Tinting Windows (Must Read, Free Moleskin)

[Acura_Kid]

Originally Posted by rachmaninoff

Well, got my tint last Monday at the Art of Tint...looks good, but it does seem like a rushed job and not as quality as I expected from a place as highly recommended as this place. It's been a full week, but there are bubbles appearing all over the rear window, plus there's a small crease inbetween one of the defroster lines. I'm having Tom fix these for me, but I have to drive all the way out to Brooklyn this time... It's turning out to be a hassle.

sorry to hear. Tom will take care of it.

[the art of tint]

Originally Posted by rachmaninoff

Well, got my tint last Monday at the Art of Tint...looks good, but it does seem like a rushed job and not as quality as I expected from a place as highly recommended as this place. It's been a full week, but there are bubbles appearing all over the rear window, plus there's a small crease inbetween one of the defroster lines. I'm having Tom fix these for me, but I have to drive all the way out to Brooklyn this time... It's turning out to be a hassle.

I'm very sorry this is turning out to be a hassle to you. I allways treat my customers with utmost respect and professionalism. And I NEVER rush a tint job! If there is anything wrong with your new tint job, I will fix it!

And for your hassle, I'll get your car a $30 hand wash on me!

[TexAg]

There is a new ceramic film on the market that I have not seen discussed in this forum. I would like to get everyone's thoughts on it:

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060407/20060407005023.html?.v=1

Madico Introduces World's First High Definition Window Film
Friday April 7, 11:00 am ET
Advanced Ceramics Materials Clearest Available


TAHOE, Nev.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 2006--Madico, Inc., one of the world's largest manufacturers of scientifically engineered window films, opened its "Reaching New Heights" SunScape Select(TM) Dealer Conference by introducing a new suite of high definition solar control films. Dubbed Madico Advanced Ceramics(TM), the visually acute product line dramatically reduces ultraviolet rays and solar heat gain while preserving the clearest glass imaginable.

Here is a link to the specs. The numbers compare favorably to Huper Optik.

[Acura_Kid]

Originally Posted by TexAg

There is a new ceramic film on the market that I have not seen discussed in this forum. I would like to get everyone's thoughts on it:

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060407/20060407005023.html?.v=1



Here is a link to the specs. The numbers compare favorably to Huper Optik.

good for Madico, only years behind the competition in terms of time-to-market. Huper's latest ceramic films are also "new" in design, some sort of "micro ceramic" film now. i would certainly wait to see others be the 1st to get Madico's ceramic film.

[pipnmike]

Originally Posted by the art of tint

I'm very sorry this is turning out to be a hassle to you. I allways treat my customers with utmost respect and professionalism. And I NEVER rush a tint job! If there is anything wrong with your new tint job, I will fix it!

And for your hassle, I'll get your car a $30 hand wash on me!

I got my job done at Tom's place. I've been very happy with it. No flaws... highly recommended.

[rachmaninoff]

Originally Posted by pipnmike

I got my job done at Tom's place. I've been very happy with it. No flaws... highly recommended.

Don't get me wrong...I would still recommend Tom's place in a heartbeat. The micro edging on the side windows are so good that it actually looks like factory tint. The quarter windows were done beautifully. And I understand that the rear window is the toughest to do perfectly. It's just that I didn't expect to have to make two trips into the city to get tint on my car. I'm not a big fan of driving around Pothole City with all them crazy cabbies...plus the tolls.

[GesusNY]

Lorenzo “The” Tint Specialist Review

I visited Lorenzo's shop on June 4th at around 12:30 PM at 4752 Bronx Blvd, click here for directions. At first sight (from the outside), it didn't look to me like a place where A-List celebrities would get their work done, but then again, Lorenzo's is the only shop on the block, so he doesn't really have to have a neon sign posted anyway. I parked, and entered the garage and was greeted by Lorenzo himself, his first words to me were, hey how are you? What can I do for you? I told him I wanted a tint job on my '06 Accord Coupe. He said let me take you around your car and show you the type of work I do. He takes my keys, pulls my car up front and center and introduces me to moleskin. Thanks to Acura Kid I was one step ahead and was delighted to know that Lorenzo knew about it and recommended it.

After Lorenzo showed me the moleskin-felt he turned my attention to the rear windshield. He pointed out the dot matrix at the top of the windshield. He explained that tint film is designed to be applied to a smooth surface. When tint is applied to a rough surface, it does not stick/dry well and this is what he calls elevation. I took this to mean bubbling but I didn't ask. He said he would meticulously sand the dots down so as to create a smoother surface for the window tint and it would be one complete application of tint film- Another Acura Kid kudo!

The next and probably most important part is choosing the percentage of window tint. He showed me to his office where he keeps tint samples of Sun Guard HP on actual car windows and let me pick the tint. He emphasized that he only makes suggestions to his customers but they must make the final decision. In other words, he does not steer his product or his customers. Also, he advised me of the law enforcement issues that go with darker tints in New York State. I told him I was looking for a tint that would keep my interior private but still allow me to drive well at night and I didn't care much for NYS tint laws. He pointed at 20% Solar Gard HP and I looked at it for a bit under florescent light. The 20%, I felt was noticeably dark but I wanted something darker so I went with 15% SG HP all around (2 front, 2 sides, and rear windshield.) Best of all, since Lorenzo's shop was so popular and filled with his clients cars, he let me see several cars that were already tinted with 15% window film- nice!

We setup a 7:30AM appointment for June 9th because my schedule was booked and Lorenzo said he would need the better half of a day to do the job. Another reason why Lorenzo is better than the other guys, he does not rush his jobs. He said his appointments are free the first time but if you think you will run a bit late, he urges you to put something down (down payment). With a down payment, if you are running late, you can call him up, and he will give you some leeway. If you are too late, you will have to reschedule. I put $40 dollars down to show him I was very interested in his services and left feeling like I made a great decision for my car.

The day of my appointment, I showed up at 7:30 AM exactly, Lorenzo was just pulling up into his parking space and the garage was already opened and setup by his employees. Lorenzo remembered who I was and asked me if I had any changes of tint/service selection since I last saw him. I told him I wanted to also tint the front windshield. He said it was a good choice, he showed me another car that had the same job and the great care he takes on the stickers (registration/inspection). Lorenzo carefully removes them, laminates them, and applies them again so as not to ruin the newly installed tint film. Again he warned me of the law enforcement issues that come with it-- again I shrugged it off. I went with 50% SG HP for the windshield. He told me my car would be ready at around 6:00 PM and if I wanted to wait until I saw the finished product to deliver final payment it was ok. I thought that was a nice measure and made me absolutely sure I was making the best decision for my car. I paid in full, we shook hands and I left his garage at about 8:15 AM.

At 6:00 PM I returned to Lorenzo's and saw my car in the garage, Lorenzo saw me and said "just putting some finishing touches." I waited just outside the garage opening and in 5 minutes my car came rolling out and my eyes widened. I saw the finished product and was blown away. Unbelievable, the tint looked factory installed, no bubbles, no signs of purple, no cut lines, no blemishes, no dots... just perfection. That was just the outside, when I opened the doors, that's when I knew this job was worth every penny. The view from the inside was gorgeous, you could see your surroundings crystal clear and from the outside the interior looked pitch black-- exactly what I wanted. The windshield? Beautiful, I was glad I paid extra for it. I closely examined the craftsmanship, there were no signs of shortcuts, and the tint went well below the window line. The moleskin installation looked excellent as well! I examined the windshield, the edges were deep into the little dots, and it was remarkable. The rear side windows were done exactly like the windshield. But the rear windshield took the cake. After I saw the rear windshield I can say with honesty, put your fears of removing tint from the defogger lines away because Lorenzo does it right the first time. The dots just seemed to gradually merge into the tint film as if it was made that way. I can't explain it but I was amazed at how it turned out. Hopefully the pictures can speak themselves. If it sounds like I am blowing this way out of proportion, I apologize but I have seen way too many beautiful cars look like $h!t because of bad tint jobs. I guess what I am trying to say is that in the NY area, Lorenzo is the place.

Before leaving Lorenzo gave my car another quick rinse and also shined my tires-- all free. He gave me some do's and don’ts too. He said for 2 days I could not lower the windows and to remind me he put strips of tape on the buttons. Good thing too ;-) He also said next week, June 16 I have to stop by for a final inspection and look over. I shook his hand again and left with a great feeling... the same feeling I felt when I left the car dealership on day 1!

In closing I want to say that Lorenzo is an A+ guy, he understands his customers' concerns and does not mind at all if you wish to call him by phone or email him about anything: price quotes, recommendations, customizations, appointments, etc. His list of clients comes from all lifestyles but he treats all of them the same. Sure all I got was a tint job but to me it was probably the most difficult process next to choosing the right car for me. I am glad I chose Lorenzo and I highly recommend him. Thank you for reading this review, I hope it makes your tint decisions easier.

[SilverBullet]

Does anyone recommend a shop in San Antonio, TX for tint that will do moleskin install as well? I am considering buying a TL in the next 3 months and want to get info before hand.

[ThE DoUgLeR]

Hey ACrua_kid i was talking with a local tinter here and he seemed to know what he was talking about. I've got the 05 tl and am going to opt for the formulaone pinnacle cermic tints. He's says hes been in the game for 25 years, and 10 of those are as a formulaone dealer, but says ceramic has only been around about 3 years. lifetime parts and labour warranty, in writing, with mole skin (knew what it was too). Said that he could do the whole back window in one piece under the third brake light, and do the rear quarters properly. He quoted $335 + 40 for moleskin (all 4 windows) + 15%tax = 432.(ya tax in canada is a bitch) he also said it would take about 4 hours to install. Does this sound about right? the price works out to be around 380-390 if you want to talk american dollars.
Also what % tints do you have on your car? I'm not sure to go with either the pinnicle 15% or 35%, i want it dark and dont particularily car about local laws but dont want it to look like plastic windows or anything like that.

[Acura_Kid]

ThE DoUgLeR,

sounds about right for the price*, that pinnacle film is good stuff. mine has 38% tints. 15% for meis a tad dark, but if you like it "dark" i would stick around the 15-22% range.

*i say "about right for the price" but it all really depends on what others are charging in your area. if another guy who's also been doing tint for many years says he can do the same for $225, then your $380 price may not seem like a good price......... its all kinda relative...., you get my point.

[Stingray2019]

I've looked and can't find a shop that anyone has suggested here in the San Fernando Valley and thought I'd just ask.

Just got my brand new 2006 TL w/nav, and love it (especially after 11 years in my 200sx - trust me it's a very different driving experience). But I need to get the windows done. I've been reading about the Moleskin and ceramic vs metalic tints, but I know very little else.

So, can someone recommend anyone out there? I live in burbank so the glendale area is also ok.

Thanks
Mark "Stingray2019" Santora

[Stingray2019]

Hey Kid.

Just a moment to say thinks for the questioneer. It helped greatly in my crossexamination of so not so intelligent tinters out here in Los Angeles. I'm most likely going to have mine done in a week or two by a place in Van Nuys called Sundimmers Tint. Moleskin and all. So thanks again.

Mark "Stingray2019" Santora

Originally Posted by Acura_Kid

a few questions you need to ask your tinter.

1. do you install moleskin?
2. what film brands and series do you carry?
3. are these films dyed, ceramic, metallized, or hybrid?
4. can you do back window in one piece?
5. can you tint under the 3rd brake light?
6. can you tint the quarter glass completely, tucked up tight to the inner molding?
7. what warranty does the film and workmanship carry?
8. are the warranties in writing on the work order (aka receipt)?
9. how much will it cost?
10. can i see some of your work?

here's what i would expect for answers from experienced tinters:
1. yes but it will cost a extra $xy.00
2. top brands include llumar, huper optik, pinnacle, 3m, solargard, and others, we use llumar and solargard (or the like, etc)
3. we have all of them (only use ceramic or metallized films)
4. yes
5. yes
6. yes
7. lifetime on film, 3year (or better) on workmanship
8. yes, i can show you
9. we are competetively priced
10. sure, come into our work bay and i'll show you


if the tinter cannot do all 10 questions to your satisfaction then move on to the next tint shop. if there are hesitations with the answers i would proceed with caution.

[Acura_Kid]

Originally Posted by Stingray2019

Hey Kid.

Just a moment to say thinks for the questioneer. It helped greatly in my crossexamination of so not so intelligent tinters out here in Los Angeles. I'm most likely going to have mine done in a week or two by a place in Van Nuys called Sundimmers Tint. Moleskin and all. So thanks again.

Mark "Stingray2019" Santora

it all stems from my encounter with Redline Tinting in Mastic Beach near me. the guy said he tinted cars before and with Huper film. the guy completely goofed up the job and he's not a automotive tinter, he does flat glass for a living. none-the-less, i still have a open court case to get my money back, around $500.

you find many who say they know what they're doing, not just in tint business either.

cheers.
AK

[Jenn_Xi]

Hey everyone =) New here!! Haven't had a chance to read through everything- but thanks for all the helpful information so far!!! I'm in the Northern Virginia area and didn't know if anyone knew of a good tint around! Oh I have an 06 White TL.. my husband was also looking into getting his IS350 done. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

[Acura_Kid]

Originally Posted by Jenn_Xi

Hey everyone =) New here!! Haven't had a chance to read through everything- but thanks for all the helpful information so far!!! I'm in the Northern Virginia area and didn't know if anyone knew of a good tint around! Oh I have an 06 White TL.. my husband was also looking into getting his IS350 done. Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

solargard is good film, but i cant vouch for the quality of workmanship near you.

try this link
http://www.solargard.com/index.cfm/f...ookup_State/VA