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Strange halo back glass tinting - defroster lines

Discussion in 'Prime Accessories and Modifications' started by ricomtl, Mar 18, 2019.

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  1. ricomtl

    ricomtl Member

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    Got my Prime tinted yesterday and noticed these flares/halo along each defroster line created from car headlights behind me. I read this is normal when defroster lines aren't embedded inside the glass but layed over the glass. It creates a small gaps and reflects light.

    Anyone has noticed this issue with their Prime back glass tinted? I had the Prius V prior this and never experienced these halos. The shop used SunGuard film.

    Thanks!

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    #1 ricomtl, Mar 18, 2019
    Last edited: Mar 18, 2019
  2. Montgomery

    Montgomery Senior Member

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    I am going to guess that this is a normal reaction due to the curve of the glass. I'm impressed with a tint shop that can do your rear window.
     
    #2 Montgomery, Mar 18, 2019
  3. ricomtl

    ricomtl Member

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    As I stated, several others report this on other models (Tesla, Subaru, etc...) and they don't have curved back glass. Some say it's due to cheap film, others say it's simple rules of physics (due to thick drefroster liner), etc...

    I'm just curious if other Prime owners have experienced this...
     
    #3 ricomtl, Mar 18, 2019
  4. yoyoman

    yoyoman Active Member

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    I have tinted my 2017 Prime and my 2014 Prius myself but decided to remove the prime rear tint film after a week (because of too dark). Never really notice the flares in your picture-even in my 2014 Prius . I used 3m Fx-premium 35% film from eBay.


    iPhone ?
     
    #4 yoyoman, Mar 18, 2019
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I thought I read about it in the other Prime tint threads.
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, Mar 18, 2019
  6. will the engineer

    will the engineer Active Member

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    Hmmmm nope! I don't have that issue. it's probably the brand your tint guy ended up using (or you ended up using)

    I don't know the brand my guy used, but it's flawless
     
    #6 will the engineer, Mar 19, 2019
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  7. ricomtl

    ricomtl Member

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    Interesting. Thanks for sharing... So weird that lots of folks (toyota nation forum) say it's to be expected regardless of film quality due to the fact the defroster lines are layed above the glass and automatically creates light refraction...

    Will circle back to my tint guy and see what his comments are...
     
    #7 ricomtl, Mar 19, 2019
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2019
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  8. ricomtl

    ricomtl Member

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    Ok more reading on this topic tonight... when windows are tinted (up north in this cold weather), the back glass needs more time & heat to cure. Until then, there are small pockets of water left from the installation that built up around the defrost lines, causing the light refraction!

    will start heating up my garage a little more and run the defroster!
     
    #8 ricomtl, Mar 20, 2019
    will the engineer and citiprius like this.
  9. Rob43

    Rob43 Senior Member

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    If that simple solution fixes your problem....score !


    Rob43
     
    #9 Rob43, Mar 20, 2019
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  10. citiprius

    citiprius Active Member

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    Please keep us posted how it goes
     
    #10 citiprius, Mar 21, 2019
  11. ricomtl

    ricomtl Member

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    Looks like it's quite typical when it's installed at this time of year (up north at 0-5F).... I cranked up the heat in garage and eventually, when it's hot outside, it should cure naturally under the sun.

    I've already seen improvement so far!
     
    #11 ricomtl, Mar 21, 2019
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  12. lextoy

    lextoy Active Member

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    you are way up north;) park it in the sun the radiant heat will cure it as well, sun is pretty strong already down here...you know...below the arctic circle ! lol
     
    #12 lextoy, Mar 21, 2019
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  13. ricomtl

    ricomtl Member

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    heheheh! Our parking lot at work is always in the shade, so I don't get much sun there in daytime and. I'll leave the car in the driveway this weekend so it can soak up in the sun!
     
    #13 ricomtl, Mar 22, 2019
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  14. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    I used to live in Toronto.
    I have gotten spoiled living in Virginia the past 30 years. We are expecting 56 F today. Currently 48 F
     
    #14 Prodigyplace, Mar 22, 2019
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  15. will the engineer

    will the engineer Active Member

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    If so, that could be the reason why I am not experiencing that issue. I am in southern California I let the car bake in the sun for several days before rolling down the window or using the defroster
     
    #15 will the engineer, Mar 26, 2019
  16. SaraBBrown94

    SaraBBrown94 Active Member

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    Edit: let us know if it goes away.
     
    #16 SaraBBrown94, Mar 29, 2019
  17. ricomtl

    ricomtl Member

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    A little less, but still quite noticeable. I guess I'll have to wait for the warmer weather to kick in about a month!
     
    #17 ricomtl, Mar 30, 2019
  18. idleuser

    idleuser Member

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    I had this issue as when I first got my windows tinted. You will experience crazy double vision in the rear due to the thick defroster line. However, when the film fully cures after 1-2 months it will be less noticeable with the auto dimmer set to on. However, the double vision will never go away due to the light refracting. You will still experience it but it will not be noticeable unless you look for it.
     
    #18 idleuser, Mar 30, 2019
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  19. PiPLosAngeles

    PiPLosAngeles Senior Member

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    You guys having a long winter? We're expecting 85 F tomorrow. :D
     
    #19 PiPLosAngeles, Mar 30, 2019
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  20. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    We hit low 70s yesterday. Got the cultivators installed on the row crop tractor and planted some beet seeds.
     
    #20 Prodigyplace, Mar 31, 2019
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