Problem with Rear Window Tint -- Light refracting

Threemaples · Jan 4, 2016

scsi said:
I see this on forums for many cars and many films. My last civic had 3m film and did it, my mom's crv had some dealer installed tint that does it... And now my huper optik tint does it. I really do think it's a function of defroster thickness and film thickness. Maybe film reflectance too?

Same here no real difference yet with curing time. I suggest before someone tints the civic they mention this problem and come to some agreement with installer re what they will do if it shows up.

R

crea78 · Jan 11, 2016

I guess not the best decision but I went with the Llumar ATC Metallic film and have had no problems with bad signal reception + no light refracting in the back windshield. I will say the install was done very well.

Threemaples · Jan 11, 2016

crea78 said:
I guess not the best decision but I went with the Llumar ATC Metallic film and have had no problems with bad signal reception + no light refracting in the back windshield. I will say the install was done very well.

Glad to hear !

thatred10th · Jan 11, 2016

Threemaples said:
Hi all

My first post here. Picked up my 2016 EX this weekend. Got rear back windows tinted -- 35% (transmissivity=65%). While I recognize tint is still curing, I am seeing headlights refracted across the entire back windshield. While I understand that this is a common occurrence with the angle of certain windshields, thickness of defroster lines, type/thickness of print and application, I am curious whether others who have rear window tints are having this problem.

I will likely ask the dealer to remove it and try again....just not sure if this will change anything.

Anyone experiencing this with the new civic?

Much thanks in advance

R

Had the same problem with my windshield had them do it over and it's still the same it's the widow itself

amalgamate · Jan 13, 2016

I noticed this a bit on my 2006 Civic Sedan and after having my Civic X tinted I notice it again (I just had it done yesterday - so still curing). It's one of those things you just get used to....it seems with some tints and cars there's not much you can do. It doesn't really bother me.

Syntek · Jan 18, 2016

3M 5% film here. Same issue, though it doesn't bother me much. Looks sort of cool honestly, haha.

My2016Civic · Feb 14, 2016

Just a theory here. I have noticed that the lower models (LX, EX) have the audio antenna on the rear glass in a grid along with the defrost/defog grid. So twice the amount of the metallic lines on the glass, meaning the lines are closer together than in the higher models that only have the defogger/defroster and have a roof mounted fin antenna.

This in itself would cause more of the refraction. Are the people who have the rear tint refraction issues mostly the lower models with the antenna on the rear glass? I just wonder if this is why some have this problem (Glass Mounted antenna) and some don't (Roof Fin Antenna) rather than the tint type, installer, etc..

If that's the case, then mine is likely to have this problem no matter what tint/installer I go with.

Threemaples · Feb 14, 2016

My2016Civic said:
Just a theory here. I have noticed that the lower models (LX, EX) have the audio antenna on the rear glass in a grid along with the defrost/defog grid. So twice the amount of the metallic lines on the glass, meaning the lines are closer together than in the higher models that only have the defogger/defroster and have a roof mounted fin antenna.

This in itself would cause more of the refraction. Are the people who have the rear tint refraction issues mostly the lower models with the antenna on the rear glass? I just wonder if this is why some have this problem (Glass Mounted antenna) and some don't (Roof Fin Antenna) rather than the tint type, installer, etc..

If that's the case, then mine is likely to have this problem no matter what tint/installer I go with.

Hmmm. Great theory....maybe explains why it isn't showing up for everyone.

CivicMichael · Mar 8, 2016

I can confirm it happens on the Touring trim as well, unfortunately. Just had mine tinted yesterday and the streaking/refracting is really bad. I get about 6 to 8 refractions above and below the headlights of cars through my rear view. As if it wasn't hard enough to see through the dark tint at night - this makes visibility even worse. I'm really starting to regret getting my windows tinted. It looks great from the outside but the visibility is troublesome, especially at night or with the sun in your eyes with sunglasses on. I had 20% done in the back but now I'm wishing I did 35% all around.

drumachine9 · Mar 8, 2016

15% 3M installed and definitely a serious glare on the defrost lines in the back window.

My2016Civic · Mar 9, 2016

My2016Civic said:
Just a theory here. I have noticed that the lower models (LX, EX) have the audio antenna on the rear glass in a grid along with the defrost/defog grid. So twice the amount of the metallic lines on the glass, meaning the lines are closer together than in the higher models that only have the defogger/defroster and have a roof mounted fin antenna.

This in itself would cause more of the refraction. Are the people who have the rear tint refraction issues mostly the lower models with the antenna on the rear glass? I just wonder if this is why some have this problem (Glass Mounted antenna) and some don't (Roof Fin Antenna) rather than the tint type, installer, etc..

If that's the case, then mine is likely to have this problem no matter what tint/installer I go with.

So much for my theory. Since some are having this glare and some are not, I guess the only possible causes left are 1. The thickness of the tint material/film being used and/or 2. The abilities of the person performing the tint job. Perhaps the solution is to go over the defrost/defog grid lines as the tint 'cures' to ensure smoother adhesion around the lines? I have not tinted mine yet (postponing any mods, etc until after my recall issue is resolved), but will try this when I do.

Just curious.. Those that are NOT having this glare on the back window after tinting, can you post your trim level, tint film brand/type, etc?

SethK · Mar 9, 2016

So much for tinting my windows.. Definitely don't want light refracting every time I look in my rearview mirror at night. @My2016Civic Let us know how the below works out for you..

My2016Civic said:
Perhaps the solution is to go over the defrost/defog grid lines as the tint 'cures' to ensure smoother adhesion around the lines? QUOTE]

jeff925 · Mar 9, 2016

mine does refract some. honestly, its not too bad with the auto dimming mirror. it does not really inhibit visibility much, if at all.

zaver5 · Jul 26, 2016

I don't have any useful info but if someone is keeping track of occurrence rate versus film manufacturer or the likes... I have Marathon (basically black/ limo) tint on my rear windows. I had the same effect effect as the OPs picture just less severe for the first few days of curing but was gone after that.

My2016Civic · Jul 26, 2016

Actually, I had forgotten all about it. I had mine done two months ago and haven't noticed any glare except for the first few days. I've either gotten used to it or I haven't done enough night driving to notice it. It hasn't really bothered me at all lately, so I'm assuming it's clear. I'll have have a good look tonight to check.

I believe my tint place used 35 % Llumar Ceramic on mine.

UPDATE: I checked driving at night and it is there but barely noticeable.

Problem with Rear Window Tint -- Light refracting

Threemaples

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crea78

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Threemaples

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thatred10th

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amalgamate

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Syntek

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My2016Civic

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Threemaples

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CivicMichael

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drumachine9

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My2016Civic

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SethK

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jeff925

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zaver5

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My2016Civic

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