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Ceramic window tint?

Discussion in 'Detailing' started by 4runningMan, May 25, 2021.

  1. May 25, 2021 at 5:02 PM
    #1
    4runningMan

    4runningMan [OP] New Member

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    I see people talk about ceramic window tint. Is all tint now ceramic? Or is it like an upgrade over “regular” tint?

    Why choose one over the other? Is there a disadvantage to ceramic??

    Discuss…
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  2. May 25, 2021 at 5:10 PM
    #2
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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  3. May 25, 2021 at 5:22 PM
    #3
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Great topic! I never knew there were different options.

    I have been considering a tint for heat reasons. Thank you for posting this!
     
  4. May 25, 2021 at 6:47 PM
    #4
    Moon Landing

    Moon Landing AFFTC 1967/68 Eddies Air Patch

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    3M has a tint they say is better than ceramic. It's their Crystalline Series, if you care to look into it.
     
  5. May 25, 2021 at 7:18 PM
    #5
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    I will. Thank you! 3M makes some amazing products.
     
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  6. May 25, 2021 at 7:20 PM
    #6
    fajitas21

    fajitas21 New Member

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    The benefit of ceramic is that the older stuff had metal in it to reflect light and heat. That interfered with portable devices (cellphones). This stuff nowdays doesn't do that.
     
  7. May 26, 2021 at 8:19 AM
    #7
    esavi87

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    I got mine tinted with ceramic about a month ago. My guy explained the primary difference being a better heat reduction with the ceramic over carbon. My old one had carbon, and I definitely like the ceramic better. He also said that the way it bonds is different and can help to strengthen the glass against breaks-although don't quote me on the accuracy of that. ;)
     
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  8. Jun 13, 2021 at 7:53 PM
    #8
    21TOR

    21TOR New Member

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    Here in the Valley of the sun we have tinted every vehicle we have owned, ceramic is the best performing for heat, UV etc.
    Clarity is also very important and the ceramic wins in that regard as well. Driving at night with cheap tint can be a real challenge.
     
  9. Jun 29, 2021 at 6:10 PM
    #9
    jetmechG550

    jetmechG550 New Member

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    Local shop I use has a "color wheel" type of display with an high wattage flood light type of bulb. The wheel has all th options of tint from percentage and shade ceramic and regular. You can really feel the difference between regular and ceramic. It ends up running about $200 more for the entire vehicle but worth every penny IMO
     
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  10. Nov 14, 2021 at 4:52 PM
    #10
    Chucklehead

    Chucklehead Enjoy the ride! You only get one trip

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    Anybody know the specific factory window tint percentage an the rear windows?
    Want to tint my fronts and have them match rears as precisely as possible.
     
  11. Nov 14, 2021 at 5:22 PM
    #11
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    Ceramic is mid level tint. More like value for money.

    If you want top of the line 3M Crystalline. Not all tint shops can do it. Go to 3M site and look for Crystalline installers. They have windshield tints with almost look like no tint. One time it same me from a big mess when a big rock hit my windshield. All the glass were stuck on to the tint. I guess it's a pretty thick and strong film.
     
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  12. Nov 15, 2021 at 9:02 AM
    #12
    Chucklehead

    Chucklehead Enjoy the ride! You only get one trip

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    cool thank you I'll have a look at the 3M--

    So - after some more googling.... 'er well actually .... Duck Duck research
    I think i found my answer -

    "The 5th Gen 4Runner comes with 20% factory tint on the rear windows and nothing on the front"
     
    4EverRunner66 likes this.
  13. Nov 15, 2021 at 9:25 AM
    #13
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    That is little hard to believe. That is a pretty dark shade. I thought it would be somewhere around 50-60%. I could be wrong.

    BTW, This is how I find the 3M Crystalline installer;
    upload_2021-11-15_10-24-22.jpg
     
    kolter45 likes this.
  14. Nov 15, 2021 at 9:32 AM
    #14
    Chucklehead

    Chucklehead Enjoy the ride! You only get one trip

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    thanks - i think the way to read it is it blocks 20% not lets in 20%
     
  15. Nov 15, 2021 at 9:36 AM
    #15
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    This is how tint shops take your request. If you say 20% it will block 80% light and only 20% will pass through.

    upload_2021-11-15_10-35-32.jpg
     
  16. Dec 16, 2021 at 10:23 AM
    #16
    slixx1320

    slixx1320 New Member

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    Instead of creating a new post thought I'd ask here.

    I plan (would like) to get my 4runner tinted. In the past, I was young, broke and cheap and always paid for the cheapest tint just to get shade. Those bubbled, peeled and faded to purple as the years passed so I'm looking into something better. I've read to go with ceramic due to the longevity, performance and warranty. I'm leaning towards the F1 pinnacle series but is the $200 price difference of the stratos worth it? Are they in line with some of the prices/quotes you guys paid?

    This is the price quote I got from a local shop for all around except windshield
    Formula 1 Classic - $350 (4 shades to choose from)
    Formula 1 Pinnacle - $550 (6 shades to choose from)
    Formula 1 Stratos - $750 (4 shades to choose from)
     
  17. Dec 16, 2021 at 12:44 PM
    #17
    FradyTree

    FradyTree New Member

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    Had my 22 4R TRDP tinted with 3M ceramic tint about 2 months ago. Absolutely love it. You can feel the difference on your skin
     
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  18. Dec 16, 2021 at 12:50 PM
    #18
    Hydro556

    Hydro556 New Member

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    I had my front door windows done with their best ceramic yesterday.

    Going to take it back for the rest of the glass, including windshield at some point.
     
  19. Dec 16, 2021 at 12:53 PM
    #19
    slixx1320

    slixx1320 New Member

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    What's considered "their best" ceramic? Brand? How much did you pay for the fronts?
     
  20. Dec 16, 2021 at 1:12 PM
    #20
    Hydro556

    Hydro556 New Member

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    I couldn't remember lol, that's why I didn't mention it. Going to look when I get in the truck at the literature. Will post back.

    Was $220(!) for just the fronts. $695 for the whole truck.
     
  21. Dec 16, 2021 at 1:26 PM
    #21
    slixx1320

    slixx1320 New Member

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    If you could, that'll be great! At least that way I can have a comparison when I do mine. Thanks!
     
  22. Dec 16, 2021 at 1:32 PM
    #22
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    A good way to find out what your options are from a tint shop, just ask them which film they use, and head over to the film's website.

    Too often shops deal with the general public who says "tint this to whatever percent" and the shop quotes a price, and does the work. Transaction over.

    If you familiarize yourself with what films they use, you can make a more educated decision on what tint to get, and what kind of performance and warranty you'll be getting.
     
    slixx1320 likes this.
  23. Jan 5, 2022 at 5:33 PM
    #23
    slixx1320

    slixx1320 New Member

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    For those interested, I just got my 4runner tinted with 3M Crystalline from G5 Tint in Alhambra for $650 all the sides and rear. Also got my headlights clear bra'd for $175 as well. Will go back and have my front windshield done at 70% in a few weeks or when I have time.
     
  24. Jul 13, 2022 at 5:09 PM
    #24
    blackcloud08

    blackcloud08 They're Watching Us....

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    Ceramic is much better IMO. Ceramic reflects heat/UV better and IMO provides a clearer/HD sight picture when looking out of it. Only downside is cost as it's about 1.5x more expensive. Llumar is my preferred brand as well.
     
  25. Jul 13, 2022 at 10:37 PM
    #25
    spyder918

    spyder918 501st Unit: GGG

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    Just got my windshield done..50% with 3M ceramic and I love it. Only side effect with ceramic is if you wear polarized sunglasses, it can be a bit rainbowy.
     
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  26. Jul 30, 2022 at 8:16 AM
    #26
    Nevin

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    I did this same thing. What a difference. No more glare at night.
     
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  27. Aug 1, 2022 at 4:46 PM
    #27
    ChessGuy

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    Anybody some experience with this XRPlus by Xpel material? Seems like the big daddy on heat rejection and UV protection. I am considering this on the entire vehicle as I can't take it anymore here in hot a$$ Houston. Appreciate the feedback.
     
  28. Aug 1, 2022 at 10:59 PM
    #28
    skistoy

    skistoy New Member

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    Ceramic tinted both front doors to match the back, and front window visor.
     
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  29. Aug 1, 2022 at 11:29 PM
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    4runningMan

    4runningMan [OP] New Member

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    Were they able to match the tint 100% to the rear windows as far as appearance goes?
     
  30. Aug 7, 2022 at 11:23 PM
    #30
    skistoy

    skistoy New Member

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    If not perfect, pretty darn close !
     

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