does anyone know the Top Quality Films used for tint?

some guy uses johnsons (which windowtint was very helpful)

and some other place i just called uses "lumar" i think its called?

sen.

 

I had Lumar installed on mine. 15%, why don't know. The installer stated it would be the best tint and closest match.

 

after a certain point, from the consumers POV - all the films are the same and should be the last thing to consider in the purchase.

as long as you can find a metallized film (or dyed if you don't mind redoing the tint every 12 mos), an installer that's giving a lifetime warranty AND giving you all the factory warranty paperwork completely filled out (warranty is worthless if you didn't get factory paperwork). Find a guy that's doing quallity installs and gaurantee's your happiness. Beyond that, everything else doesn't matter.

BUT.... some will still ask. A few varities/brands out there are Llumer (it's "lou-mar", not "Luhm-er"), Johnsons, Madico, Solargard, SunGard, 3M and etc. There are plenty others - but it's not terribly important.

When it comes down to it - if they guy showed you an invoice for his $5.00 a sqft film, said that's what he'll use - then pulled the car around to the shop - then pulled a fast one and installed his cheap $.27 a sqft crap film and brought it back out to you .. would you know the difference? No, probably not. Warranty, quality of install, and your satisfaction with the job are far more important than what brand was used.

Use you own eyes to decide what you like - if you like the finished product and you got some official paperwork to stand behind the job - you're good to go.

 

so what are the *bad* films to avoid?

 

lol. good question. Only problem is that unless the tinter has a stroke of conscience - he ain't gonna tell you he's laying crappy film.

The "bad" films BRAND WISE, from my observations after almost 20 years - I would try to avoid anything by 'Garware', Suntek, anything labeled "Accutech" or "SolarTech" - same company, their imported film is bottom of the barrel crap. Don't know of a shop that's not heard of them. I'd avoid "Alpina" - a Canadian film, pretty crappy. Anything from Gila (that's Llumar's auto parts store line - advertised heavily in import magazines - total junk).

so.... ?? ....

Gila, Alpina, Garware, Solar/Accutech, Suntek, Soltek. I think those would 'bout round the top worst. (and most common bad lines)

 

SunTek was used on mine. If there is a problem that is what the warranty is for. Mailed in the warranty card and the installer was highly recommended by someone who's tint has been fine for a while now.

Good info though windowtint.

 

ahh.. i should get the warranty in writing.

got mine tinted today..

he said i wont be able to roll my windows for 3 days

 

sounds like ya both are good to go. you're happy with the installs. That's all that counts in the end.

...3 days. Ouch. Doubt it's actually neccesary (few hours at most is all that usally really needed), but it's his policy...

 

and also.. i checked the rear window today..

and a small (dime sized) bubble is near the top left edge...

i called the dude and told him about it.. and he said it should go away...

but he said that if it doesnt i can take it back...

is that normal?

sen.

 

tint guy said it was Black ONYX 20%. matched perfect. is it me, or is the back window lighter than the back windows