Car window tinting costs and products

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gzt

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#150543 26-Jul-2014 11:20

I am considering a window tint to reduce cabin UV exposure in summer. Rear and rear sides are already tinted. I understand there is a maximum tint restriction for the windscreen.

Are some products/services better than others? Are there any to avoid? What are approximate costs for this process?

Thanks!

Jase2985

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#1096037 26-Jul-2014 11:28

you cant tint the windscreen full stop, you can have up to 100mm at the top of the winscreen tinted as a glare strip but generally they come with it manufactured in the glass.

ive used http://www.carfolie.co.nz/data/index.php on a number of occasions and they have been pretty good. they offer a guarantee on the tint not fading and the worksmaship.

you cant have anything on the windscreen
there has to be 35% Visible light transparency (VLT) on all other windows, unless its factory tinted glass (not an overlay) in which case it would have been complied when it came into the country.

gzt

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#1096057 26-Jul-2014 11:44

Thanks for the rec. Are tint products typically a thin film overlay or a spray on glass paint type product?

scuwp

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#1096061 26-Jul-2014 11:59

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/factsheets/39/docs/39-veh-windows-wipers-mirrors.pdf

Tint level depends on the vehicle class. I have never seen a spray on version, always a film applied inside. Last 2 vehicles I had done were around $400. Go to reputable place with a guarantee on workmanship and product

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Jase2985

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#1096063 26-Jul-2014 12:05

gzt: Thanks for the rec. Are tint products typically a thin film overlay or a spray on glass paint type product?

film on the inside as mentioned above

gzt

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#1096075 26-Jul-2014 12:30

Btw, my main goal is UV protection for the cabin and occupants. I've been assuming that a tint is required to achieve it (not that tint is a problem) but this assumption appears to be incorrect:

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Window_Film/Solutions/Markets-Products/Automotive/Crystalline-Automotive-Films/

As per the NZTA factsheet earlier it looks like even a clear film is not allowed on the windscreen, so it will be side windows only I guess.

http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/factsheets/39/docs/39-veh-windows-wipers-mirrors.pdf

Edit: Regulations confirm clear film is banned for windscreens.

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#1096077 26-Jul-2014 12:52

Carfolie have 4 different 3M products that they use, i got the 2nd best one and it was around 300 all up I think for my hatch.

They seemed to do a good job, still perfect condition after maybe two years now

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#1096247 26-Jul-2014 16:56

insane: Carfolie have 4 different 3M products that they use, i got the 2nd best one and it was around 300 all up I think for my hatch.

They seemed to do a good job, still perfect condition after maybe two years now

I have the same one, i didnt need it super dark, just wanted it to cut the heat. and it does that wonderfully. its a lot cooler in there with the tints on.

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#1099739 31-Jul-2014 23:03

I went with Carfolie. There was a bit of a misunderstanding on my part about the product they quoted in response to my web enquiry. I asked for 3M crystal clear and they offered "Our Ultra Guard film" "light grey colour". I assumed incorrectly this was also a 3M product but it turned out not to be. Carfolie have a lifetime guarantee on the product and workmanship so this is fine with me. Quality and appearance of the job seems good so far, a couple of days in. If not for the early misunderstanding and a limited timeframe I probably would have pursued the 3M product somewhere else, but in the circumstances above I'm happy with my decision so far.