Tint help/info wanted.

[SpaceWhiteF150]

Damn, I paid $550 for full ceramic!

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[Spiffers]

Damn, I paid $550 for full ceramic!

I'm glad to see you post this because I was getting sticker shock!

 

[SpaceWhiteF150]

I'm glad to see you post this because I was getting sticker shock!

It probably depends where you are and if you go with a big name brand film.

 

[HammaMan]

I'm glad to see you post this because I was getting sticker shock!

You should be able to get the windshield and front side windows done for $250 else you're being ripped off. I put regular llumar on the F150 (was $180) and ceramic on the MME ($360) and the F150 is cooler in the summer.

They market the hell out of ceramic tints, but I've yet to see a comparison where the tints are applied to modern vehicle windows. They test just the films by themselves or use a generic pane glass. I do like the color of the ceramic on the MME better than the standard old llumar on the F150, though the F150 has 20% and the MME is 25%, both with 50% windshields. Standard tints almost have a slight brownish color vs ceramic's dark charcoal. They have to be next to each other for someone else to notice it.

TLDR: You can pay a whole lot more $, but you're not going to get much more benefit of it. I'd have to be trying to sell you something to say otherwise.

 

[SpaceWhiteF150]

You should be able to get the windshield and front side windows done for $250 else you're being ripped off. I put regular llumar on the F150 (was $180) and ceramic on the MME ($360) and the F150 is cooler in the summer.

They market the hell out of ceramic tints, but I've yet to see a comparison where the tints are applied to modern vehicle windows. They test just the films by themselves or use a generic pane glass. I do like the color of the ceramic on the MME better than the standard old llumar on the F150, though the F150 has 20% and the MME is 25%, both with 50% windshields. Standard tints almost have a slight brownish color vs ceramic's dark charcoal. They have to be next to each other for someone else to notice it.

TLDR: You can pay a whole lot more $, but you're not going to get much more benefit of it. I'd have to be trying to sell you something to say otherwise.

Those are great rates! Now that I have ceramic film I’m a believer!

 

[diambo4life]

I paid around $260-$280 for mine...ceramic.

 

[22Platinum]

64% total when finished (if you worry about state inspections) and hardly noticeable compared to the other windows.

If you are new to ceramic tinted windshields you might consider learning about low angle haze. I have had windshields in 50%, 70% and 80%, all by Autobahn (formerly HuperOptik) and I don't think I'm going to do it this time on my F150.. looking through milk on occasion can be frustrating.

Whenever I see this:

I hope that speedo wraps in the video

 

[aaexpert]

If you are new to ceramic tinted windshields you might consider learning about low angle haze. I have had windshields in 50%, 70% and 80%, all by Autobahn (formerly HuperOptik) and I don't think I'm going to do it this time on my F150.. looking through milk on occasion can be frustrating.

Whenever I see this:

I hope that speedo wraps in the video

"I" am familiar with it and as your link points out "it is the result of inferior manufacturing", which is why choosing the proper brand/quality is very important as not all tints are created equal. And on that note, NASA recently used Geoshield products, but there are also other big film brands (like 3m, etc.)that sell hi quality films too vs. a bunch of the inferior ones out there.

 

[22Platinum]

"it is the result of inferior manufacturing", which is why choosing the proper brand/quality is very important as not all tints are created equal.

Sorry I wasn't attempting to call you out particularly; more attempting to inform OP about this issue as I didn't know until about my second windshield I starting researching it.

I do have a question for you though as it seems you are knowledgeable about LAH:

I assumed all ceramic tints 70% and under will show LAH. Do you know of a ceramic tint that, at 50-70%, doesn't have LAH? Can you show a photo of that? Because I'd be very interested in having the IR rejection without the LAH.

Thanks.

 

[bfastr]

Low angle hazing.. interesting. I notice it at times too in my truck. I just thought I was being hyper critical. not sure I would do the windshield again now that I have learned its a thing.

 

[Spiffers]

If you are new to ceramic tinted windshields you might consider learning about low angle haze. I have had windshields in 50%, 70% and 80%, all by Autobahn (formerly HuperOptik) and I don't think I'm going to do it this time on my F150.. looking through milk on occasion can be frustrating.

Whenever I see this:

I hope that speedo wraps in the video

Seeing that pic reminds me of how the Explorer looks in the sun. We bought it used and it really seems like whoever had it before used ceramic on it.

 

[Spiffers]

"I" am familiar with it and as your link points out "it is the result of inferior manufacturing", which is why choosing the proper brand/quality is very important as not all tints are created equal. And on that note, NASA recently used Geoshield products, but there are also other big film brands (like 3m, etc.)that sell hi quality films too vs. a bunch of the inferior ones out there.

So what brands should I look for.

 

[aaexpert]

Sorry I wasn't attempting to call you out particularly; more attempting to inform OP about this issue as I didn't know until about my second windshield I starting researching it.

I do have a question for you though as it seems you are knowledgeable about LAH:

I assumed all ceramic tints 70% and under will show LAH. Do you know of a ceramic tint that, at 50-70%, doesn't have LAH? Can you show a photo of that? Because I'd be very interested in having the IR rejection without the LAH.

Thanks.

no worries, Im happy to help out here as many others have done for me. I own an audio/accessory business since 1998 and have plenty of knowledge to share. Also TintStudio (Matt) on youtube is the worlds most watched and he has covered this topic before. I'd show ya a pic of my truck but there is no haze in it to see and I use the 70% ProNano Ultra.(it says 'new' on their site but its been out for over a year now) Here is the link so you can read how they even write in the description "..virtually clear and haze free" https://geoshieldusa.com/collections/solar-control-film
The 'clarity' and other aspects we in the industry appreciate in window films, IMO is some of the best out there for the price. Apex is a premium film we seldom use because for the price the PN Ultra gets it done. We use the ProNano and CarbonPlus for most of our ceramic installs.
The issue you have stated having is from lower quality films and the lower tier versions (which most shops sell for higher profits)
I can say this, I service Porsche, Lexus, Mercedes, BMW and many more local dealerships and they would NEVER allow a 'haze' to be seen in their windshield installs.
If you want to buy a small scrap piece or full piece to test/use just shoot me a PM. ie: PN Ultra 10ft. x 36in. $90+freight(my dealer cost)

 

[aaexpert]

So what brands should I look for.

Johnson or Eastman are producers of the top films which are then manufactured for their clients (Llumar, Global, Madico,etc.) IMO if you cant find Geoshield in your area, 3M or LLumar offer top quality products, Xpel and Avery are good. Solargard, Scorpion, Rayno not so great.
Just make sure whatever you go with, the store puts in writing the guarantee if doesnt come out the way you need it and ask for a demo on their own vehicles so you can visually see it.

 

[Spiffers]

Johnson or Eastman are producers of the top films which are then manufactured for their clients (Llumar, Global, Madico,etc.) IMO if you cant find Geoshield in your area, 3M or LLumar offer top quality products, Xpel and Avery are good. Solargard, Scorpion, Rayno not so great.
Just make sure whatever you go with, the store puts in writing the guarantee if doesnt come out the way you need it and ask for a demo on their own vehicles so you can visually see it.

Thanks! I screen shooted this.

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