ceramic window tint

[AKPS4]

Anyone have this on their front windshield or other windows? Before i get flamed for tint on the windshield its not for darkening the window. Ceramic tint is relatively new and is sold for blocking UV rays and significant amount of heat transfer into the car. It is quite expensive to install, got quoted around $350 for front windshield only. I got the entire car done in regular tint for $220.

Just curious to see how effective it really is. I can see a potential benefit for everyone in the south and west regions but in the northeast i havent seen a need for it at all.

[stirfryguy]

I have huper optik on my B7 and I love it. During the summer, the tint worked extremely well. Once I get my B8.5 I'll be getting huper optik again.

[kooltechie]

I have huper optik on my B7 and I love it. During the summer, the tint worked extremely well. Once I get my B8.5 I'll be getting huper optik again.

+1

in my experience, huper optik is the best.
I went with 3M crystalline for my S5 recently and regret big time....should've gone with huper optik.

[stirfryguy]

20% all around excluding front windshield.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jsJHv2_aFaM/TMw82DY67xI/AAAAAAAAASM/jzZNXHowdeo/s1498/IMAG0017.jpg

[boss2k]

Is Huperoptik ceramic tint?

What is a metallic tint? Does that interfere with car electronics

Is there any black color tint available , all the tints i had in my car are charcoal grey.

[AKPS4]

+1

in my experience, huper optik is the best.
I went with 3M crystalline for my S5 recently and regret big time....should've gone with huper optik.

The ceramic tint is a different series from the crystalline. Not sure if you had installation issues or if it was product related.

This is 3Ms version of the ceramic: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Window_Film/Solutions/Markets-Products/Automotive/Ceramic_Series/

again, its not for blocking light but more for blocking UV and heat while allowing a lot of the light to still enter. This is specifically for the windshield and not any of the other windows. I've got a nice dark 18% all around and i forget if the shop used 3M or not but have lifetime warranty on film/installation.

[AKPS4]

Is Huperoptik ceramic tint?

What is a metallic tint? Does that interfere with car electronics

Is there any black color tint available , all the tints i had in my car are charcoal grey.

at the shop where they had ceramic displayed there was no black available or grey. its hard to describe but you cant tell if it was installed or not. i looked at the owners car and it just looked like a factory windshield but i had the middle grade ceramic tint. Im not too familiar with the technology but good question regarding interference. Trying to figure out if anyone has it or not first. May shoot a question out to V1 to see if they have tested through ceramic films as well.

[brooklyn86]

Just be mindful that paying for tinting a windshield may be a recurring cost should it ever crack.

[Boulderrider]

20% all around excluding front windshield.

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jsJHv2_aFaM/TMw82DY67xI/AAAAAAAAASM/jzZNXHowdeo/s1498/IMAG0017.jpg

Just curious, you mention 20% tint all around, and your signature line states Huper Optik 30%

I'm interested as your tint looks perfect. Can you clarify and let me know the shade or color. Thanks.

[stirfryguy]

Just curious, you mention 20% tint all around, and your signature line states Huper Optik 30%

I'm interested as your tint looks perfect. Can you clarify and let me know the shade or color. Thanks.

Sorry you're right. it is 30%... multi-task fail. Let me find the receipt and I'll let you the shade.

[kooltechie]

The ceramic tint is a different series from the crystalline. Not sure if you had installation issues or if it was product related.

This is 3Ms version of the ceramic: http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Window_Film/Solutions/Markets-Products/Automotive/Ceramic_Series/

again, its not for blocking light but more for blocking UV and heat while allowing a lot of the light to still enter. This is specifically for the windshield and not any of the other windows. I've got a nice dark 18% all around and i forget if the shop used 3M or not but have lifetime warranty on film/installation.

3M Crystalline blocks heat better than their ceramic series.
please compare the product specs and you'll see the difference.

however, Huper Optik blocks heat better than both of 3M products.
you should be able to google it and find the comparisons.
my A4 has huper optik and S5 has crystalline - huper optik is better in terms of heat blocking.

[vintagespin]

I have Huper Optik nano-ceramic all around. 35% on all windows, 60% on the windshield. Windshield is practically transparent but helps a lot with the heat (and protecting the interior finish from UV rays).

Black interior with the cloth sunroof slid back:

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6052/6412379371_44f24b1939_b.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6234/6412379201_06db8e756b_b.jpg

The look varies a lot in the light. Sometimes it looks very dark, and sometimes it's very reflective – almost mirrorlike.

[theedge111]

I had Huper Optik on my B7S4 Cab...I went with 40% (interior was the crimson red).

I loved the look and the way it kept the car cool in the summer parked out in the sun all day at the golf course. My B8 was already tinted when I got it, it's way too dark and the interior is hot as hell i the summer so I'm guessing it's not ceramic.

I'm going to get it redone this year if I keep the car.

Ceramic Huper Optik 40%
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s173/theedge111/DSC01829-1.jpg

Non Ceramic (no idea of the % but it's dark)
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s173/theedge111/DSC02356.jpg

[motivated]

I Have Pinnacle Formula 1 on mine 55/35 split. Will try to post a pic later, no performance issues with the electronics and it looks great.

[AKPS4]

3M Crystalline blocks heat better than their ceramic series.
please compare the product specs and you'll see the difference.

however, Huper Optik blocks heat better than both of 3M products.
you should be able to google it and find the comparisons.
my A4 has huper optik and S5 has crystalline - huper optik is better in terms of heat blocking.

i'll def check it out. thanks for the info! i thought ceramic was at the top of the list for blocking heat from what the shop told me... wasnt trying to talk down or anything on you. Looks like the ceramic huper optik is what i'll be looking at.

thanks everyone.

[kooltechie]

i'll def check it out. thanks for the info! i thought ceramic was at the top of the list for blocking heat from what the shop told me... wasnt trying to talk down or anything on you. Looks like the ceramic huper optik is what i'll be looking at.

thanks everyone.

only thing negative about huper optik is the cost....it's about $50-$75 more than 3M crystalline (all windows including sunroof, but no front windshield)
but considering the length of ownership of a car, it might be worth the extra cost....at least I think so [:D]

[fignewton]

Another vote for Huper Optik, but it's hard to find sometimes. I had it on two Vettes and my Mini Cooper S. When I bought my STI, could not find an installer, but went with another brand that was supposed to be "ceramic". No comparison at all. HO is the best I've ever seen for clarity, no color distortion, and heat transfer (on a black C6 vette with black interior and that big back window, that was a heck of a test inthe summer time.)
Fig

[kooltechie]

Another vote for Huper Optik, but it's hard to find sometimes. I had it on two Vettes and my Mini Cooper S. When I bought my STI, could not find an installer, but went with another brand that was supposed to be "ceramic". No comparison at all. HO is the best I've ever seen for clarity, no color distortion, and heat transfer (on a black C6 vette with black interior and that big back window, that was a heck of a test inthe summer time.)
Fig

yeah, same in LA....there's only 1 official dealer/installer [o_o]

[Hsiang]

I got the Llumar air 80s all around including front windshield.. Couldn't be happier!

[westwest888]

I had it my both my 3 series (Huper Optik 30) and my S4 (Wincos 35). Both were worth it. Ceramic has different properties at different angles. It also has a reflective property in bright sunlight, like slight mirroring. Blocks heat, it's thicker, it doesn't screw with radio and cell reception. Totally worth it.

[V8Star]

I went with Pinnacle Formula 1 and 15% all around except for the windshield.

Just had it done on Wednesday, haven't even driven the car since. Looks amazing though, worth the money.

[kiznarsh]

Go with huper optik, you won't regret it. I had it on my GTI (30% all around) and it cost me $425 so not cheap. Then I went in and did the windshield with 3M Crystalline because I seem to remember it was better at heat rejection. I think it was 70% and no one could tell unless I told them. When I sold it last year, I talked to the new owner who absolutely loved the how much cooler it was inside his car compared to his previous car with tint. I think huper optik easily falls in the "worth the money" category.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kSzEPaBsF9U/T-FIiZaqYII/AAAAAAAABSQ/umGNhYFy4hA/s1301/ISO+-+Front_Driver.JPG

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-kWyCvOLmbZk/UO-fDbSwCuI/AAAAAAAACEg/vBTMH8yZFco/s1301/Side+-+Driver.JPG

[stirfryguy]

I think mine was in the $4xxx range. I only have one installer that is authorized in Michigan so I didn't have any negotiation power

[itzjonjon69]

if you want bad ass tint go with solar adaptive tint, puts ceramic tint to shame!

[Green Neenja]

I have Huper Optik 40% on the sides and back window, love it. I have the solar adaptive tint on the sunroof - it doesn't appear tinted until it's hit by direct sunlight, blocks tons of heat.

[Rodney Hasty]

I have Huper Optik 40% on the sides and back window, love it. I have the solar adaptive tint on the sunroof - it doesn't appear tinted until it's hit by direct sunlight, blocks tons of heat.

What brand is the solar adaptive tint? And it only turns dark when the sunlight hits it? Can you use this on the rest of the windows, including the front? Seems like windows that tint only in direct sunlight would be ideal.

[Green Neenja]

Truthfully, I don't know too much about it. There only one place that does Huper Optik in Houston and he recommended the solar adaptive tint on the sunroof instead of the Huper Optik when I was getting it done.

Here's a link to it on their site: http://www.evsmotors.com/sat-solar-adaptive-transition-tint-only-at-evs-motors-performance-studio-in-houston-tx/

You can also look through their Facebook pages for some examples of it installed.

[kiznarsh]

Seems like windows that tint only in direct sunlight would be ideal.

Not necessarily. I personally prefer that people can't see inside at night when my car is parked somewhere. Not that I leave valuables in there but I enjoy the extra security in case something's left inside. But from a heat-rejection/functional standpoint, yes, I agree.

[Rodney Hasty]

Not necessarily. I personally prefer that people can't see inside at night when my car is parked somewhere. Not that I leave valuables in there but I enjoy the extra security in case something's left inside. But from a heat-rejection/functional standpoint, yes, I agree.

Yes you're right, and the more I thought about it a permanently dark tint is better for the appearance of the car as well- I like the look it gives it.

But one thing I've always questioned is tinting the front windshield. I think it gives the car an awesome look- but you obviously have the problem of seeing at night. Perhaps the tint that darkens in sunlight would be good for that?

[tboooe]

Yes you're right, and the more I thought about it a permanently dark tint is better for the appearance of the car as well- I like the look it gives it.

But one thing I've always questioned is tinting the front windshield. I think it gives the car an awesome look- but you obviously have the problem of seeing at night. Perhaps the tint that darkens in sunlight would be good for that?

I have my windshield tinted as well. Honestly, you cannot tell its on there even after I tell people. At certain angles the tint can be seen. The only drawback I have had is sometimes when the light levels get a little low (i.e. dusk) my navigation screen switches to nighttime mode. I guess the light sensor is somewhere on the dash. Other than that, the tint does what I wanted, keeping the car cooler.

[salmjo1]

I JUST did Pinnacle F1, 50% front sides, 35% rear sides and back (max allowed here). It is ceramic. I was sold after the cheesy display with a heat lamp and a rotating piece of glass coated in various tints including the F1 ceramic. You put your hand up to it and it's pretty incredible how much heat is blocks. I admit it is like the guy coming in and throwing shit on your carpet to sell you a vacuum but I was going to get it tinted anyway. $350 for all except the windscreen. I though about doing it also but only if it is near to zero tint. It's also a lifetime transferable warranty, so I got that going for me.

[stahlee]

Do most of you tint your sunroof? I want to get mine tinted sometime soon and can't decide on the sunroof.

[westwest888]

Do not tint the sunroof. If you put the heat gun on it, it will crack. Any installer that offers this doesn't know what they're doing.

Also, if you tint your windshield and you hit a pedestrian you're going to jail for manslaughter. Really bad idea.

[MrFunk]

I've had ceramic on all my cars for the past 10 years. Maybe it's new in the states? It is also not expensive. i did my entire B8 (not including front window) for $200. Seems there are still plenty of shops ripping people off on tint though...

[Stereodude]

I got the Llumar air 80s all around including front windshield.. Couldn't be happier!
Ditto except I got something heavier put on the sunroof. CTX 30 I think.

[Stereodude]

Do not tint the sunroof. If you put the heat gun on it, it will crack. Any installer that offers this doesn't know what they're doing.
ROFL... The myth / urban legend that just won't die.

[boss2k]

Got a quote from local 3M dealer for crystalline at 549 and ceramic tint for 399

He says 3M crystalline blocks more heat that Huper optik but I dont think it's worth 549 and tending towards ceramic because I want the car to look darker and Huper doesn't make it look that dark , is that right ?

Now the 3M ceramic will it interfere with any electronics of the car , can someone please confirm ?

[Stereodude]

Your post doesn't make much sense. Did you get a quote for Huper Optick or 3M Ceramic? If so, which flavor? Which flavor of 3M Crystalline?

[boss2k]

Your post doesn't make much sense. Did you get a quote for Huper Optick or 3M Ceramic? If so, which flavor? Which flavor of 3M Crystalline?

3M crystalline 40% and 3M ceramic 35% that's all I know , is there more brands ?

[autoluxe]

I have 20% 3M color guard on all my glass and 40% 3M color guard on the windshield and I love it and have had no problems at all. I'll see if I can throw some pictures up later.

[Stereodude]

3M crystalline 40% and 3M ceramic 35% that's all I know , is there more brands ?
Well, Huper Optik is a different company from 3M. There are lots of companies that make ceramic tint. Usually people using 3M crystalline are using the much "lighter" versions strictly for heat rejection with little loss in the transmission of light. I'm not sure there's a lot of point of using it at 40% over a less expensive and similarly dark ceramic tint.

[FZS4]

What brand is the solar adaptive tint? And it only turns dark when the sunlight hits it? Can you use this on the rest of the windows, including the front? Seems like windows that tint only in direct sunlight would be ideal.

+1 on recommendation for Solar Adaptive Tint... Assuming you can stomach the cost - $599+tax is what I paid. It has fantastic heat rejection, but the film looks a little blue (cooler color temperature) rather than the nice brown (warmer color temperature) you see with Huper Optik.

Regarding the transition effect: depending on what shade/darkness you get, it starts out at a certain value (e.g. 45%) and then gets darker in bright sunlight (e.g. 35%). So, at night, you'd be at 45% (NOT completely clear/light - you CAN still see the tint), and during a bright day you'd be at 35%. To be honest, I can't tell a huge difference between the two, but I bet you would be able to see if it you somehow put the 45% "before" and 35% "after" states side by side.

I think you can use it on other windows without issue, though my local installer (the one who did the SAT film on all my windows except the windshield and sunroof) recommended Huper Optik for the windshield instead of SAT when I asked him about it (can't remember what the reasoning was).

[boss2k]

Well, Huper Optik is a different company from 3M. There are lots of companies that make ceramic tint. Usually people using 3M crystalline are using the much "lighter" versions strictly for heat rejection with little loss in the transmission of light. I'm not sure there's a lot of point of using it at 40% over a less expensive and similarly dark ceramic tint.

Ok does ceramic tint cause any electronic interference , can you confirm that

[Hsiang]

does it help a lot when u do the sunroof?


Ditto except I got something heavier put on the sunroof. CTX 30 I think.

[FZS4]

Ok does ceramic tint cause any electronic interference , can you confirm that

I believe one of the main benefits of ceramic is that it does NOT negatively affect any electronics and/or signals... I've experienced no issues with our 2012 A8L (which has Google Maps/Earth) since having Huper Optik ceramic tint installed. I believe only metallic films have the potential to affect electronics and/or signals.

[Pearanalytics]

I have it on mine that the dealer installed. They did this demo with a hot lamp in a box with one side regular tint, the other with ceramic. I'm sure it "helps" but I live in San Antonio and in the summer it can hit 100+ easily. I don't care what tint you have, at those temperatures, it's going to be freakin' hot when you get in!

Alternatively, I was looking at the Viper Smart Remote Start System where I can start my car with my iPhone from the office 10 minutes before I leave to cool it down. It's $599 installed last time I checked and they sell it at Best Buy

[Stereodude]

does it help a lot when u do the sunroof?
I leave the sunshade for the sunroof open all the time thanks to the combination of the factory sunroof tint + CTX 30. I think it's great since in my last car I pretty much always left the cover closed since it was too hot or too bright to have it open.

[kiznarsh]

Got a quote from local 3M dealer for crystalline at 549 and ceramic tint for 399

He says 3M crystalline blocks more heat that Huper optik but I dont think it's worth 549 and tending towards ceramic because I want the car to look darker and Huper doesn't make it look that dark , is that right ?

Now the 3M ceramic will it interfere with any electronics of the car , can someone please confirm ?

My dealer also mentioned 3M crystalline rejects more heat but the darkest they had was only 70% which wasn't dark enough for my windows, so I went with huper optik 30%. The thing with the 3M crystalline tint is that heat rejection is a function of the material in the layers itself, not how dark it is so 90% crystalline = 70% crystalline, but with huper optik, the darker the tint, the greater the heat rejection. You can see my GTI a few posts up with the 30% huper optik to get a feel for how dark it is. It's definitely not extremely dark and nowhere near limo tint so you may have to go another route to get a darker look. Llumar CTX is another ceramic tint option...I just did that on my MR2 (30%):

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6QyPU9Q-MHM/UNzqr5tGWNI/AAAAAAAACAk/I_lmIefHq1w/s1031/IMG_20121227_102958.jpg

It's not as efficient as huper optik but still a good product.

[boss2k]

anyone had Lumar or formula1 pinnacle series and thoughts on it

[jlaudio]

i went with a madico film for my car. same film i have used on all 5 of my audi's, no complaints at all.
i don't think there is a huge difference in huper optik vs madico vs lumar vs formula 1 pinnacle, or if there is, its trivial at best

[Stereodude]

anyone had Lumar or formula1 pinnacle series and thoughts on it
I have Llumar on my car CTX30 on the sunroof and Air Blue 80 on all my windows.

[skeelo]

This thread is useless without pictures.

I'm very interested in this topic as I'm told my car has finally hit port. Sometime within the next week or so I should take delivery and my first two "mods" will be winter wheels/ tires and tint. Photos on monsoon grey specifically would be appreciated although I'll take whatever you have!

[isles1]

My local Huper Optik dealer is right down the road from my Audi dealer. I asked for a quote for 70% Visible Light Transmission tint on all sides and rear. 70% is max allowed in NY State. I'll post the amount of the quote when I hear back.

[kooltechie]

anyone who has experienced huper optik, 3M crystalline, llumar, and other generic/metallic tint would know the differences in the "heat rejection" performance.
my gf's 535i has 30-35% ceramic tint and the difference in heat rejection in comparison to 40% huper optik on my A4 is quite noticeable.
if heat rejection is the main reason for tinting, huper optik is at the top, IMHO and experience.

[boss2k]

do you think its fine to have car tinted in winter , apart from taking longer time to dry will it cause any other issues ?

[Gotchaa]

I did Huper Optik on all windows except the moonroof and the windshield, I used 3M Crystalline, this is by far the best way to do it IMHO, Crystalline is the very clean and does great heat reduction and almost looks transparent while achieving a great look, the Huber on all the other windows makes it appear as if the windshield is clear.

[kiznarsh]

do you think its fine to have car tinted in winter , apart from taking longer time to dry will it cause any other issues ?

The only concern would be the thin layer of film freezing between the tint and glass, but I can't see that actually happening. If you go to a reputable tint shop, I'd trust them doing the work in the winter and maybe they offer to re-do it in case of any issues?

[boss2k]

The only concern would be the thin layer of film freezing between the tint and glass, but I can't see that actually happening. If you go to a reputable tint shop, I'd trust them doing the work in the winter and maybe they offer to re-do it in case of any issues?

That's a great point , I guess weather would start becoming warmer from March and it would be better to do that time , what does everyone feel

[isles1]

My local Huper Optik dealer is right down the road from my Audi dealer. I asked for a quote for 70% Visible Light Transmission tint on all sides and rear. 70% is max allowed in NY State. I'll post the amount of the quote when I hear back.Just got a quote from an authorized installer here on Long Island of $550 for 70% Huper Optic, sides and rear windows. If I can find another local authorized installer, I'll keep looking for a better price.

[DannyDeez]

Just got a quote from an authorized installer here on Long Island of $550 for 70% Huper Optic, sides and rear windows. If I can find another local authorized installer, I'll keep looking for a better price.

Where is the place and how did you go about finding local installers?

[isles1]

I sent an e-mail to Huper Optic and was provided with a name of an installer. That installer only does residential and commercial installs; they gave me the name of Top Edge in St. James, NY. Top Edge says they are an authorized installer, but I am trying to verify that with Huper Optic.

[DannyDeez]

Ah, ok. Ill have to try and find a place a little closer. Thanks for the info man!

[isles1]

Ah, ok. Ill have to try and find a place a little closer. Thanks for the info man!The next closest installer to me is THE ART OF TINT 917-685-4792 in Manhattan. Hope that helps.

P.S. Per Huper Optic, Top Edge in St. James is an authorized installer.

[DannyDeez]

I heard about Art of Tint but I hate manhattan so I refuse to go there. Supposedly they are really good though. Thanks for the update [up]

[Bomiz]

Air80 all around with windshield

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/02/14/qyqyseda.jpg

[aaronz]

I Have Pinnacle Formula 1 on mine 55/35 split. Will try to post a pic later, no performance issues with the electronics and it looks great.

+1 from me, Have these same tints on my 2012, 35% all around (Illinois), and they look and perform great.