How to tint the black matrix on a rear window?
(2010-05-30 13:26:16) 1. Says: different cars have different thicknesses of this dot matrix applied to the glass. this causes some cars to not be a problem to tint over and others to almost be impossible. cars like last generation mustangs and honda accords have a thick matrix which does not allow the film adhesive to stick to the clear glass between the dots. the dots themselves don't allow film to stick to them very well and what happens is once the film dries, the film will start to fall away from the matrix and dangle off the glass. this is as annoying to the installer as it is to the customer. most shops will simply cut the film just before the matrix and leave it untinted, which often does not look to bad.there is a more invasive procedure where you can take a light wet sand paper to the dots and lightly shave them down to the same level as the glass, but you have to be VERY carefull with this method because you can easily scratch the glass or any nearby defrost lines or antenna lines.
during a good hot summer day, take it in to be tinted and ask the installer to take a hard card, covered in a paper towel, to the matrix and slowly push out any air bubbles. these aren't actually air bubbles as much as they are just gaps where the film is not touching the glass because it is bridged from one dot to the other. this tends to work alot, but keep and eye on it. if it starts to peel off the window, your best bet is to cut it off.2. Says: easy just remove window and put it on a bench .3. Says: I think you mean the DOT matrix on the back window (the little dots on the top of the back window on some cars).
Call around to some different tint shops. There is one shop around me that can tint over dot matrix, you have to go back for a second visit within a week of the initial tint job and they "fix" the tint on the dot matrix part of the back window by smoothing it out a second time. Another option is to paint out the part of the window with the dot matrix with black paint, a few shops around me do this method. I like the first option better.
Good luck! Tag: How to tint the black matrix on a rear window?