Window Tinting the Back window??
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Fl
Window Tinting the Back window??
I've been kicking the idea around of tinting my windows. The one reason I'm unsure of doing it is because of the "Dot Matrix" on the top of the back window.
What do you guys do to make sure the tint doesn't peel or bubble?
What do you guys do to make sure the tint doesn't peel or bubble?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Have a pro install it for you, It can be installed where it is hardly noticable.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 9
From: Eddy Texas
It's all in the skill of the tinter. Mines been on "the dots" for 3 yrs now, and zero problems. Lots of guys put black vinyl on the dots. That works too, but it IS possible to get the tint to stick to the dots, my tint guy used sandpaper to lightly scuff the dots so the tin would stick.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Fl
It's all in the skill of the tinter. Mines been on "the dots" for 3 yrs now, and zero problems. Lots of guys put black vinyl on the dots. That works too, but it IS possible to get the tint to stick to the dots, my tint guy used sandpaper to lightly scuff the dots so the tin would stick.
Do you guys all have a strip running accross the top of the front windsheild as well?
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi, TX
I had mine done at 20% at a local shop, he didnt do that great of a job, so when people ask, I just say," Oh corvettes are known for that." 
But on a serious note, i have some some good work around the dots.
But on a serious note, i have some some good work around the dots.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 25
Likes: 1
From: East Texas
I have seen a lot of tint jobs at car shows and other events. Apparently, there are very few window tinters good enough to make all the dots disappear. Here is my solution. I had my window tinter stop the tint at the fourth defroster strip. After about a month of drying time I taped along the tint edge with ¼ inch masking tape. You want the tint to be thoroughly dry so it will not be lifted by the masking tape when you carefully remove it or you can freehand it. I then painted the untinted area with PermEnamel Ultra Black Satin paint for tile and glass. I got it from Hobby Lobby for under $ 5.00 for a 2 oz. bottle, which is more than enough. This type glass paint does not require heat curing. It takes 3 to 4 coats to eliminate all the brush strokes. Use soft brush like a makeup brush. The match is perfect. The dots are not visible and the edge of the original blackout from the factory is not visible either. Also, the blacked out area can not be seen from the drivers seat.
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Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 328
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
St. Jude Donor '08
Careful
I had a tinter who claimed to be the best. He sanded my rear window. The job looked bad, big air buble in top center and you could see scrathes in the glass. I re[laced the rear window ($1,000). 
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 121
Likes: 0
From: Chesterfield Missouri
Mine is 20% also, and the shop actually painted the dots in, which looks great. Of course it sux when it's your daily driver and you have to drive around for 3 days smelling paint and unable to roll down the window! 
I suppose I could have removed the top and left the windows up, but I'd rather smell paint then commit THAT sin. 
I suppose I could have removed the top and left the windows up, but I'd rather smell paint then commit THAT sin.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
I sure hope the tinter guy paid for your window, I have never heard of sanding the glass...
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
that you need a pro do the jobI had tint on ther Camaro which was factory fitted. It looked good for a few years but eventually delaminated at the complex curves and around the dot matrix. I took it off about two years ago so it lasted about 8 years although it was lifting for the last 3 years.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24,310
Likes: 0
From: Canon City Co
St. Jude Donor '11,'13
"I voluntarily took 60 days off from OT"
Yes, I did the vinyl red airbag letters and the vinyl steering wheel decal too....I also like the taillight and license louvers.....I recently bought a 99 triple black Vert..
...I just finished doing the airbag letters, steering wheel decal and same rear-end treatment (letters and louvers) so it matches my 99 Coupe....Also did drilled and slotted rotors on both cars, as well as Z-06 scoops and lowering them both...Went with limo tint on both cars all the way around...........I sold my Classic tip Corsas off the coupe and put on a set of Corsa Tigersharks...visible in this pic...
The vert has ProTip Corsas....
Last edited by The NNIAL8R; Jun 3, 2008 at 02:45 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 886
Likes: 87
From: Largo FL
tint
Had mine doen at Divine Sounds at DM and Waters in Tampa - very good job and reasonable - don't let anyone talk you into going darker than 20% if you want to see at night -
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,631
Likes: 7
From: Dow IL
St. Jude Donor '10
The "black bumps" need to be very lightly rubbed over with a Scotch Brite pad. I stress very lightly or you will scratch the glass itself. Just enough to scratch the black dot matrix so the tint will have something to adhere to. Make sure the the window is washed thoroughly with a mix of water and liquid dishwasher detergent to get rid of all the debris.
You can stop the tint about 2 inches into the black lines and apply black vinyl tape the rest of the way up. Obviously you won't be able to see thru the tape, but it is a minimal width of tape.
Make sure you/they heat shrink the tint. No bubbles or "fingers" and in one sheet.
You can stop the tint about 2 inches into the black lines and apply black vinyl tape the rest of the way up. Obviously you won't be able to see thru the tape, but it is a minimal width of tape.
Make sure you/they heat shrink the tint. No bubbles or "fingers" and in one sheet.
