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:
http://www.window-tint.co.uk/img/dot-matrix.gif

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...


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[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%

[nike001]

I've been meaning to take a pic of my car but it's been so dirty.

I washed it today so I'll take a pic tomorrow for ya so you can see what 35% looks like.

[az3579]

They can't measure your windshield.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

Yeah, but it's an excuse to get pulled over. I'm sure they'll have no problem dinging me on my exhaust.


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[UdubBadger]

I have some precut ceramic 20% for the 3 rears if you're interested. I was gonna redo mine but decided they were ok for now.

[JupiterBMW]

I had 35% on my last car and I agree, its the perfect balance of daytime heat rejection and nighttime visibility. That is what I'll do with when I do mine. I am also thinking that a ceramic is best. The question, out of all the brands above, what are the ups and downs to each one? I don't care if one is better than another, but if one has different features, perhaps we can better select what will fit our desires best. That being said, a lot of guys on the X3 forum talk about Llumar and Huper Optik. I really don't know if it matters, but would be nice to know! Thanks for the all the input.

[cakM3]

Both of my cars are tinted 35%. I had my ///M tinted in Manassas, VA while on a business trip. The tint I went with on the ///M was called Pinnicle series. It was explained that Pinnacle Series provides a proprietary non-metallized, non-conductive, ceramic technology film with maximum heat reduction, maximum ultraviolet rejection, excellent optical clarity and blockage of infrared rays. Sounded good to me and I did not want my tint to interfere with my GPS so I went ahead and had this installed.

I went with Pinnacle 35 which provides 99.5% UV Protection, 50% heat rejection, and 60% glare reduction. I had this done three years ago shortly after buying my ///M and have been happy with this ever since. There are no bubbling on any windows (good sign of an excellent install) and no fading of the tint color which I am happy with.

As for the type of tint that's on my ZHP? Not sure and I will eventually take it out and have the tint re-done there. Both cars do have 35% on the side windows and rear window. I could go darker in the rear window but would rather have a more uniform appearance (my preference) where tinting is concerned. With that said, I haven't gotten harassed by the police because of window tint although we are not supposed to have any (factory tint only) on our cars in Rhode Island.

One thing to add... with the alcantara interior in my ZHP, having window tint has kept it in excellent condition. No fading of the material what so ever. The interior is fresh, the rear deck still black with no fading, and when going inside during summers, the interior isn't as hot as an oven. For those thinking about tinting, I say do it :thumbsup

@ BP: just find a reputable shop that does excellent installs of window tint and go there. Ask lots of questions on what type of tint they use and recommend. I find that 35% is a really good blend between dark and light. Depending on the day it looks darker than it really is and on other's it just light enough that you never have any problems backing the car late at night. I know with much darker tints, it get's extremely difficult to back your car since you can't see where you are going. Ryan can you chime in here on this???

[az3579]

I have some precut ceramic 20% for the 3 rears if you're interested. I was gonna redo mine but decided they were ok for now.

Thanks for the offer Seth, but 20% is way too dark for my tastes. :)

So everyone is saying ceramic. Why is metallic still being offered if it seems to have no advantages?

[UdubBadger]

It's really not that dark... Hard to tell difference in 30 and 20. If you do a 30-50 in front it'll be fine.

Let me now of you change your mind, it's jut sitting here.

Ceramic is best used because it doesn't interfere with gps or cellular/data signals. Metallic is cheaper so some just do it because of that. Or companies just make metallic to jack up the price on ceramic.


- Goin' H.A.M. Mobile

[M0nk3y]

Thanks for the offer Seth, but 20% is way too dark for my tastes. :)

So everyone is saying ceramic. Why is metallic still being offered if it seems to have no advantages?

Metallic isnt on the market anymore....rarely used.

It's non-metallic now, and its offered because its cheaper. Not everyone wants heat rejection

Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

[nike001]

Here's mine with the 35% ceramic I got installed earlier this week:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/7479960664_375135d7ae_c.jpg

[az3579]

Here's mine with the 35% ceramic I got installed earlier this week:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/7479960664_375135d7ae_c.jpg

:like


Sent from my iPhone 4S from Tapatalk

[brettbimmer]

Just be careful with going too dark for the HPDE events. If too dark, they cannot see any of your hand signals in the vehicle behind you. ;)

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[az3579]

Just be careful with going too dark for the HPDE events. If too dark, they cannot see any of your hand signals in the vehicle behind you. ;)

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

All hand signals are outside the car, so the tint shouldn't matter for that. Regardless, 35% isn't too dark for the track at all, which is what I've decided on. :)

[cakM3]

Good choice BP :thumbsup

[brettbimmer]

Good stuff buddy! Incidentally, do you use wave-offs & Thank yous with your right hand? I know everything else is outside. 35% sounds great. Enjoy the reduction in rays.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[az3579]

Good stuff buddy! Incidentally, do you use wave-offs & Thank yous with your right hand? I know everything else is outside. 35% sounds great. Enjoy the reduction in rays.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

Wave offs are seen from their rear-view mirrors and those are done inside the car, though you should be able to see that regardless of tint darkness since the windshield isn't typically tinted (I definitely won't be doing that). My thank you's are always done with my left hand barely poking out the window, maybe as far as my mirror goes.