Pre-cut Tint

[JWM816]

Hello T4R,

So I have been wanting to try tinting myself. Has anyone here tried any of the pre-cut online dealers?

Seems to be a good deal from the couple of sites I have checked out and the install looks fairly straightforward.

Looking to see if anyone has any reviews for any sites to check out and if they had wished they had instead just gone to a local tint shop.

Thank you!

 

[702tripgen]

I've never done tint myself but there are so many shops with great reviews in my area it just doesn't seem worth the savings to try something like that myself. Pay the experts and get the warranty. No muss, no fuss.

 

[Nobody Special]

I've never done tint myself but there are so many shops with great reviews in my area it just doesn't seem worth the savings to try something like that myself. Pay the experts and get the warranty. No muss, no fuss.

I've done tint a few times (and 19, 15, & 14 years later, still looks great)

Anything other than the doors, I will go have it done.
I am actually going to have all 11 windows done soon.
9 windows for $325 for lifetime metallic, $575 for lifetime ceramic.
Sunroof and windshield are not in that quote but will have Air Blue 80% on those 2.

Rear windows in cars is the pits. So tight in some of them. out:

 

[riceandpho]

I've done tint a few times (and 19, 15, & 14 years later, still looks great)

Anything other than the doors, I will go have it done.
I am actually going to have all 11 windows done soon.
9 windows for $325 for lifetime metallic, $575 for lifetime ceramic.
Sunroof and windshield are not in that quote but will have Air Blue 70% on those 2.

Rear windows in cars is the pits. So tight in some of them. out:

ceramic tint only man, also stay away from just dyed/ charcoal ones.
theres a big difference in heat rejection.

 

[Tomm-]

I'd probably pay someone.

It comes down to film and skill, IMO. If you get the cheap stuff, its really hard to work with. If you get the expensive stuff its easier to work with but if you mess up then you need to use more. If its your first tint job, you'll likely need to order two sets as a back up. Expensive film costs more so you may want to consider that. As a fellow DIYer, I say try it but give yourself some ample time (and resources) to do it over and over again.

 

[Morse34]

I'd probably pay someone.

 

[Nobody Special]

I'd probably pay someone.

:clap2::clap2::clap2:


Sometimes, for some people, it is best to learn the hard way when you waste money.

 

[Nobody Special]

ceramic tint only man, also stay away from just dyed/ charcoal ones.
theres a big difference in heat rejection.

ceramic tint only man, also stay away from just dyed/ charcoal ones.
theres a big difference in heat rejection.

Not too concerned with heat TBH.
There is a lot of marketing and my longer distances are covered when the sun is down and traffic is nil.
Plus the low angle glare/haze can suck on some windows with ceramic films, and at dawn/dusk and any street lamps when I do the bulk of my long distance... well, you see the point? .
Low Angle Haze

Yes, I am aware of different brands/grades.
The guy I am going to is very respected in the industry and when I asked about ceramic, and based on my driving, he said to go metal. He does more buildings than auto.

 

[Nobody Special]

 

[riceandpho]

stick with what ever floats your boat then, be aware that youll lose some radio reception with the metallic one, i stick with a quality ceramic tint, llumar or 3m makes some good ones. low angle haze looks like a layer of dirt that was on the outside window with them pictures, but what do i know?

Not too concerned with heat TBH.
There is a lot of marketing and my longer distances are covered when the sun is down and traffic is nil.
Plus the low angle glare/haze can suck on some windows with ceramic films, and at dawn/dusk and any street lamps when I do the bulk of my long distance... well, you see the point? .
Low Angle Haze

Yes, I am aware of different brands/grades.
The guy I am going to is very respected in the industry and when I asked about ceramic, and based on my driving, he said to go metal. He does more buildings than auto.

 

[Nobody Special]

stick with what ever floats your boat then, be aware that youll lose some radio reception with the metallic one, i stick with a quality ceramic tint, llumar or 3m makes some good ones. low angle haze looks like a layer of dirt that was on the outside window with them pictures, but what do i know?

I had mine done today with, I think he said, Llumar ATR.
ATR Window Tint | LLumar

I have used metallic for years and NEVER EVER had an issue personally.
Sure it can happen, but the antenna is on the outside.
Wanna test it? Wrap your cell phone in different tint films, and make a video for us.
I am BIG on testing... Hence my rat vs soy wire test.

I went to literally one of the best, if not the best tint shop in the Northeast.
Their primary business is buildings though.

He flat out told me "I can sell you the ceramic and make more profit but it is not worth it unless you are down south"

So, what business would tell me (something I already know, because I don't buy into hype or marketing anymore) they don't want to take more of my money?
Keep in mind, most people are going to automotive-only tinting shops... And this guys primary business is buildings (commercial/residential), then non-commercial aircraft, cars, Ballistic for PD's, then marine vessels.

And just because you mention 3M, I know some things...
You like to pay a premium so guys in suits can jet-set around the globe.
Not saying they don't make a quality product, but for such a large company, they should be able to offer a better price point.



To each their own.
Pay your premium prices, it is a free market.





$320, +30 tip, all nine windows in 20% Llumar. "Lifetime warranty"

No windshield or sunroof at this time, as I could not wait for it longer.
Took about 2.25 hours.


Excuse the filth... Shitty day, and birds got me while I was waiting for them to open.

 

[Nobody Special]

Metallic vs Ceramic tint film test with a cell phone

Anyone want put the ceramic vs metallic tint debate to bed? :rapture::rapture:

I don't have all my gear to properly do this anymore, and I am not a Youtuber either.

Go to a tint shop, grab some scraps, wrap your phone in each type, and make calls and film it for us?

I bet it would get hits and make you a couple cents.