• You can read this article with photos in this pdf. Originally printed in Fast and Modified Scotland - reproduced with kind permission.

This month we decided to have an in depth look at window tinting, so we asked Barry fimister if he could tint a car on behalf of the FnM.

Barry has been in business for the last two and half years and in the Window Tinting industry that would class you as a veteran. in preparation of getting the car done I took out the back seat and the speakers that came as standard from Japan this in turn gave Barry much more room to work in the tight rear cabin of the skyline, Barry only uses suntek film which he rates as the best value for money film on the market.

The film getting used today is the far more durable carbon film; this type of film is much longer lasting than the cheaper end of the market which can lose its colour after a prolonged period in the sun.

STEP ONE

Take all the bleached Japanese film off which is not an easy job fortunately it comes of in strips just as our Japanese friends have put it on. Barry recommends the safest tint on the front is 70% that is if your vehicle came with clear glass if it came with a factory tinted windows, adding more tint will knock you over the legal limit. As the skyline came with tints we have decided to do the rear end of the car only to keep within the legal limits.

STEP TWO

Due to our lovely Scottish weather Barry has to dry the glass with a heat gun to ensure there is no water or moisture on the back window.

STEP THREE

Talcum powder the windows to combat static when cutting the film to size, this also helps when lifting the cut film back of the window.

STEP FOUR

Cut the film and shrink on the outside of the back window this ensures a good fit when placed inside. Next up is the mentholated spirit for cleaning the inside this has got to be spotless to ensure there is no dirt under the film this also helps lift of any residue that is left from the original Japanese film.

STEP FIVE

Putting the film on this may sound easy but this is one of the hardest bits of the process due to the shape and curve of the back window of a skyline, speak to any one in the industry and they will agree that skylines are a pain in the ass to do. Once the film is put in place Barry starts the job of squeezing the water out from behind the film making sure there are no bubbles, blisters or ripples. With the rear screen now complete Barry starts on the easier rear quarter glass, repeating all the above steps. All in this took Barry a grand total of two hours, which has got to be some sort of record. The quality of workmanship is second to none.

Big thanks to Barry for taking the time out during his busy schedule to do this feature for F&M. For any advice on Window Tinting call Barry on 07739 316964