Tinting question

[Doomshanked]

So, I was thinking of anything else I could do to my case windows to make look a bit nicer and was wondering about tinting. I've never done it but I was thinking that if I tinted it just enough so that it's difficult to see through the clear part of the window with normal light and then be able to see through them at night when the lights inside the case are on. Any suggestions on where to buy tint(ing) supplies and how to do it?

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q52/doomshanked/PreWatercooling001.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q52/doomshanked/PreWatercooling002.jpg

Looking to just tint the un-etched parts of it.

[Adragontattoo]

You can just go to the nearest auto parts store and buy regular car tint.

[Deadbot1_1973]

You'll have to cut the same pattern into the tint film to get it clear over your design. Walmart sells cheap tint...it works well. Make sure to get one that is metalized...helps to resist scratching. I went with 80% light transmission on mine...with the lights off you can't see in. If you want to make sure go 70%. Advance auto has Film in colors as well...makes for a nice touch if you want to go with a theme. They claim you can even create designs using different colors to create layers...kinda like screen printing.

With the Q-pack, they have that raised area in the middle. If you cut the tint big enough to go beyond that edge and then seat it in the cover while the edges are still wet you can get VERY nice corners and a very good fit.

edit:....oh...and a side note. Stick with the Q-pack. Don't ever buy the Microfly...UNLESS you want to immediately mod it for better airflow. That extra 1 1/2 inches is nice, but they didn't give it anywhere to get air in other than the little grill under the handle. The microfly runs 5-7 degrees C hotter than the Q-pack with the same system.

[Doomshanked]

You'll have to cut the same pattern into the tint film to get it clear over your design. Walmart sells cheap tint...it works well. Make sure to get one that is metalized...helps to resist scratching. I went with 80% light transmission on mine...with the lights off you can't see in. If you want to make sure go 70%. Advance auto has Film in colors as well...makes for a nice touch if you want to go with a theme. They claim you can even create designs using different colors to create layers...kinda like screen printing.

With the Q-pack, they have that raised area in the middle. If you cut the tint big enough to go beyond that edge and then seat it in the cover while the edges are still wet you can get VERY nice corners and a very good fit.

edit:....oh...and a side note. Stick with the Q-pack. Don't ever buy the Microfly...UNLESS you want to immediately mod it for better airflow. That extra 1 1/2 inches is nice, but they didn't give it anywhere to get air in other than the little grill under the handle. The microfly runs 5-7 degrees C hotter than the Q-pack with the same system.

So what I'm guessing is then I'll need to stencil out the design on my window out of the tint film so as to keep that part as is? I've never dealt with tinting so any tips/how-to would be great.

[BigDan3131]

Or...If you dont want that hassle with window tint find a local car painter who wont charge you much. Get him to shoot a coat or two of candy in your choice of color to it.

[Navig]

Window tinting-basic guide! (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=409755)

navig


ps, you can get fancier with a little practice. For some reason I can't find any direct pics, but check out my hard drive in this thread--I cut a custom N to mount within the hard drive. Done completely with a ruler and a razor blade. Thread here. (http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=475428)

[Captain Slug]

It's easiest to apply tinting film when it's submerged in soapy water. It neutralizes the adhesive and makes it much easier to get it placed properly and then squeegy out the bubbles.

[Doomshanked]

It's easiest to apply tinting film when it's submerged in soapy water. It neutralizes the adhesive and makes it much easier to get it placed properly and then squeegy out the bubbles.

Ok, that answers the application question, now one last one before I decide to do this for sure or not.

Is it feasible to cut those designs out of the tinting film before applying them to the window?

I'm trying to create a contrast between the rest of the window and the etchings without losing the transparency of the windows like I would if I were to paint it.

[Navig]

It's possible, but technically very difficult. I'm going to assume the etching is only on one side. Any reason you don't want to apply a full light tint to the non-etched side? The etched portion will still catch transillumination and light up with hi contrast.

Perhaps, you should find some spare plastic, and do a little etching, and see if you can achieve the effect you want.

[Doomshanked]

Aye, I think I'll try that, picked up some tint today and yes, the etching is only on the outer side of the panel.

I may just apply it to the inside part anyways but I was hoping to be able to cut it for even more contrast is all.

[Doomshanked]

It's possible, but technically very difficult. I'm going to assume the etching is only on one side. Any reason you don't want to apply a full light tint to the non-etched side? The etched portion will still catch transillumination and light up with hi contrast.


I held up the sides to the tint and this way of doing it gives me the resulting contrast I was hoping for. Thanks for the input Navig =D