Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: MYX on July 06, 2006, 10:35:08 am
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I saw the other post about tinted glass. I got tinted glass, but it is not very dark and you can clearlly see the monitor. so I was thinking about using window tinting like the stuff used on cars. Being that it will not be in the sun or freezing cold, I would think that it should hold up for quite a while.
1. Has anyone used the stuff?
2. Will it work?
3. How hard it is to put on?
I did pretty well with the CPOs I have put on. Not getting cocky, but I think that I could pull it off.
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Installation is pretty straight forward. Grab the tint and a spray bottle with water and a few drops of liquid detergent. Spray glass and tint, apply, and use something flat to get the bubbles (and water) out. That's pretty much the 5 second explanation.
It will hold up just fine as you figured. I tinted the sliding door from my deck to my kitchen with reflective tint to cut back on the sun glare during the day, and it's held up really well.
I'm not sure how it'll work on already tinted glass. I'd worry that it may possibly cause some clarity issues. The darkness will of course change, but I'd be worried that it may make the picture a bit "mucky" with 2 different areas of tint. It may work perfect for all I know though, so I'd still give it a shot.
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I tinted my original glass bezel with 35%. Same way pointdablame mentioned. It applies easy to flat glass.
Could have actually gone a little darker over my clear glass, so 35% might be good for your already tinted project. It's cheap and peels off easy if you don't like the results, so it's definitely worth a shot.
(http://home.comcast.net/~tok/mamecab/images/pdcab_tintonback.jpg)
(http://home.comcast.net/~tok/mamecab/images/pdcab_untinteds.jpg) (http://home.comcast.net/~tok/mamecab/images/pdcab_aftertints.jpg)
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Do you get it at an auto supply place? AutoZone, Napa?
Any idea as to what it costs?
Should I put it on the top (facing me) or the bottom (away from me)?
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Yes..... most auto parts will have it. Not very expensive.
Is this a cocktail or upright cab?
I would put it away from you, monitor side, down, whatever.
If the tinted plexi gets scratched, you can polish it.
If the window tint gets scratched (torn), your stuck with it or redoing it.
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Under $15 for a roll at an auto parts store (got mine at Auto Zone). Definitely put it on the back. It is pretty tough when dry, but can still be scratched. Make sure you get a regular black shade... There are a lot of bronze and mirror styles out now. Most have a pic on the box that shows color when applied.
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I did exactly what you are describing - My tinted glass wasn't dark enough so I grabbed a roll of 30%vlp film from Walmart, put it on the inside of the glass (monitor side) and it worked great.
A couple of additions to the directions the others have shared - the instructions say to use a non-ammonia based cleaner on the glass first. I missed that the first time and used Windex (with ammonia, of course). I had to replace the tint within a week due to bubbles forming underneath.
They sell an additive to mix with the water instead of liquid detergent. I bought it and used it the second time around and it did work better than the soap solution. Do you need it? Nope, but it was about $2.00 and it worked for me so I thought it was worth a mention.