Tint Plus in the press - The Window Has Been Raised For Tinters...

There was a time when anyone with a squeegee, a solution of diluted baby shampoo, and a roll of paper towels could call himself a window tinter. In those days, window film technology was in its infancy. Older cars we see today sporting tint turned purple with age and bearing huge, unsightly holes are evidence of that early era. Fortunately, times have changed. Generally speaking, today's better automotive window film has been developed into excellent protection from much of the glare, heat, and harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Furthermore, when applied correctly, it is without question a cosmetic enhancement to any vehicle.

For the most part, the window tinting trade has kept pace with the vast advances in window film quality. Over the years, tinting techniques such as "heat shrinking" and "double cutting" developed throughout the trade to improve the application process and reduce application time. Several years ago, longtime industry leader CPFilms Inc., a division of Solutia Inc.(formerly Monsanta), launched Formula One. Previously operated as Courtaulds Performance Films and Martin Processing, CPFilms devised the Formula One program to establish a network of the best-trained, best-equipped, and most professional window tinters in the industry to apply window film.

To qualify for the "turn-key" program, applicants for a Formula One dealership must meet CPFilms' stringent criteria, such as a good retail location; a staff of factory-approved tinters; a minimum level of purchases, and adherence to Formula One installation standards. Each dealer is required to purchase interior display boards for his shop.

Applicants receive an exclusive territory, a line of products available exclusively to Formula One dealers, and a co-op ad program based on the quantity of film purchased. The company also supplies operation manuals with advice on every aspect of a successful dealership, from establishment of the business to pricing methods.

To see how the program has been working, 1 recently visited Tint Plus, a successful dealer in Laguna Hills, California. Father-and-son owners Ron and Matt Darienzo and their crew of some of the most professional window tinters you'll find anywhere operate a super facility for window tinting where window tinting is their only business. No, they don't install entertainment centers or car alarms or exhaust systems. Although they do have mobile units doing commercial and residential window tinting, their primary business is applying automotive window film.

The accompanying photos show the Tint Plus operation and the tinting team in action, applying film to a customer's '99 Honda CRV in. The level of professionalism exhibited at Tint Plus leads me to believe that the window tinting business may never be the same.

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