A simple window tinting boosts the overall aesthetic of a vehicle while also preventing interior damage from UV rays. If you're interested in adding a nice tint to your car, there may be one obstacle in your way — those little black lines and dots that edge the bottom of windows on newer vehicles. Find out exactly what those borders are as well as how they affect car tint applications, below.

What Are the Black Lines & Dots On Newer Car Windows?

In many new vehicles, there is a thick black line surrounded by a collection of small dots on the windows. The solid section is known as a "frit," and when combined with dots, the border as a whole is called a "matrix pattern." The frit is composed of Teflon™, and its whole purpose is to help conceal the unsightly adhesive on the window. The dots serve as an aesthetic feature to help transition the solid frit to the transparent section of the window. In some models, there's also a small black line that borders the top of the window near the seal.

How Do Matrix Patterns Affect Window Tinting?

While matrix patterns don't serve a functional purpose, they can create problems with the window tinting process. Car tint is applied directly to the glass, but it doesn't cling as well to Teflon appliques. As a result, the tint application process needs to be approached with care.

The small circumference of the dots leaves plenty of room for the dark film to attach to the glass, so you're unlikely to experience a problem there. The thick width of the frit, on the other hand, requires that the film is started at a higher point than on windows with no matrix pattern. For units with a top frit line, window tinting may be impossible, depending on how low the section is located. Speak with a specialist to determine your vehicle's options.

Window tinting will boost the visual appeal of your car, but for a successful application, you need to hire the right team. Achieve the high-end finish your vehicle deserves by turning to Ohana Tinting in Kapolei, HI. Since 2013, the house and car tint specialists have provided top-quality, friendly, and dependable services to residents and drivers across Oahu. Learn more about the tint shop's service online or by calling (808) 636-6551.