Why are there many small dots on the newly installed front windshield film?
3 Answers
The main reason is that some dust fell during the film installation process, causing these dust particles to be trapped inside. Here are the relevant explanations about the appearance of small dots on the film: 1. Difficulty in shrinking and fitting bubbles at the edges of the front and rear windshields: Cause analysis: The film edges are cut by pressing against ceramic dots, making it difficult to shrink and fit the bubbles inside. Solution: After pre-shaping, cut along the smallest edge of the ceramic dots during fine trimming, which makes it easier to shrink and fit the bubbles inside, especially for dry adhesive films. Avoid cutting by pressing against ceramic dots, as it will make fitting even more difficult and may even render the entire film unusable. 2. Difficulty in shrinking and fitting bubbles at the defogging lines on the rear windshield: Cause analysis: The rear windshield has defogging lines connected to ceramic dots, making it difficult to shrink and fit the bubbles on both sides. Solution: After pre-shaping, cut along the smallest part of the ceramic dots without pressing against them. When installing the film inside, please note that bubbles may appear where the film presses against the defogging lines. Therefore, the bubbles must be transferred to the blank space between the two defogging lines, and a heat gun should be used to shrink them again. For windshields with more prominent defogging lines or metal lines, it is best to use dry heat pre-shaping.
It's actually quite common to see small dots after applying a new windshield film. As someone who frequently deals with such issues, I understand these are usually tiny air bubbles or trapped moisture from the installation process. During application, if the film doesn't perfectly adhere to the glass surface, it may capture small particles like water droplets or dust. These dot-like marks typically diminish within the first few days as natural evaporation occurs - often improving within 2-3 days in dry, well-ventilated conditions. However, if the dots are excessive or worsening, it could indicate poor workshop cleanliness or improper installation techniques allowing dust contamination. Professional tint shops should use dust-free booths to prevent such issues. When choosing an installer, always prioritize cleanliness and reputation over low prices. Generally, be patient and observe for a few days - most cases resolve themselves satisfactorily.
Speaking of small dots appearing right after installing the front windshield film, I’ve personally experienced it once. Right after the installation, I drove home and noticed dense spots all over, which made me nervous, thinking it was due to poor film quality. After consulting the technician, I learned that most of these were tiny water bubbles trapped under the film during installation, combined with inevitable dust particles in the working environment, forming small dots. Generally, they shrink and disappear within a week—mine faded in about three days. However, if the dots are excessive or grow larger, it might indicate negligence in the dust-removal step during installation or defects in the film itself. In such cases, it’s advisable to return to the shop for inspection and handling—avoid puncturing them yourself to prevent damaging the film. For the first week after installation, try to avoid parking in high-temperature areas and enhance air circulation to reduce condensation. Stay calm, observe for a few days, and don’t rush into action.
