FT. LAUDERDALE, FL. - Franz Hyland of Shades Custom Tint, Hewitt, TX., has won the title "Best Tinter in the World," after placing first in the Third Annual International Window Film Tint-Off™, held March 5-6, 2004. Hyland competed in the highly competitive, two-day Tint-Off that required him to compete against other champions from around the world by tinting the glass on a difficult car.

Hyland received a $1,000 cash prize, customized leather jacket, grand prize trophy and this year's title. Franz has been tinting for 15 years and is the owner of Shades Custom Tint in Hewitt, TX, where he also resides with his wife Brandi and sons, Blaine and Brock. Hyland was nominated to compete in the competition by Sun-Gard Southwest located in Tempe, Ariz.

Andrew Doiron, installer for Window Kote in St. Petersburg, FL., took second place in the competition, and Ace Window Tinters owner, Paul Hensel, of Port St. Lucie, FL., rounded out the top three. Contestants were judged on the quality of application, absence of light gaps as well as cleanliness of the vehicle.

The International Window Film Conference and Expo™ and the International Window Film Tint-Off are co-sponsored by the International Window Film Association and WINDOW FILM magazine. Both based in Virginia, the organizations have joined in an effort to offer quality educational programming to the growing window film industry.