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5 Tint Job Mistakes to Spot Right Away

May 19, 2025 | Window Tint Tips | 0 comments

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Just got your car tinted? Cool. But before you drive off feeling like a boss, check the work. Seriously.

Too many people pay for tint, then realize a week later it looks like trash — bubbles, peeling, weird gaps, purple film, or the classic “why is this side darker than the other?” situation.

Don’t be that guy.

Don’t Drive Off Yet! Here’s what to look for before you leave the shop and what to do if things go wrong.


5 Common Tint Problems (and How to Spot Them Fast)

1. Bubbles

Small water bubbles right after tinting are normal. They should go away in a few days. But if you see air bubbles, that’s bad. They won’t go away. Air bubbles mean poor installation — the film wasn’t applied correctly.

2. Gaps at the edge

Run your finger near the edge of the glass. You shouldn’t feel any big gaps or jagged cuts. The film should go almost edge-to-edge, clean and even. If it’s way off or looks sloppy, that’s lazy work.

3. Dust or hair trapped under the film

This is just nasty. If you see random specks under the tint, the installer didn’t prep the glass right. That stuff is stuck there for life unless they redo it.

4. Peeling or corners lifting

Peeling means the film didn’t stick properly — usually from dirty glass, rushing the job, or cheap film. It’ll only get worse over time.

5. Color mismatch

Don’t leave the shop with your rear windows looking one shade and your front windows another — unless it was on purpose. Good shops make sure it’s even. Cheap film also turns purple over time. Ask what film they used.

Bottom line: You paid for clean, even tint. If something looks off now, it’ll look way worse later.

How Long Does Tint Take to Dry in Massachusetts Weather?

This depends on the season. It matters more than people think.

  • Summer: Tint usually dries in 2–3 days. Warmer temps help the water between the glass and film evaporate faster.
  • Spring/Fall: Expect 3–5 days before it fully cures.
  • Winter: Could take a full week or more. It’s cold, and the sun’s weaker. Be patient.

During this time:

  • Don’t roll your windows down.
  • Don’t press on the film.
  • Don’t freak out about haze or light streaks — that’s normal during drying.

Wait until the film is fully cured before judging it. But that doesn’t mean ignore obvious issues on Day 1.

Close-up of a car window being sprayed with solution during the window tinting process, with a dark towel protecting the door panel

What to Do If You See Bubbles, Gaps, or Peeling

Saw something off after you got home? Here’s the move:

1. Take photos.
Clear pics from inside and outside help. You want proof.

2. Contact the shop.
Most solid tint shops offer a warranty. If they’re legit, they’ll fix it without drama.

3. Don’t touch it yourself.
Don’t try to poke bubbles, cut edges, or peel it off. You’ll just make it worse.

4. Know your rights.
If the shop dodges you or refuses to fix it, leave a review and move on. Find a pro who’ll do it right. Bad installers don’t deserve second chances.


Got a bad tint job?

Find a pro near you in MA who can fix it right.
Compare prices, check reviews, and get it redone the right way.

Don’t settle for crap work. You paid for clean tint. That’s what you should get.

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