I have an appointment with my typical tint shop to get the G tinted. They've done all my previous vehicles and I've always been happy with the quality of the install and the product. I'm planning on 35% all around. VA state laws are 35 on back and 50 on the front doors, but I've gotten 35% on my front doors on previous vehicles and never had a problem. I don't want to go darker to avoid any issues.

My question is this- my tint shop deals exclusively in Llumar tint. Are there are other "better" brands that I should compare? They offer a charcoal (non-dyed) for 200 and ceramic for 250. I'm planning on the ceramic just because its better

Any other input? Thanks!

 

In my experience,

Dyed films usually have more of a flat and darker shade of black, but will eventually turn purple/blue overtime with the exposure of sunlight.

Metalized films have a little more of a reflective look from the exterior and won't give you that LIMO black look. At certain angles, you can see the interior of the vehicle. These films will last longer than dyed because of the metal thats lined inside the film. I've had Johnson brand metalized window tint put on my last 4 cars with no problems to this day. (Dark 20% all around)

Ceramic film is by the most the most expensive of the three. From sitting in my friend's Audi with 3M ceramic film all around, I noticed that the film gave the outside look a very very light brownish hue. If you're standing outside and looking in, it almost had that look of a dyed film, which is flat black look.

Llumar and 3M are really good brands that last quite long. I would look for a shop that offers lifetime warranty (pretty common). Any issues with your film, whether its peeling of bubbling, will be taken care of.

 

I researched for about a week solid, before I had my windows done. Of course I found a very reputable shop in my area with lifetime warranty etc etc. Any problems and they'll fix it. So make sure you find that in your area.

I went with:

3M Carbon 20%

 

I looked around and don't feel comfortable going anywhere else. So it's Llumar tint 35% all around next Friday.
Thanks for the input!!!

 

Huper optiks if you want best. Me personally am fine with llumar. What area are you in and is summer brutal? I've read ceramic certainly helps keep the heat out better.

 

My line of thinking is always go with the best installer. Even if you get the best brand, a crappy install will negate it. Plus all the best installers usually come along with a lifetime warranty and use a reputable brand of tint.