avoid any problems that having a darker film might cause.

 

[jpq1999]

@BocaDave: I am on an iTouch, so Ill keep this short. I had my car done in Boca (can get name if you like). Got ceramic done for $250. He said NEVER get a sunroof done, as you can have problems when you open/close sunroof.

I posted more info on this thread a long time ago, if you look back in this thread for my other post.

Message me if you want more info on the shop I went to

regards,
Jim

 

[clfdpops12]

It does look nice, but my experience the color requires more work to keep it looking clean and scratches are more visible. That being said, your car looks sharp!

 

[Mark_888]

Re: Is it safe to tint the sunroof, esp. In desert areas

I wish the shops would explain their concerns more on the subject. If the moonroof glass is no different then the back window on the car, I wouldn't pass up tinting it. I've tinted them many times in the last 10 years.

Most tinting concerns that have an installers attention are residential and commercial tinting, do to the glass being dual panned windows. If they correct film isn't applied, the film can absorb too much heat and cause thermal fracture of the glass.

I've read that on cars that have the laminated glass like the Genesis does (just front 3 windows) that 35% or lighter is recomended to avoid any problems that having a darker film might cause.

It sounds like some shops may have a concern about the opening and closing mechanism of the sunroof, and whether it would damage the film or prevent the sun roof from opening/closing properly. The issue of cracking the glass is a totally separate concern, so yes there does seem to be some confusion here about the objections.

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[BocaDave]

RESOLVED! Re: Is it safe to tint the sunroof, esp. In desert areas

I've been getting conflicting advice from reputable local window tinting shops in South Florida, where the sun is extremely hot, and temperatures often at near desert conditions (summer temps of up to 100 degrees for 8+ hours a day are not uncommon, and occasional temps of 105 are an annual occurrence).

All agree on the need for tinting, but they differ on whether it is safe to tint the glass sunroof.

Most will not tint it because they feel it is too exposed to cracking under extreme heat. Even those who agree to do it, warn you that it may crack.

Do any of you experts out there have any advice? I'd really like to do the sunroof, because I get a lot of heat thru it (when the insulating panel is in the "open" position).

Thanks,

Boca Dave

I want to thank all of you who got to me off line and thru the forum. I now have a definitive answer, validated by our own SCOTTDK, and by a manufacturer of Window Tint Film, Dave Laufenberg of Solutia Performance Films.

Here are quotes from Laufenberg.... "To answer, yes, you can safety install window film to a sunroof. BUT, there are limitations."

"If the sunroof glass is a laminated glass, then you would be at high risk of having issues and very much limited as to what film would be safe to use. A very light all metal film would be your only option."

"If the sunroof glass is ‘tempered’, you can put anything on the glass and it would be fine. No window film made can elevate tempered glass’ surface temperature to a point of breakage. This said, it is wise to avoid straight dyed -- non-metal products, dye-metal hybrids, ceramic, dye-ceramic hybrid film products as they do elevate glass temperature more so than using an all metal film product."

"I personally use a one-way mirror film on my vehicle's sunroof."

My 2010 Genesis Sedan's sunroof is made of tempered glass, as are the rear windows. (Only the windshield and front windows are made of laminated glass).

Therefore, it should be safe to put window tint on the Genesis's tempered glass sunroof, and I have done so.

Thanks again, guys, for your help.

 

[scb]

Can anyone recommend a good tint shop in, or west of, Boston MA?
Thanks

 

[izhd]

Can anyone recommend a good tint shop in Orange County?
Thanks!

 

[Mark_888]

Can anyone recommend a good tint shop in Orange County?
Thanks!

Which one?

California Orange County
Florida Orange County
Indiana Orange County
New York Orange County
North Carolina Orange County
Texas Orange County
Vermont Orange County
Virginia Orange County

 

[izhd]

Which one?

California Orange County
Florida Orange County
Indiana Orange County
New York Orange County
North Carolina Orange County
Texas Orange County
Vermont Orange County
Virginia Orange County

Please forgive my ignorance
I'm used to California forums so I tend to forget there are other "Orange Counties"
California Orange County

 

[Mark_888]

Please forgive my ignorance
I'm used to California forums so I tend to forget there are other "Orange Counties"
California Orange County

Paul Sr is going to wip you butt for that lapse.

 

[izhd]

Paul Sr is going to wip you butt for that lapse.

 

[Slider]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their advice and experience in this thread. I'm about to get mine done, zeroing in on a shop here. With Texas temps in high 90s, I have to get this done.

One word of caution to everyone also: definitely check your state laws on max tint permissible, especailly if you might be moving to a different state.

I went to school in AZ and had my old MX-6 done with 20% all around (black on black) and it looked slick. After graduation, I moved to MO and had to get a medical waiver to get my car registered there as their limit was 35% on sides. Was more of an adminstrative pain in the ass more than anything.

 

[ricrawling]

I just had my car tinted with Huper Optik. I had the normal windows done, along with the sunroof. I also had the Air 80 (clear) installed on the windshield. So far, it has been awesome. It does take a bit longer for the "water drops" under the Huper to disappear compared to other premium tints. I am in the Nashville area, where it has been in the mid 90's for the past 2 weeks, and the difference in temperature/comfort inside the car before and after the tint has been very noticeable.

 

[iamrelaxed]

Could you explain a little about the air 80? What brand is that? I just got a quote on the huper optik 30 for the side/rear windows for $450.