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06-19-2008, 09:51 AM | #1 |
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tint and dot matrix problems?
I had Llumar tint installed yesterday. The tint covering the dot matrix portions of the windows are somewhat uneven - as if the film did not quite adhere. When I brought this to the attention of the installer, he said that was a common problem and that there is nothing that can be done about it. Of course, he didn't mention the dot matrix as a potential problem prior to the install.
Is the installer correct about the dot matrix issue? Or are there techniques to fix the problem? |
06-19-2008, 10:11 AM | #2 |
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I've heard that you can sand the dot matrix (very carefully mind you) down slightly and it will allow the tint to adhere. I'm not positive on the results, that's just what I've heard/read.
http://www.tintdude.com/totw89.html
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06-19-2008, 01:15 PM | #3 |
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Once the tint fully dries you can go over it again and press it into the valleys between the dots.
It's very hard to get that area perfect but if they've done it right it can look perfect. |
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06-19-2008, 04:54 PM | #4 |
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I got the same prob.. bringing my car back for them to press it.. cuz it looks really cheap if you dont.. its like its about to come off or something..
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06-19-2008, 08:54 PM | #5 |
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That is the exact reason I am not tinting.
Google tinting and you will find some tinters are sanding the dots and then painting the whole area. I have not seen it myself but many on other sites say it works. I am sure its big $$$. |
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06-19-2008, 09:22 PM | #6 |
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please, do not sand the dot matrix on your windows... it's about as stupid as cleaning a loaded gun....
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06-20-2008, 08:11 AM | #8 |
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I've had tint done on cars with the dots and they took extra time on the dot section. It looked great when done and even after 3 years, still looks great with no problems. I would not suggest sanding anything!!
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06-20-2008, 08:16 AM | #10 |
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I think it would need to be done at the time of application though I do not know for sure. Take a credit card and try pressing between the dots and see if it sticks...that's basically what they will do at the shop.
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06-20-2008, 09:23 AM | #13 |
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e46 Painting
On my e46 330Ci, I painted over the "dot matrix" and then tinted inside with fantastic results! It will give you that full dark tint, without the slight border that comes from the ceramic "dot matrix."
1. Buy a higher end oil based paint, and the softest brush you can find so that you won't leave streaks. FYI, I did this with a water based paint first and it looked like crap because it wouldn't stick... so get oil. 2. Tape off around the area you are going to paint. Take your time with this step... try and smooth out the curves and corners so that you get that OEM look. 3. apply the lightest coat you can then let dry, then I got a 1000 grit sand paper and smoothed it out then added another coat. I cannot stress enough that you should take your time with this, as the more time spent now the better it will look for the life of your car. 4. Then I let the pro tinter do his work and he tinted with a slight overlap onto the paint so you only see a pin line outline instead of the dot matrix. The oil paint lets the tint stick. Over time I have been able to press most of it out though. When I get home today, I'll post some pics so that you can see the results. Hopefully that helps!:wink: |
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06-20-2008, 09:48 AM | #15 |
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on the windshield it's called a Third Visor... basically, when you put the 2 visors down, it's supposed to provide additional protection from the sun..
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06-20-2008, 09:49 AM | #16 |
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This is true for most tint bubbles. However it won't work with the dot matrix. It's not that there's excessive amounts of water trapped, it's that it just can't stick because the bumps of the dot matrix raise the tint slightly off the glass.
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06-20-2008, 10:09 AM | #17 |
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I see what you are saying...I guess I got "special" tint because I didn't have this issue after a week....:biggrin::biggrin:
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06-20-2008, 02:12 PM | #18 |
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So..I took the car back to the installer today - he worked on it for a bit; the blend with the dot matrix is better, but still not what I would consider acceptable. I'm thinking about having them just take the tint off.
The installer didn't have any suggestions other than to cut the tint off at the leading edge of the dots. Not sure what that would look like or if it would be an improvement. Grrrrr. |
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06-20-2008, 02:26 PM | #19 |
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Find another shop...maybe ask the dealer for the name of the company they use. I have seen good tint jobs over dots before so I know it can be done. Good luck!
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06-20-2008, 02:28 PM | #20 |
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Sadly, this is the shop the dealer recommended -(. I live in a smallish town and there aren't a lot of options. I wanted to go local in case there were problems that needed to be corrected - of course that approach kinda backfired.
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06-20-2008, 02:57 PM | #21 | |
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I would assume you could still have it done unless there is some change in the behavior of the material between the week that it dries and a month later that I don't know about. |
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06-21-2008, 09:32 AM | #22 | |
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I wonder if you could use a razor sticker scraper and scrape the dots off before having film installed? I wish I would've tried it.
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