Question about window tinting:

I am thinking of getting my windows tinted so as to add more security and to make my car look better. This would purly be aftermmarked but I am not looking to do it myself. What should I be looking at as far as window tinting is concerned. What I mean by that is is there something I should be looking at or something to stay away from as far as materials are concerned.

Any recomendations as to where to go? I was thinking Ziebart.

Thanks

 

Just remember that you get what you pay for... if you find a place that tints for 50 bucks... you are going to be getting cheap paper that will fade fast. There's places that use laser precut paper, so it's a perfect fit, and there's no cutting required which endangers your rubber trims and seals when they cut it by hand. After that, it really just depends on the color of the car, so know if you have to get charcoal tints, or if it would look good with high performance paper that helps keep more heat out, but looks reflective (which only looks good on very few cars) And of course... do as they say.. don't open your windows for 3 days. Most places offer lifetime warranty on their tints. And of course... make sure to know your local laws pertaining to window tinting, because if cops in your area are strict, you'll want to follow your local laws.

 

I got mine 20% all around. I dont think 20% is legal in Maryland (but no one really cares). I live in MD by the way.
My friend's dad owns tint shop, so I got mine for $110 cheap, but GREAT WORK!
normally they charge you about $160 and up + warrenty

here are some examples, hope it helps
- Celica - 20% small sides 35% bigger side window
- Accord - 20% all around









Just took it 20 mins after I read your thread.
Good luck with your tints!

 

I would just let a pro do it. You might be able to do the sides, but the back window will be a pain. A good tinter will do the back window in one piece, over the dot matrix if present, with no problem. Also, removing tint from the back window might cause damage to the defroster lines, so a good lifetime job is better way to go.

If you do attempt it, at least goto a tint shop and buy some quality tint from them. The film they would use for a "lifetime" tint job.

 

I just got my accord done when I moved out to AZ. I got the premium line tint. limo tint in the rear, and 20% in the the front. I paid a bit for my tint, but you can tell I got what I paid for. looks great. I'll have to take a pic of it and post it up.

 

like what everyone else is saying, you get what you pay for...

got mine done for $220...yes...220 bucks... but cuts were flawless, no air bubbles, scrathes, dust, nothing....perfect....my buddy got his done for 100 or so....really bad... most people spend about 150 or so on tints...and go shopping....just to make sure one place isnt tryin to jerk you around...

also check your laws to make sure you dont get to dark....cops WILL make you peel them off in front of them...

 

I got limo tint(5%) all around and the cops in Vegas dont give a damn about it. They tint the windows at the dealerships for around 250 with a metalic tint, its awsome.
If the cops are a-holes in your city, stay with the legal limits and get it done by a pro

 

agree

 

Thanks for all your responses, I plan on getting it done locally by a pro. I called Ziebart near where I live and for 5 windows I can get it done for 220.00. Now I just have to check with the cops around here to see what the legal limits are.

Thanks.

 

try to get a place that will give you a lifetime warranty on it. also, depending on what car you drive, it would be a good idea to install some felt on the insides of your doors to prevent long-term scratching from where the windows roll down.

mirror tints are crap. try to get a charcoal color that doesnt contain any dyes. after aging in the sun, the dyes are what turns the color or you tint a nasty lookin purple or whatever other color it happens to be.

never heard of Ziebart. i went Llumar and its great. the films not too thick so you cant tell theres anything stuck to the inside of your window. also go to a dealer that electronically cuts out the window patterns. they should have a computer program w/ the exact specs of your windows to cut perfect patterns ensuring the best fit quality.

afterwards, never clean the inside of your windows w/ anything ammonia based. i use eagle1 auto glass cleaner which is safe for tints, or you can even just use some mild soap and water.