Window Tinting

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by mike_dmt

Good to hear you're happy with the results. I used to own a tint shop, and something to keep in mind is the fact there aren't only different percentages of darkness, but there are numerous types of film. Some have more metal in them than others, resulting in a more "reflective" look from the outside. And, different brands have different standards of measurements of darkness.

Unfortunately, even the pros have a hard time knowing what is going to match 100%, so sometimes even if your math is right, they might not be perfect.


Also, I used to tint all of my windshields. I love how it looks, and how it keeps the u.v's off of the interior. But, if you don't have medical proof of an eye condition that requires it, you stand to be in deep (seriously deep) trouble if you cause an accident. Last I knew it was actually a federal offense. Laws might have changed, but I doubt it.

Absolutely right about the pros getting it to match, at first i thought "well stock is 35 so if i want it to be cut in half just throw 50% over to make it 17.5%"

Well I told the guys at the shop (they use Llumar) and he said no way would i get dark enough with that kind of math, its not as simple he said. He said if i want it to match the fronts at 15% he would do 20% on the whole rear on top of the privacy glass, and low and behold it matches pretty damn close! So when in doubt, just ask the pros, I'm sure they will know!


And about the windshield, I would love to have the whole thing done, but last time I checked there are a handful of shops in Jersey that will do it, and you HAVE TO KNOW SOMEBODY there, or be a cop.

I had the sunvisor strip done at 5% to help with sun glare as well, I have it on my other cars, it really helps a lot. And I also did the sunroof at 5% becuase it's way overlooked on tint jobs and you'd be surprised at how much heat that sunroof lets in over the summer, personally I like my sunshade open all the time, and having the sunroof tinted allows for that but I don't get the heat coming in the top and roasting my dome!


And thankfully (although not great for me medically) my macular dystrophy is an ok for the state, my eye specialist signed off on a form so I have medical exemption from the state for both my cars tint.