OK, for all those naysayers... I admit defeat...

Maybe not defeat, but I forfeit either way.

The installation job I did is not terrible, it is in no way professional...

HOWEVER, I am not happy with the product, with the tint quality of the product that went on the window...definitely not 3M.

You get what you pay for.

So now, a couple things are going to happen.

1) I am taking it to a local shop this weekend and am going to pay to have it removed. For one reason because I don't like the way it looks, and also because apparently in NJ tint on your front windows is illegal...and that's all I need is more reasons to get hassled...so its coming off...
2) I will most likely get the other windows tinted this winter, but not immediately. I am going to hold off for a while until I find a really good shop I can trust to do the tint, especially the back window with the defroster lines and such.

I firmly believe the procedure is sound, but the quality of the product was really what doomed this DIY.

If anyone knows any really good shops in NJ, I am all ears.

 

Sorry to hear that..!

You should find out from friends / anyone how strict they are in NJ about their tinting laws.

Here they really don't give a crap, even though any tint besdies 4" from the top of the windows is illegal. I have mine tinted 5% all around for a while now, and I haven't been bothered one bit.

 

Nice going Z.
I heard that they now have tint that REALLY cuts down on the heat for hot places like here.
I may have to go the route you are. Old tint off and have the Pro put on the good stuff.
Thanks for the thread!

 

they do, to an extent. i believe you would have to tint the windshield to have a dramatic cooling effect. i have limo tint (the darkest you can go) and high quality on hatch, triangle windows, and driver/passenger windows... it still gets hot..

the reason? the windshield is RIGHT there, UNTINTED, and is directly going on the seats.. which = hottttt still..

just my observations

i thuoght about tinting the windshield 50% (about the lightest you can go..) so it would not make it dark, only block out the UV rays.. but have not gnoe that route yet

 

Have STRONGLY considered going this route, if you do, please let me know the results.....

 

That’s a pretty common outcome with DIY tint, especially when the film quality isn’t there. The install technique can be decent, but lower-grade film tends to show haze, uneven color, or premature fading, which becomes hard to ignore once it’s on the glass.

Having it professionally removed is a smart move, particularly with NJ’s front window regulations. A clean removal matters more than people realize, since leftover adhesive or damaged defroster lines on the rear glass can turn into a bigger headache than the original tint job.

One point worth highlighting from the replies above is the windshield factor. Even high-end film on the sides and rear won’t fully control heat if the windshield remains untreated. Quality shops usually address this by recommending a very light, nearly clear ceramic film on the windshield that focuses on heat and UV rejection without darkening visibility or attracting unwanted attention from law enforcement.

Shops that do this work every day tend to prioritize film quality and vehicle-specific techniques, especially around rear defroster lines and curved glass. That’s where experienced installers stand out. A West Coast shop such as OC Tint Solutions operates in California, but the standards they follow, ceramic film, clean removal processes, and compliance-focused installs are the same benchmarks worth looking for when choosing a reputable tint shop in New Jersey.

Taking time to vet a shop, ask what film brand they use, and confirm they understand local tint laws should help ensure the next install meets expectations and holds up long-term.

 

@blakemorgan
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