How much gap is acceptable around home window tints?

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Wolf555

90 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#275656 2-Sep-2020 16:18

Had some windows professionally tinted and on these ones in particular where there is a rubber edge/seal around the window there is a gap that runs around most of the installed tint.

https://i.imgur.com/IQnz0vB.jpg

The installer said it was okay as he "cut the best he could" but I'm just wondering if this is normal/acceptable or worth asking for it to be re-done?

RunningMan

8963 posts

Uber Geek

#2555790 2-Sep-2020 16:34

I scraped some tint off some aluminium windows very similar to yours a couple of years ago, and on most of the windows there was no noticeable gap between the rubber and the edge of the film. The odd one had had a gap, but certainly less than 1 mm.

SirHumphreyAppleby

2849 posts

Uber Geek

#2555807 2-Sep-2020 17:06

"The best he could" is not a standard that applies to professional services.

My $0.02, as someone who would never apply tint to windows as any imperfections would bother me. The cuts don't appear to be straight, and that would annoy me more than an a small even border. It looks like it would have been quite easy to pop the windows out or at least remove the rubber and cut below the visible line.

Journeyman

1189 posts

Uber Geek

#2555846 2-Sep-2020 18:33

I'm no window tinting expert guy, but I would have thought that the way to apply tint was to cut it slightly oversize, put it on the window and then trim the edges to fit.

SCUBADOO

192 posts

Master Geek

#2555866 2-Sep-2020 18:57

I am no expert but that looks totally unacceptable to me!
Multiple rounded corner rubber framed large windows in our motorhome dark tinted 6 years ago and exposed to the elements 24/7 of fulltime travel.
There is not a single visible gap anywhere. The quality 3M film with zero shrinkage and expert installation obviously worked.