I've narrowed it down to two companies. One says they will put a piece of vinyl to cover up the dot matrix. The other says they will wet-sand it then I have to come back a week later and get the tint applied. I was also wondering if anyone has just applied the tint right to the bottom of the dot matrix and then left it alone. How would that look?

What have you guys done?

 

I had mine sanded down a bit but they applied the tints the same day. I don't see why you need to wait a whole week. After you go home though, over the next few days, it helps if you use a credit card and push the edges of the tint where you see it not sticking. It could be due to water or air bubbles on the edges.

 

That's why he said a week. To let all the water evaporate.

 

They just tinted over mine, without askin me what I wanted. From some angles you can't tell, but from some angles it looks bad.

 

bad as in bubbles? Or just a crappy job? who did it?

 

There not bubbles, but the tint can't completely stick to the window because of the dots. I got it done at Precision Installations in Valley Stream,NY

 

get it wet sanded. it'll look cleaner than the vinyl. mine was just tinted over and has spots where it didn't stick to the dot matrix completely.

 

I think you're confused. After the matrix gets sanded, all the installer needs to do is wipe away the dust and clean the windows. During the installation process, they use tons of soapy water to do the install anyways so there's nothing that needs to be evaporated before the install. It's after the install that the water needs to be evaporated and for the tint adhesive to cured to minimize bubbles. If a shop can't give you a straight and logical answer, I'd think twice before bringing in your car.

 

No wet sand no problems .If you go to a person who can tint well you will have no problem.

 

+1^ Same here, nothing special done and it looks fine - just need to find a good place I guess.

 

^
Same sentiment here. My Huper Optik Ceramic film was relatively thick, but the installer was able to tint right over the dot matrix without much issues.