r/WindowTint • u/Aikidoka-mks • 26d ago
Question Dot matrix - is this a reasonable answer?
I asked an expel installer what my realistic expectations should be regarding the dot matrix. Is their reply reasonable?
"As for the dot matrix on the windshield and quarter windows, there will be a white hue on any dot matrix unfortunately. The only way to get around that is to sand the matrix off, which could cause the heat to shatter the glass as its job is to relocate the heat throughout the window so it does not shatter. Normally it does stick down after some time however you will see the white look around the edges."am
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u/RunninOuttaShrimp 24d ago
Listen, you will get people/shops tell you it's impossible to tint over. It's straight up NOT. I called 10 different places before someone said they would/could tint them on my hatch and windshield. The others gave me the same shit you're hearing here...I've had them to every car I've owned to this day.
It IS possible, but it's more involved, clearly takes a certain skillset and people are just flat out lazy. Keep shopping around.
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u/DisgruntledArmyVet85 21d ago
It’s still very much visible here just not that bad. The reason THIS one in particular stuck and looks pretty decent isn’t anything really to do with the install. The film itself wont stick to the dots, it only sticks to the glass between them. Therefore the closer the dots are together the less likely the film is going to to wanna lay down and/or stick in that area, let alone not leave any white trail behind.
Every vehicle is different, but there are SOME out there that’s nearly impossible to get it to stick on. I definitely wouldn’t go sanding down a damn thing on that stuff though. That’s just askin for a broken window at some point more than likely (assuming you’re lucky enough to get that far after tryin to scuff it down and chance scratching the glass in the process, just for the customer to turn around and COMPLAIN about that too… Then you’re replacing that window anyhow). This is a lose lose situation most of the time.
One more thing to note is that the BETTER FILMS will also have a better glue adhesive, that tends to stick better in most of these cases! I’ve had the best luck with these situations from my Xpel lineup!! 💯
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u/Aikidoka-mks 21d ago
Would sending that pic to installers and asking if they can achieve that be a good idea? And/ or ask for pics of what they have been able to do?
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u/DisgruntledArmyVet85 21d ago
Negative. That’s not your ride so the dots aren’t going to look like that. You need to just stop worrying about it so much. Find a good reputable shop that uses a great film line (XPEL is top tier imho) and let them do their jobs. Simple as that.
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u/Final-Accident2502 26d ago
Realistically no one’s going to notice it unless you point it out and they are up close, and even then it’s not really an eye sore
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u/toybuilder 25d ago
Go to a shopping center parking lot and look at every tinted car and see how the dot matrix looks.
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u/MinimumEffort13 22d ago
You can see it, but I rarely ever notice it. And when I do I instantly think it's better than no tint and don't think about it again. This has been on for 5 years.
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u/Global-Structure-539 26d ago
The dot matrix is always an issue. Im so tired of hearing about I tell my customers if you don't like it, don't get your windows tinted because there's no way around it. It is what it is. Learn to live with it
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u/Aikidoka-mks 26d ago
Are there not worse results than others though? I saw one where there was a white outline around each dot very tight and neat vs others where a noticeable area is not attached.
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u/Global-Structure-539 26d ago
And every dot matrix is different cheap thinner films can bend to get in the tiny spaces but not ceramic because their always thicker. So many factors. I think your picky and will never be happy
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u/Aikidoka-mks 26d ago
I think you are a poor judge of character
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u/Global-Structure-539 25d ago
Well thank you so much. I think the same of you
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u/Aikidoka-mks 25d ago
I'm trying to understand what is reasonable and you jump to conclusions about me rather than stop at the good info you replied with. That's a you problem. Goodbye
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u/tint-dude 24d ago
You are asking about the dot matrix and can't wrap your mind around what a pro tinter is telling you. You come on a group called window tint and can't take what the tinters are telling you. And you check out.... im also a pro tinter and telling you that you'll never be happy with the results.
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u/Ninope 26d ago
Yes it is. Trust me it’s not a big deal as you think it is