Ceramic window tint?

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…

 

Worth the watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGMqVbW7a9s
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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!

 

3M has a tint they say is better than ceramic. It's their Crystalline Series, if you care to look into it.

 

I will. Thank you! 3M makes some amazing products.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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"

 

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;

 

thanks - i think the way to read it is it blocks 20% not lets in 20%

 

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

 

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)

 

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

 

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.

 

What's considered "their best" ceramic? Brand? How much did you pay for the fronts?

 

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.

 

If you could, that'll be great! At least that way I can have a comparison when I do mine. Thanks!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I did this same thing. What a difference. No more glare at night.

 

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.

 

Ceramic tinted both front doors to match the back, and front window visor.

 

Were they able to match the tint 100% to the rear windows as far as appearance goes?

 

If not perfect, pretty darn close !