Had the black vinyl done on mine too.
Another Window Tinting Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 281
Likes: 1
From: Springfield MO
Another Window Tinting Question
Went to a shop today and they suggested that they install a vinyl material at the top of the rear window where all the little dots are. I would not be able to see through this material. They said that they would put the seam at the top of the last rear defroster line and that I could not see the line. They stated that just putting tint over the little dots is hard to get perfect. They said they would do it either way that I wanted. I wish that I could remember the exact name but it is LLumar.
Has anyone ever used this product?
If so any visibility issues?
Thanks for any input.
Has anyone ever used this product?
If so any visibility issues?
Thanks for any input.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Fort Lauderdale Florida
The problem is that where those dots are there is more dot surface area than glass surface area so the tint has a hard time sticking to the window. The tint wont fall off but you end up getting a lot of area where air is still under the tint and you don't get the nice black look. I feel like I didn't explain that last part very well so here is a picture of what I mean. Hope this helps give you a better idea of what you are getting. My tint is also Lumar tint.
If you look at the top of the window you can see where it looks lighter. That's what will happen if you just use tint. I have tried going in there with a credit card and some other stuff but it just won't stick. I'm happy with it though.
And before anyone comments... I am in college and the EX stands for Sigma Chi.
If you look at the top of the window you can see where it looks lighter. That's what will happen if you just use tint. I have tried going in there with a credit card and some other stuff but it just won't stick. I'm happy with it though.
And before anyone comments... I am in college and the EX stands for Sigma Chi.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 79
From: pueblo co
my brother has on his camaro..and to be honest it looks like ***...it was on the car when he bought it..2002 z28 with 31,000 miles...the whole car is show room perfect..all for that **** on the back glass..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 4
From: Youngsville North Carolina
Shop was able to make mine look perfect with Formula One Pinnacle tint. I specifically asked them about this section and they said it took a special technique to make it look right.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 580
Likes: 0
From: Fort Lauderdale Florida
Pro
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 720
Likes: 2
From: Walnut Creek CA
The vinyl strip is very common on the dot matrix areas of cars. If the installer does it right, you won't notice any difference. Mine has it and I would defy anyone to find the line from the outside of the car. Only works with high-quality 5% tint. If it's lighter you'll see the strip.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,080
Likes: 151
From: Toronto
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Pro
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 524
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA
I just had my windows tinted and had my installer use a vinyl strip across the dot matrix. With 5% tint on the back window, you can't really notice a difference between the tint and the vinyl when you're looking at the outside of the car.
Although you can apply tint over the dot matrix and make it look decent, I've had several friends complain about the tint pealing off the dots, later down the road.
Although you can apply tint over the dot matrix and make it look decent, I've had several friends complain about the tint pealing off the dots, later down the road.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 734
Likes: 2
From: Mt. Airy MD
The guy who I have asked to do mine also mentioned this as an area for concern. Said the tint doesn't stick to it well. He mentioned painting the area with some sort of tint paint. I'm not going that route,but it sounds just like what you are looking at except permanent which is why I'm not doing it. I think I'll be OK with the tint looking odd around the dots.
WTF are those damn dots for anyway?
WTF are those damn dots for anyway?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 968
Likes: 3
From: Coplay PA
I tint windows on the side, if you want your rear window to look right then go with the vinyl over the matrix. Most tint will not lay down over the factory dot matrix correctly and you'll have a random lighter area. It looks like crap. Vinyl for the win!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,079
Likes: 24
From: Northern Chicago Burbs IL
My car looks like the picture above. My only saving grace is that my car is black with 15% so it's hard to notice the dot matrix at the top of the window since everything is practically black. If I knew about the vinyl strip, I would have had that done to the top.
good luck and you'll regret putting window tint off so long.
good luck and you'll regret putting window tint off so long.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 40
From: Orangevale California
St. Jude Donor '10
I just had my FRC done a few weeks ago and they did the blackout strip at the top.
You don't see it when you look throught the rear view mirror and like previously stated, it should stick to the dots better.
Time will tell.
You don't see it when you look throught the rear view mirror and like previously stated, it should stick to the dots better.
Time will tell.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,208
Likes: 6
From: Prince George VA
I had mine tinted a couple months ago. They tinted right over the dots. They did tell me to rub my finger on it a few times a day for the first week to squeeze out any moisture that is in there. I did that a few times a day and mine is lookin good!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 281
Likes: 1
From: Springfield MO
I just got my car back late today and took a few photos. The vinyl at the top where the bubbles are is called Dotrix, LLUMAR brand. I know it is there, otherwise it would be hard to tell from the outside. I did go with 15 on rear and 30 on sides.
Here is a photo from what it will look like from inside. I just drove it home, but sure did not interfere with the rear visibility. Looking through rear-view mirror could just see a thin black strip, now when you look over your shoulder it is noticeable, but like I said does not obstruct your view.
Close up on rear, if you look you can see the color difference.
Hear is another, just because I am so glad that I did my first MOD. HaHa
Here is a photo from what it will look like from inside. I just drove it home, but sure did not interfere with the rear visibility. Looking through rear-view mirror could just see a thin black strip, now when you look over your shoulder it is noticeable, but like I said does not obstruct your view.
Close up on rear, if you look you can see the color difference.
Hear is another, just because I am so glad that I did my first MOD. HaHa