School me on tinting

[az3579]

Wasn't sure where else to put this, so I'll just dump it here...

I'm looking at getting tint for Wobbie. It's getting pretty brutal out there and would prefer not to have my interior destroyed to bits by the sun's waves. It's also far too hot in the interior, and could definitely do with some glare reduction. These are all cases for a tint, so I'm going to do it soon.

The problem is, there are many different kinds of tint; many different brands, colors, "types"; can someone break it down for me? What are the advantages to the different types? I couldn't get a full listing; I found a bunch of articles on why one should tint their windows, and other random BS from the sites of actual tinting shops, but I'd like the perspective of someone who's not trying to sell me something. What are recommendations, things to look out for, ways to tell what a good quality tint shop, etc.?

[nike001]

The way I tell good quality tint is how close they get to the edge of the glass & also how they take on the dot matrix.

I just got my tint done on wednesday with 35% Ceramic tint.. and that was $300. The guy who did mine did a pretty good job, as he glued the tint to the dot matrix so it doesn't look like this:


From what I've read in the past few weeks, there are 2 main groups of tint. That is metallic and non-metallic. Regular tint is metallic, and ceramic & carbon tint are non-metallic. Ceramic and carbon tint are supposed to be better (why they're more expensive) than regular tint due to the better heat and UV protection. I think I've read somewhere that 35% ceramic tint does better heat rejection than 5% regular tint.. and still better UV protection as well.

[danewilson77]

Kyle has a ton of info on tints. Awaiting his arrival.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[JupiterBMW]

I too would like an all-in-one comparison of the different types and advantages/disadvantages of each. I've also heard that some really kill cell phone signal... I would assume that would be the metallic ones vs. the non metallics, but I don't know...

Also awaiting the pros!

[johnrando]

Yes, the metallic ones kill the signals. I got 40% on mine, you can check it out in my project thread. It's just enough to darken, but not so much to attract attention. I hear a very popular # is 35%, a nice balance. Any tint on your front side windows is illegal, so I like lighter. Some people roll with 20% but that's DARK, probably hard to see at night? Some people like lighter fronts and "limo" rear-side/rears, but I like a single color all around.

I used to get hung up on the brands, but if you get a reputable/quality tint shop, have the discussion, typically it will be their best non-metallic, will come with a warranty, and will run close to $300. I got mine for $250, and was quoted $280 at another shop. In the end, the brand didn't matter to me as (a) I wouldn't have known anyway and (b) I asked for his best stuff.

Nothing definitive, but I hope that helps some.

[M0nk3y]

The main mis-conception on tint is that the darker you go, the more heat rejection you gain. This is true up to a certain extent.

Regular tint, isn't really what you should be looking for if you want a cool interior. It does offer heat rejection, but in stupid amounts IMO. You have to go 20% or lower to get anything worthwhile.

Ceramic, offers better heat rejection than regular tint. For example, if you had 50% ceramic, it would be comparable to 35% regular tint. Get it?

Every single brand has non-metallic tint. Back in the good-ole days ceramic tint was metallic (which helped with heat rejection). Ceramic is now non-metallic.

For looking at a quality job, ask the shop to show you some recently completed cars. Look at the window and see if you notice any white (or gray) dots. That's dirt, aka a poor prep job. The edge of the window, the closer the cut the better the tinter is (usually).

Matrix is a tough subject. Sometimes it sticks and other times it doesnt.

Solarguard, Llumar, Huper Optik, Madico (which I have) is the tint to go with. Other tint is dyed, and contributes to the purple look

Any specific questions go for it. This is general.

I run 30% Madico Advance Ceramic. It's amazing how much load off the AC you can achieve with tint.

[WOLFN8TR]

Living in the desert tinted windows are must. Had limo tint on my truck, had double limo which is crazy dark at night! I have 50% on the ZHP with 75% on the windshield. Tinting the windshield made a huge difference. So much heat comes thru the windshield. Haven't had any issues from the Five-O, yet. Heard good things about ceramic tint.

[az3579]

Thanks for the advice, all. I think 40% ceramic is looking like the right choice at this time. Windshield tint is illegal in CT, though I could go as low as 35% on all the side windows and unrestricted in the back. I think I'll do 40% all around minus the windshield.

In addition to that, it might be time for a windshield cover/visor...


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[danewilson77]

Thanks for the advice, all. I think 40% ceramic is looking like the right choice at this time. Windshield tint is illegal in CT, though I could go as low as 35% on all the side windows and unrestricted in the back. I think I'll do 40% all around minus the windshield.

In addition to that, it might be time for a windshield cover/visor...


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

They can't measure your windshield.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[M0nk3y]

They can't measure your windshield.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

This.

I had 50% on my windshield, it was crazy dark. It metered in at 38%