In my experience, it really depends on which brand of tint you use. You'll notice some of the older Lexus RX 300s have a metallic tint (it's really privacy glass, though, not tint) with basically a mirror finish. Mercedes uses some purple-tints, etc. And there's everything in between.

I've had all of my cars done with Llumar ATC, which has been decent in the color matching department. Pretty much just a neutral gray/black.

Do you know what brand your guy used?

 

I've been considering tinting my front windows to match the rears more closely, in both color and shade. I was wondering what everyone was using to accomplish this.

Have you conveyed your disappointment with the shade to the person who performed the installation? Perhaps they'll offer you a discount to re-apply another color tint?

 

You'll want to consider three factors:

- Color (and color matching)
- Heat blocking abilities
- UV blocking abilities

There are "entry level" brands like Suntek, mid-level brands like 3M, and higher end ones like Huper Optik. Generally, I think you can be fine with any..... a great deal comes down to the skill of the installer. If you haven't done it before, I'd recommend against going the DIY route. Often, it develop air pockets, discoloration due to UV exposure, etc.

 

Awesome tips, afig267. Thanks! I'm generally a DIY kinda guy, but window tinting is one of those mods I would rather leave in the hands of others. I've seen the results of DIY window tinting and it aint pretty! LOL

 

I'm going to try to find out what type of film he used. I know the shade was charcoal.

 

Good call. At least open a dialog with him. I am a details oriented person and the shade difference is something that would irritate me. Crossing fingers. Maybe he'll redo the tint for you.

 

He told me he only uses one brand/shade of film.

 

I found this picture on this forum. I'm not sure whose car it is, but it has the same thing going on that I'm talking about.
Fronts are yellowish, rears are purple.

I think the factory glass has a yellowish hue to it.


I contacted my guy. He said he used:
"Global Window Film in a quick dry plus series."

 

my guy used global tint as well and looks exactly like that picture. it's much more noticeable from the inside but it has a yellow hue. i'm wondering if it's the stock windows or if it's the tint itself

 

I'd love to have the same tint up front as I have in back. If anyone figures out the right formula, let us all know!

 

I had my windows tinted and had the same problem. The installer, who I've used previously, tried to match it against various tints, thought she found one that was very close. Special ordered a roll of the tint, installed it and it looked worse then the original tint. Subsequently, she removed it and re-installed the original tint.

 

uughhh. that is annoying. I think I'm just going to stick with what I got. My tint guy told me the only sure way would be to buy new (clear) glass.

 

That's frustrating. Clear glass isn't an option, though, is it? Still, I can't believe no one can take a few swatches of the tint material and hold it up to the existing factory glass and be able to find a close match! It's not rocket science. Aren't tint installers equipped for this sort of thing?