Are bubbles unavoidable in window tint?

[bng804]

Originally Posted by HaZe_X

didnt want to start a new thread, but when getting the rear window tinted, are you guys tinting over the 3rd brake light? or cutting the tint so it goes around it?

Shops that cut around the 3rd brake light are lazy! It looks like crap, but it's easier for the installer because it eliminates the need to remove the rear deck panel, or to hard card behind the brake light.

Originally Posted by 2010-camaro

so i got my windows done & i have a question
should my car have no tiny bubbles whatsoever or r they unavoidable?
thanks

Actually yes, some tiny bubbles are unavoidable. I guarantee that I can look at ANY tint job and find some tiny dust bubbles - they are simply unavoidable. Now we are talking about bubbles the size of the head of a pin, so it's not like they are very noticeable, but they will exist in any tint job. If you have a ton of them or large clusters of them all over the glass, it's poor installation. One or two per window is normal.

99% of people will never notice the dust bubbles, but after 10 years of being a window film installer, you notice.

You will have a hazy, blistered looking appearance until the film finishes the curing process. You don't want to roll down your windows until the film has cured. Your installer will tell you don't roll your windows down for "whatever amount of days" based on a the weather climate in your location. Curing times vary greatly. In say Las Vegas or Phoenix in the middle of summer, window film will completely cure in a matter of an hour or two outside, while in climates at or below freezing it could take weeks.

[drtwo]

I disagree, there is a purpose to the third breaklight and they should cut around it. That's just like tinting your breaklights. Mine is cut out and it looks very nice! Plus the light is still visible like it should be.

[bng804]

Originally Posted by drtwo

I disagree, there is a purpose to the third breaklight and they should cut around it. That's just like tinting your breaklights. Mine is cut out and it looks very nice! Plus the light is still visible like it should be.

After installing tint for a long time and doing it both ways, I can tell you we had customers bitching constantly if the brake light was cut out. It can create light gaps from the inside and IMO ruins the fluid look of the back window.

Now, installers will try to tell you that it's for legality or safety reasons, but it's generally to cover their own butts after they were lazy and and took the quicker, easier way out. I have currently have 20% on my rear window and you can see the brake light with no problems whatsoever right through the tint. I have had 5% on other cars with no problems seeing the brake light through the film.

It's funny, there is a yellow 1LT in the small town that I live in that had the brake light cut out of their film. After seeing mine with the light covered, they took theirs back to the installer and had them re-tint the back window with the light covered.

If you want it cut out just let the shop know and I'm sure they'll be happy to do it. Personal preference I suppose. I can just tell you from the installer's point of view, they would love to cut it out as it makes their job easier, especially on a vehicle like the Camaro that it's a major PIA to take out the rear deck.

[Sevn86]

Originally Posted by bng804

After installing tint for a long time and doing it both ways, I can tell you we had customers bitching constantly if the brake light was cut out. It can create light gaps from the inside and IMO ruins the fluid look of the back window.

Now, installers will try to tell you that it's for legality or safety reasons, but it's generally to cover their own butts after they were lazy and and took the quicker, easier way out. I have currently have 20% on my rear window and you can see the brake light with no problems whatsoever right through the tint. I have had 5% on other cars with no problems seeing the brake light through the film.

It's funny, there is a yellow 1LT in the small town that I live in that had the brake light cut out of their film. After seeing mine with the light covered, they took theirs back to the installer and had them re-tint the back window with the light covered.

If you want it cut out just let the shop know and I'm sure they'll be happy to do it. Personal preference I suppose. I can just tell you from the installer's point of view, they would love to cut it out as it makes their job easier, especially on a vehicle like the Camaro that it's a major PIA to take out the rear deck.

Ya i agree my tint installer didnt cut around the brake light and i like it that way...i have 15% on the back window and when i press the brakes the light shines through without a problem...do what feels right to you...

[meanmike]

If they are a good company then there wont be any bubble's ever........

[Diabel1969]

2 weeks is insane! one good day in good summer sun should do it.. as for the third light? that light shines perfectly through the tint, and the bubbles should be gone after a good day or two in summer sun. I only say summer sun because I live in n.y.... also, do not EVER use windex on your tint, or any other window cleaner that's not tint friendly, ie no amonia, or it'll eventually ripple/melt, and turn purplish....

[Albion]

Excuse my naivity but,
Is 20% lighter or darker than Say,30%?

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by Albion

Excuse my naivity but,
Is 20% lighter or darker than Say,30%?

The percent is based on the amount of light getting going through the tint. 20% tint is darker than 30%.

[2010_5thgen]

no bubbles in mine. any good tinter should be able to do it without bubbles.

[darenf02]

Windex makes a "Tint-Safe" version btw (ammonia free)

Originally Posted by Diabel1969

2 weeks is insane! one good day in good summer sun should do it.. as for the third light? that light shines perfectly through the tint, and the bubbles should be gone after a good day or two in summer sun. I only say summer sun because I live in n.y.... also, do not EVER use windex on your tint, or any other window cleaner that's not tint friendly, ie no amonia, or it'll eventually ripple/melt, and turn purplish....

[darenf02]

I agree. My tint guy has tinted 3 vehicles for me in the last 2 years. Not one single bubble. He also uses a computer linked to a machine that cuts the tint for him. No jagged edges. No knife touches your car. Tint goes to the edge of the glass without filing (and does not peel back either). It almost looks as if the glass itself were tempered in the 20% or whatever % you buy. Comes with a written warranty, too. He does custom vinyl racing stripes, etc. Everything. Prices are great, too. I had him put on the Dupont protection the dealer wanted to charge $400 for and I will tell you I paid A LOT less than that. If you're in the Columbus, GA area, PM me and I'll pass along his contact. His setup is portable so he can come to you also!

Originally Posted by meanmike

If they are a good company then there wont be any bubble's ever........

[Danny5]

Originally Posted by bng804

If you want it cut out just let the shop know and I'm sure they'll be happy to do it. Personal preference I suppose. I can just tell you from the installer's point of view, they would love to cut it out as it makes their job easier, especially on a vehicle like the Camaro that it's a major PIA to take out the rear deck.

My installer had a tool he could slide down behind the brake light. No rear deck disassembly required.

[bng804]

Originally Posted by Danny5

My installer had a tool he could slide down behind the brake light. No rear deck disassembly required.

Yep, that's how I do it as well. It's a little tricky getting it perfect just using a hard card behind the brake light, but much easier than pulling the rear deck in the Camaro. On other cars that have easier to remove brake lights I just pop the brake light out - tint - and replace the light assembly.