Signgeer - Super Tools for Sign Heroes - Edition 22 - Catalog - Page 333
TINTING
Vehicle Tinting Guide
CALL SIGNMAN 0800 5 999 059
Over the next few pages you will find a selection of tools and equipment to
give you a head start when it comes to tinting....
Here are a few tips too….
PREPARATION STAGE
• Manage client expectations - make clients aware from the outset that window tint is a film and not a factory
finish e.g. there may be ghosting on the dot matrix
• Survey the vehicle prior to accepting the job. Inspect the glass and overall cleanliness; if there are any scratches
or deviations in the glass these will be amplified when the tint is applied. If the vehicle is not clean internally
e.g. if there is pet hair, advise the customer that this will need to be cleaned prior to bringing it in to reduce the
risk of contamination
APPLICATION STAGE
• Prior to application, ensure all adhesive residue is removed on the inner screen from stickers that may have
been there in the past such as dealer stickers – tint film is not forgiving!
• More and more vehicles now require you to remove the door cards for a top quality finish when applying tint
film – it’s worthwhile ensuring you have a good generic tool bit set that includes flat head, torx head and Phillips
head screwdrivers, as well as a good set of trim removers to cover most eventualities
• Save 50% of your time and use a double-action spray bottle
• Invest in a soak shield used for collecting as much of the run-off water and cleaner as possible – take care to
cover all surfaces and reduce the risk of watermarks
• Wipe down the glass with Surfacework Surface Cleaner to remove the majority of the contamination prior to a
final clean with slip solution
• Luke-warm water with a drop of baby shampoo creates a slip solution to allow you to ‘slip’ the film around the
surface of the glass before anchoring in place to apply
• The more straightforward the application, the less slip solution you will need – the more you apply, the more
you will have to squeegee and dry out at the end which increases the time and effort required as well as the risk
of blemishes or failure
• Use a plastic handled knife to reduce the risk of glass or paintwork becoming damaged when cutting or
trimming film
• Never leave 90-degree corners on window film as this increases the risk of catching and in turn failure – always
round the corners
• Always use a new stainless steel blade on glass to minimise the risk of scratching
• Overheating trapped excess water will cause it to boil and leave marks – squeegeeing is always the best way
• Shining a spotlight from the inside of the vehicle outwards helps to identify any defects in the film, giving you
the opportunity to correct them prior to completion – the film opaquer pen is great for last minute touch ups
TIPS
• Make notes on different vehicles as you go as each vehicle is different e.g. disassembly for future jobs
• Template windows, noting vehicle make and model on them. This will save you hours next time
• Prepare yourself a ‘peel board’ for cutting, storing, templating and rounding the corners of your tint prior to
application to prevent dirt contamination. This could be a piece of acrylic or something similar – a clear surface
is ideal
• On roll down windows, we would recommend you apply stickers to the electric window switches to advise the
client not to open the windows immediately after application. The film’s adhesive needs time to cure fully to the
glass and rolling down the windows shortly after application can cause it to catch and crease
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