Ceramic vs non-ceramic tints and tinting over the black dots
 

with the summer here I've decided I need to get some tints finally. I know people are Huper Optik fans but I don't have that option nearby in NoCal :(
So I'm hoping to get some opinions on the following:

I've seen one shop use Geoshield ceramic tints, how are they?

What about Suntek and 3M carbon non-ceramic tints, are they decent?

One shop they can tint over the black dots to avoid the visual defect at the edges of the windows after tints, one shop claims that is impossible; opinions?

Also California law is 70% for front windows which is technically the OEM windows already. Anyone have experience in what level of additional tinting one can safely get away with?

Thanks folks!

All my cars have had the windes tinted edge to edge. On some if you look close you can see the very small gap around the edges of the dots, but you have to get on top of the window to see that. I have what is supposed to be 3M Ceramic in my new M37, really like the look.

I have used 3M, Suntek(same as 3M), Llumar, and Huper Optik. I have had the best results with Llumar tint. It is the blackest black you can get bar none. I have done temp tests with both Llumar and Huper and Llumar has always been the best at heat dissipation. I know on paper Huper is supposed to be better but in real life testing, Llumar has done a better job and also looks better than Huper Optik. Llumar is to tint as Pioneer Elite/Kuro's are to plasma TV's.

70% is the old law. You can no longer have tint on the front side windows. If it is a must then maybe you could try the silver 35% instead of black tint. Also, I've heard ceramic tint can interfere with the TPMS and the FM/AM radio.

nvm I meant metallic tint interferes

Reviving a dead thread to ask...

....what block dots is the poster referring to?

My guess is he's referring to the area around the rearview mirror (which, if I remember correctly, is actually the opposite of black dots....I believe it's a blacked out space with dots cut away...so "clear" dots on a black surface).

Also, can anyone comment on Johnson Film?

Lastly, how much extra does ceramic film cost for all windows except the windshield, from your experience?