DIY or Pro Install? - 3M Crystalline Window Tint

**Dredogol** · 04-23-2017, 09:13 AM

Hey all,

So summer is around the corner, and I was planning on tinting my windows very soon.
I plan on using 3M Crystalline Film for all my windows.

90% Windshield + 40% AS1 Bar
50% All Side Windows
50% Rear Window
(Yes... my state does allows these tint levels)

Question to everyone is:
1) DIY install all windows using expensive 3M Crystalline film
2) DIY install ONLY Side Windows (easier to do) + Pro install Windshield/Rear
3) Pro install all windows

I would "like" to save money, but the bigger question I have is with top grade 3M film... is it worth doing yourself?
I know 3M offers excellent life-time guarantee and warranties with their film... but I have a feeling you need to get it installed by a 3M certified tint shot to get those guarantees.
Plus, if the film ever bubbles for whatever reason... shops "should" guarantee reinstall within a few months... rather than SOL if I did it myself.

Your thoughts?

**atgonzales** · 04-23-2017, 11:30 AM

Pro install, if anything goes wrong take it back, get quotes because rates will vary as well product used

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**rlmccarty2000** · 04-23-2017, 01:19 PM

Pro all the way. Don't skimp on something like this. It is not as easy as it looks.

**Eric@CherryOnTop** · 04-23-2017, 01:48 PM

Tinting is one thing I won't touch. I leave that to the guys who are really good at it. If you're trying to save money, think about how much it will cost to have to do it twice.

**trailsnail** · 04-23-2017, 02:19 PM

did 30% on sides and rear. didn't touch windshield. i'm older and did not want the 'blacked' out look. i think your idea of 50% is really on the light side, imo. have you seen 50% in person?

i'd let the pros do it as well. not much money. i think i spent $400 for their 'top of the line,' 'most heat reflective'... blah, blah, blah.

followed their instructions re not cleaning or rolling down windows, and couldn't be happier with the results.

**Dredogol** · 04-23-2017, 02:26 PM

Originally Posted by trailsnail

did 30% on sides and rear. didn't touch windshield. i'm older and did not want the 'blacked' out look. i think your idea of 50% is really on the light side, imo. have you seen 50% in person?

i'd let the pros do it as well. not much money. i think i spent $400 for their 'top of the line,' 'most heat reflective'... blah, blah, blah.

followed their instructions re not cleaning or rolling down windows, and couldn't be happier with the results.

trailsnail:
50% Front-side windows is the minimum in my state.
Rear-side/Rear have no limits, but would rather keep same % to make it look consistent.

I'd rather not go any darker in case I go to other states, would get me pulled over for no reason.
They can't ticket... but waste of my time.

**trailsnail** · 04-23-2017, 02:36 PM

totally agree on the consistent look. that was important to me as well. what i did not know before looking into tinting, is the tinter will do any % you desire (i thought they were required to do the legal %'s). by going a 'middle of the road' tinting, i don't feel i'll attract any unnecessary attention. haven't had a ticket in decades. i see much darker tints on most other cars. my point about the 50% level is that i considered 40% pretty light. at 50%, i'd be thinking about not doing it at all. i respect your opinion re tint laws and if that's where you want to be, i certainly can't disagree with your logic.

Originally Posted by Dredogol

trailsnail:
50% Front-side windows is the minimum in my state.
Rear-side/Rear have no limits, but would rather keep same % to make it look consistent.

I'd rather not go any darker in case I go to other states, would get me pulled over for no reason.
They can't ticket... but waste of my time.

**FUNX650** · 04-23-2017, 05:41 PM

Pro install.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/automoti...find-a-dealer/

Bob

**MattPersman** · 04-23-2017, 05:53 PM

50 will almost be unnoticeable unless you got those super clear windows I have seen on some Hondas and Subarus.

20 or 35 is norm

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**Dredogol** · 04-23-2017, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by trailsnail

my point about the 50% level is that i considered 40% pretty light. at 50%, i'd be thinking about not doing it at all. i respect your opinion re tint laws and if that's where you want to be, i certainly can't disagree with your logic.

Actually, because it is 3m Crystalline, the main reason I'm getting it is because of the IR (heat) block it achieves.
90% blocks roughly 40-45% IR heat compared to tint that is non-ceramic.

If I didn't want the IR blocking... I would have gone with cheaper Color Stable or other brands like Llumar.