I usually get the Llumar CTX. Anyone heard of solar plate??

 

I'm partial to 3m color stable and crystalline products, personally. Have had them in the Nevada and Arizona sun, all day, every day for 10 years and never a single issue.

 

AZ, anyone better then the other?

 

Do you guys just tint the front driver and passenger windows to match the factory privacy glass? What % is that?

 

I usually tint all windows. % vary from state to state. I usually do 5%

 

Going to go with Llumar CTX

 

Do they need to strip the factory tint off to tint the rears again?

 

The factory tint is into the glass. It cannot be removed. If you put over that you will have it darkened even more.
I usually just have them match the rear doors.

 

I did 5% on front 2 windows and 5% over the back 3 factory tinted windows as well. Tinted my entire windshield with 30%. I love it

2016 F250 Crew Cab 4 x 4

 

Didn't know that, thanks.

 

What did you use on the windshield?

 

Different tools for different jobs.

The Color Stable is a darker tint - it ranges from 5% VLT (Visible Light Transmission) to about 35% VLT, IIRC. As such it obviously cannot be used on the windshield.

The Crystalline is super light - it ranges from 90% VLT down to 50% VLT. It can be used on the windshield but I strongly recommend that you do *NOT* go below 70% VLT on the windshield. Also, Crystalline has better TSER (total solar energy rejection) as it is newer technology. It is also *much* more expensive.

Neither film contains any metal and 3M says they do *not* impact radio, gps, radar, cell phone, etc. This is consistent with my experience.

And yes, many states outlaw tint on the driver, passenger, and windshield - tint at your own risk.

And no, I do not work for 3M, own their stock, or otherwise get any compensation for "promoting" their products. I just think their stuff is incredibly high quality and I love it.

 

Azure,
My sister-in law has that on her sedan; rear and all 4 windows at 5%. All I can say is I wouldn't do it. I can't see out the rear window in the day and I have to roll the windows down at night to see mirrors or lane change. Looks nice and dark, but makes driving a hazzard. Surprised here in Cali she has not been pulled over in 2 years.

 

If your talking about film I am not totally positive but I think it was Lluminex or something like that. I will be honest I am a total rookie at the different films and what they offer. I always believed they all did the same thing but I now see that is not the case

 

If you have to drive in a metro area, dark tint (less than 35%) is a frustrating experience.