Types of Window Tint and Recommendations

[MichiganFan82]

I just got my windows tinted at 35% because the Minnesota limit for passenger and driver are 50%. So its 15% below the legal limit.

The tint that was put on is called "Llumar Platinum Plus." I like it, however, it has that mirror type look a little bit. I want something more like factory tint that is a bit more "smokey" than mirror-like, if you get what I mean. Not factory tint on my '94, but the later models like the 3rd gen and newer. My windows are still bubbling so I may have to get them done again because they have a lifetime guarantee.

So I would like to know if anyone has any suggestions for what I am looking for. I also am planning on getting the rest of the windows done this Friday. The 1994 I currently have, has a different type of tint than the later models so if anyone has gone for the blacker, darker, smoke look, any suggestions?

Here's is pic of what I currently have:

<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2296/2294296316_24287e468b.jpg?v=0">

I would like to get a result of something like this:
<img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b362/flutterbyissa/4r1.jpg">

 

[banker1]

I'm not familiar with types of tint however, I think you're going to have a difficult time matching up the front and rear windows in your 4R. It looks like the rears have the factory mirrored type tint popular in older vehicles. I had two Jeeps, '93 & '94, which had similar tint and I alway had trouble matching up the front windows.

I have the exact 4R in the second picture, minus the pinstrip. I originally tinted the front 20% and left the rear as is. When in the sun, I noticed the factory tint had purple hues to it and it didn't match up correctly to the aftermarket tint on the front. I went back and had the rear tinted 20% as well and a much happier with how it came out.

I'd imagine a professional did your original tint job considering you have a lifetime guarantee. That said, explain to him/ her what effect you're looking for. The guy that did mine took samples of the different tint films and darknesses and temporarily placed them on the driver side front and passenger doors to give me an idea as to what the result was going to look like. Your tinter should be willing to do the same.

 

[MichiganFan82]

Thanks for the reply. You provided some great information. I will contact my tinter and make the appropriate steps you did.

<3 this forum!

 

[banker1]

No worries. Where in Minnesota are you? My wife is from the Brainerd Lakes area is and is pushing for us to move back so she can be closer to her family...

 

[MichiganFan82]

I am from the Prior Lake, Savage, Shakopee area but am currently attending my final year at St. Cloud State University.

 

[Uneek]

I believe there are four types of tint, dye based, metallic, semi metallic and ceramic.

I know that dye based are the cheapest tint available, these are the type that you normally see turn purple over a time period. Metallic and semi-metallic usually do not fade (not entirely familiar with these) but the biggest down side is it blocks radio reception, including GPS and satellite reception. Ceramic is the most expensive, its benefits is what metallic tint offers and it doesn't have much of an effect on reception.