Please give me your input on this; I know we had some discussion about this before but I need to clarify. On the rear window, do you go up to the Dot Matrix or do you cover it and have the small bubbles/gaps? If you don't cover it, did you get the black vinyl overlay to put on the inside to even it out?

On your side windows, do you have the edges shaved so that the tint is all the way up to the top or do you have a 1/8 inch gap at the top?

My appointment is for 9 AM on Monday and I am only doing this once!! I am looking to do 15% on the rear window and 50% on the sides.

As always, your input is appreciated.

-Bad

 

Mine covers the "dots" I have very minor bubbles showing through.

1/8 at the top for me.

Who's doing the work for you? Don't you trust them to do the job correctly?Oh and have them remove you 3rd barke light and tint the complete window instead of cutting around it!!! Looks way better....

 

+1 on jsmtihs comment... WAY better...

 

Cover the dots, but I have mine at the top edge of glass; and on the brake light.

 

It's really going to depend on the tinter. Might wanna talk with the guy that's actually going to be doing it, beforehand, and ask him how he deals with the dot matrix. If he doesn't mention sanding it, or any kind of prep work on the dots, ask him to use vinyl to cover it /shrug. A little bit of prep work on the dot matrix will go a long way. Mine is nearly perfectly glued, so no need for vinyl

Not sure what you're asking about shaved edges. The tint can't really go completely to the true edge of the window as there needs to be room for it to roll up completely without peeling the tint. Most places, nowadays, use computers to cut the tint.

Good luck!

 

I'm with jsmithsole, that is how my tint is done and I live with a few bubbles (and the brake light was removed to completely tint the window).

Talk to the installer and get some instructions on their suggestions to press down again yourself in a day or so (helps alittle).

Give it a good inspection, I had one window re-done due to entrapment of dust.

Good luck!

 

bleh i have small bubbles on my rear tint but the tint is only 2 weeks old.. my guy cut the back window in pieces so that he could save my defroster lines somewhat :\ he messed up on my driver side window with a ugly looking bubble but he's gonna retint it today actually. I really really need to post all the pictures and videos of my car since all the mods :\ DAMN IM LAZY! sorry to hold out on you guys :P

 

Bad,
I guess I am one of the few that didn't have the dots covered. They took the tint all the way up to the bottom of the dots. At first I thought I wouldn't like it, but it looks fine. No bubbles.

All the windows were tinted with the slight 1/8" gap.

I love the tint. I did 20% all the way around (minus the windshield obviously).

 

1/8 gap meaning a 1/8 from the tip of the window correct?

(Boy I havent been here in a few months..)

 

From the ledge of the top of the window. Meaning they didn't tint all the way up. They left a super small gap.

 

I've seen people who didn't tint the dots and it doesn't look right. The tinter told me this when I got mine done and I thought he was full if isht but i soon found out he wasn't. Looks odd with them tinted but it looks worse if they aren't.

 

I'm one of the ones that did have the "dot matrix" covered with vinyl. I discovered this trick when I had my 2004 Accord. My tint guy actually suggested it, then I found out more about it through internet research. Worked like a charm to tell you the truth.

Some pictures....

 

Thanks for all of the responses. I trust the guy who's doing it, his shop has been around for almost 10 years and I've seen his work. He said that the rear dot matrix won't look good if tinted and he recommended doing the vinyl overlay, like Kramer's... which I think looks good. So, I am doing the 50% on the sides and 15% on the rear. I will be posting pics, hopefully on Monday Night!!! I can't wait!!

 

I had the dots covered on my old car and it peeled back

 

I'm getting my windows done in the morning. I asked the guy about the dot matrix and he said he gives the customer the option of tinting over it or cutting it short. He said he prefers the look of cutting it short, but I told him to go ahead and tint over it. Will get it washed up and post some pics afterwards.

 

Well, the tint is on. Let me know what you think. 50% (State of Ohio Limit) on the front sides and 15% on the rear sides and rear window. I did not cover the dot matrix. You can't tell from the outside but it is a little lighter from the inside. I will be doing the vinyl trick at a later date. You can see bigger shots at http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2046572/1

 

I just recently picked up a 2004 this past 4th of July and I'm going to tint it this weekend. From reading this post it looks like I'm definitely going to go 20% with the vinyl overlay... I'll post pics this Saturday or Sunday.

 

It all depends on the installer. tint can be applied to dot matrix properly but it requires a lot of time with the torch and because of that the installer will just leave it as is and do another car. There is a place here in NY on Sheepshead Bay (212 Motoring) that will do it based on how much you're willing to spend. If you want standard install it will be an OK job, if you speak to them and pay lil extra they can work wonders. They usually have souped up Range Rovers, Escallades and other cars that are just done PERFECT, I am guessing the owner paid extra or they are buddies. Either way it can be done right.

I have my tints going almost all the way to the edge. The gap is less than and eight of an inch.

 

I did not want to start a new tread and please excuse my lack of knowledge on the subject but I'm assuming the vinyl overlay goes on the outside of the back window??? Also is this something you DIY???

 

What vinyl overlay are you talking about?

 

The vinyl goes on the inside. Well, you could put it on the outside, but it would probably look stupid.

If a tinter suggests vinyl or cutting off before the dots, than he is either lazy or incompetent.

Most experienced tinters cringe when you mention dots. For the most part they hate dealing with it and they slow the job down considerably.

So it depends on how **** you are. Bubbles are, of course noticeable. Vinyl is much less noticeable. If you truly want a perfect job and have the money and a competent tinter, then have them sanded.

 

When I tinted my old Integra I went over the dot matrix. It had a small amount of bubble but I forgot about it real quickly.

Just go over them & be done with it.

 

where can i get the vinyl..i didn't have my dots covered either.