Window Tint %
#1
10th Gear
Thread Starter
Window Tint %
Looking to get my front two windows tinted to match the factory tinted windows on my new RDX and having a heck of a time finding something that looks like it will match. 35% is too light, 20% looks too dark compared to my back windows. Also all the tints I have seen so far look really blue compared to the stock tinted rear windows. My tint place said there is no exact match. I get that but I've had them tint two other vehicles that turned out great so why nothing seems to match my RDX is perplexing. Any advice or suggestions on tint brands or % would be great.
#2
I went with 30% ceramic Formula 1 tint on the front windows. It is a close match and really helps with keeping heat out.
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StealthTL-S (01-02-2021)
#4
Hows the 40% in the back at night? It might be a problem for us since my girlfriend has poor night vision.
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Cowens (11-22-2021)
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wizardjjr (09-08-2012)
#6
I don't know the exact percentages without checking the paperwork, but the tint place we used achieved what, by eye at least, is an very close match in color and tint (state minimum all round, which I believe is 35% on the sides, not sure about the back). A decent tint shop shouldn't have any trouble getting a match, so I'd suggest trying another outfit if you can.
#7
10th Gear
Thread Starter
Thanks for the responses! I did end up going somewhere else where they actually metered my back windows. Turns out the factory tint on my RDX was 24% instead of the standard 20%. I ended up going with 35% on my front two untinted windows. I'm really happy with how it turned out. Living in KS anything darker is technically illegal. Never been an issue in the past but I've had 3 coworkers get tickets recently so I figure I better air on the side of caution. Anyone else planning on tinting I would highly suggest you get your windows metered, better to do that than put on tint you are not happy with.
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#10
I called around and went to a few places before doing the work. It seems the factory tint is tough to match, if you have a "eye for color" or are a "picky person". Most of the places told me, I had to chose either function or looks. In my case the Huper Optic ceramic tint is less of a color match compared to the non-ceramic lower end tint film. I went with the Huper Optic Ceramic 30%. It all depends on the surrounding ambient light, as far as a tint match to OEM. Sometimes it looks good/ok, sometimes its obviously another tint shade / color shade / reflective sheen. But, I did want the better heat rejection.
#11
Instructor
Agree.
The factory colored glass is about a 25% VLT and has a slight warm brownish hue to it.
I went with Suntek CXP 35 for the front doors and moon roof which has a slightly a greenish hue compared to the factory rear windows. Not too bad, barely noticeable.
I then added Suntek CXP 80 to all the rear and back windows since the colored glass doesn't protect against heat or UV.
All in all installed for $300.
The factory colored glass is about a 25% VLT and has a slight warm brownish hue to it.
I went with Suntek CXP 35 for the front doors and moon roof which has a slightly a greenish hue compared to the factory rear windows. Not too bad, barely noticeable.
I then added Suntek CXP 80 to all the rear and back windows since the colored glass doesn't protect against heat or UV.
All in all installed for $300.
#12
I'm planning to have Wincos tint, either 20 or 30, installed within the next 2 weeks. This will be my first time going for the ceramic tint. I usually use the standard Madico stuff all around but I plan to go for the better thermal rejection properties of Wincos since there are no rear AC vents.
#13
Just do Suntek CXP 26% to match the rears. Different percents F&R looks odd. Unless you are in CA, or another state that tickets heavily for tint, it looks stupid IMHO if you don't have the same shade on all the windows.
#14
Instructor
I thought the next shade down after 35% was 18%.
I do agree windows with different VLT % look bad, that's why I went with Suntek CXP 80% for the back and rears.
Overall you can still see a difference from the front windows but it's not too polarizing.
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Acc20yrs (06-03-2014)
#17
HOW DARK CAN WINDOW TINT BE IN CALIFORNIA?
Darkness of tint is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%). In California, this percentage refers to percentage of visible light allowed in through the combination of film and the window. • WindshieldNon-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield. • Front Side WindowsMust allow more than 70% of light in. • Back Side WindowsAny darkness can be used. • Rear WindowAny darkness can be used. HOW REFLECTIVE CAN THE TINT BE IN CALIFORNIA?
Similar to sunglass lenses, some tinting film contain metallic elements that help in reflecting incoming light and reducing the glare and heat generated by visible light.
• Front Side WindowsMust not be more reflective than a standard window. • Back Side WindowsMust not be more reflective than a standard window. OTHER CALIFORNIA RULES AND REGULATIONS• Restricted ColorsThe tint color(s) of RED are not legal by state law. • Side MirrorsDual side mirrors are required if back window is tinted. • Certificate RequirementsManufacturers of film do NOT need to certify the film they sell in the state. • Sticker RequirementsNo sticker to identify legal tinting is required. • Medical ExemptionState law does NOT allow medical exemptions that would allow you use special tint. Source: www.tintlaws.com
#19
I just got Wincos 20% tint done all around. This is my first try at attaching a picture so I hope it works.
Attachment 12496
Attachment 12496
#20
SUCKS FOR CALIFORNIANS....
I want my front side windows 30%
California Window Tint Law
Windshield Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
• Front Side Windows Must allow more than 70% of light in.
• Back Side Windows Any darkness can be used.
• Rear Window Any darkness can be used.
I want my front side windows 30%
California Window Tint Law
Windshield Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
• Front Side Windows Must allow more than 70% of light in.
• Back Side Windows Any darkness can be used.
• Rear Window Any darkness can be used.
#21
It's funny because here in Houston I know the tint legal is 35% or so they claim (at the dealer) yet I'll see cars with tint so black I wonder if they can even see you outside.
#26
SUCKS FOR CALIFORNIANS....
I want my front side windows 30%
California Window Tint Law
Windshield Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
• Front Side Windows Must allow more than 70% of light in.
• Back Side Windows Any darkness can be used.
• Rear Window Any darkness can be used.
I want my front side windows 30%
California Window Tint Law
Windshield Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
• Front Side Windows Must allow more than 70% of light in.
• Back Side Windows Any darkness can be used.
• Rear Window Any darkness can be used.
MN is 50% and I am slightly darker. I have only been warned about the rear window once in the 8+ years I have had my car. Daving a dark interior will by it's nature make your tint look darker....
#27
Burning Brakes
Wincos makes a 50% tint that pretty much looks clear, or similar to a late 90's mercedes with the slight blue hue to the windows.... I have my suv tinted 20% wincos all around including windshield... Heat rejection is AMAZING! and to really take advantage of the heat rejection, you gotta get the windshield done, b/c most of the light/heat comes through the windshield. Last time I was pulled over, it metered 4% on the rears, 13% front....
#28
Instructor
Anyway, from the specs, going down to lower VLT only maginally increases the heat rejection (TSER) value.
Also by tinting your windshield you increase heat emissivity as most auto tint is not low-E.
Most windshields have a low emissivity coating on the inside which is negated once you cover it up with window tint.
#29
Burning Brakes
I have no idea about how much heat comes in and out of my car, but I live in the South, and have WINCOS tint around my WHOLE car, and it's absolutely COOLER even more so than my porsche with ceramic tint.... When in the car, you feel ZERO heat from the sun. I roll down my windows partially sometimes to compare b/c it'll feel unusually cold. Also I can jump in my car in a 90 degree day, after the car being parked outside for 5+ hours, and literally not break a sweat, it'll only take a min or so to cool the interior.
#30
Instructor
I totally believe you. My comment was more to say that even without going to such extremes, lots of heat rejection can be gained with tinting.
Higher emissivity doesn't make the car any hotter than the outside temperature like while it's parked. It's the green house effect that does this.
It's when you have the inside 20 deg cooler than the outside (while driving) is when emissivity matters (radiating heat from the glass inwards).
While parked, a foldable sunscreen does make huge difference which is what most people do down here in Texas.
Higher emissivity doesn't make the car any hotter than the outside temperature like while it's parked. It's the green house effect that does this.
It's when you have the inside 20 deg cooler than the outside (while driving) is when emissivity matters (radiating heat from the glass inwards).
While parked, a foldable sunscreen does make huge difference which is what most people do down here in Texas.
#31
Burning Brakes
well if anyone has issues with tint laws, wincos makes a 50% that doesn't even look like the car is tinted, but it'll still block IR light... It's a great product. I had 50% on my windshield, but wasn't happy with the look so went darker...
#32
In Texas, the vehicle registration, inspection and EZ-Tag stickers are on the inside of the windshield. Can I assume this is a no-no for the tint? I'm thinking about getting the windshield tinted because of the heat and UV.
#33
Burning Brakes
My whole family lives in Texas.... Brother drives a Mercedes s550 and they have some special metallic built into the glass so his toll tag doesn't register. They have a license plate frame for cars with that issue. It'll read off that. Also my sister has her Cadillac Cts tinted 15% on the windshield. That hard part is finding a brake tag place that won't mess up the tint when they scrape off the old tag. Also I drive to Houston all the time in my caddy... Stay on the highways and the police usually won't give you trouble.
Last edited by disgookonfiya; 02-11-2014 at 11:34 PM.
#34
This is 20% front stock on the rear.
#35
#36
Im sorry my pics are not loading up I will try later