20% tint - any issues?

**Tinter** · 10-04-2009 11:06 PM

Originally Posted by Alvis

There are a few issues with window tint.

The legal tint level is 30% so I've been told (common misconception is it's 35%). Now, if the tint comes from the factory this 30% applies only to the front passenger and driver windows. However, you will notice some of the newer cars have darker back windows than front windows. And this is legal. These are 'privacy windows' - and yes I believe they are darker than the legal 30%. BUT, the difference is it's not actually a tint - it is an 'ink' in the glass from the manufacturer. Hence making it legal.

I have just had the tint done on my Civic - Midnight Express 30% front and Midnight Express 15% rear. So far I have had no problems and it looks great but I probably wouldn't suggest any darker than 15%. And if the cops are around, just wind the windows down. Easy. As long as it's not raining lol. The darker tints (ie 15%) are a little more 'metallic' looking, but the privacy is so much better, plus looks great on a white car. Only thing is because it didn't come from the factory like this I didn't get a receipt.

It is actually 35%.
There are no films made for auto that come specifically with a 30% VLT regardless of film manufacturer.

The reason privacy glass is allowed to be imported on certain models of cars is that these cars come into the country under Australian Design Rules (ADR's) which are different to local state laws which allow retro fitting.
The federal authorities don't permit anything on the front doors except the normal 70% super light tint that just about all cars these days have.

It is not an ink at all but coloured tinted glass.

The only reason 15% films would appear metallic is because they would have a metal aluminium or titanium deposition included into the base polyester substrate.
15% films are also made without shiny finishes and therefore are non reflective and produce more of a better enhancement visually.

You didn't get a receipt for one of 2 reasons.......
1. The guy was cheating on the tax man and doesn't want to declare his black money and is using the illegal status as a BS ploy.
It has nothing to do with not coming from the factory like this!

2.He doesn't leave a paper trail behind in the event of an investigation into fitting an illegal film in the event of something catastrophic happening.

Hope this helps clarify some of the enormous misconceptions about window film that exists on many forums here in Australia and world over.

Regards,
Rob

(PS. Tinting and owning a film business for 35 years just in case some may think I'm not think I'm not quite qualified to give an expert opinion.)

**Alvis** · 10-04-2009 11:12 PM

Thanks for the comments Rob - it's great to see the professionals on the site :-D

I guesss those in the business don't even know what they are selling sometimes, and tell you things that aren't true - no wonder there are misconceptions around!

Thanks for the feedback :-)
Alvis

**mofolo** · 10-04-2009 11:34 PM

http://toptint.com.au/car-window-tinting.php

BLUE FADER
Fades from blue chrome to deep blue, it is scratch resistant and heat reflective, Blue Fader is available in 40%, 20%, and 5%

Blue tinting?
Is that legal?

**Ken-f** · 11-04-2009 08:57 AM

I've seen something similar. Looks really bad tbh. lol

**Tinter** · 11-04-2009 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by mofolo

http://toptint.com.au/car-window-tinting.php

Blue tinting?
Is that legal?

Fader films are illegal for general everyday automotive use and I can't understand why they are advertised.
But then again, the lack of film application responsibilty shouldn't surprise me these days even from professional installers.

These films are ideal for show cars and that's about it that never hit the road.

A blue film is available from Suntek and it has a very nice light 50% VLT and provides a look similar to that found on stock VW Golf R32's and some newer upmarket Mercedes Benzs.

Rob
www.cartint.net.au

**Tinter** · 11-04-2009 09:26 AM

Originally Posted by Alvis

Thanks for the comments Rob - it's great to see the professionals on the site :-D

I guesss those in the business don't even know what they are selling sometimes, and tell you things that aren't true - no wonder there are misconceptions around!

Thanks for the feedback :-)
Alvis

Thx Alvis....I'm happy to keep the comments coming, time permitting.

Regards,
Rob.

**09euro23** · 11-04-2009 07:20 PM

I have 15% on my Euro with 65% on front windscreen - looks awesome, keeps the heat out extremely well and has never attracted the attention of the police (had this setup on my last 2 cars also). You just need to keep in mind that it is illegal and if you do get a jerk of a cop on a 'mission', he will happily slap a work order on it... The risk you have to take i guess - but from my experience, if you dont drive like a knob and get their attention, they will happily let your black windows cruise on...

**Min988** · 11-04-2009 07:24 PM

Does the blue tint do much in regards to sun protection?

**The X Man** · 12-04-2009 12:23 AM

I have 20% on mine and never had an issue with the Police.

**denot** · 12-04-2009 11:14 PM

Originally Posted by 09euro23

I have 15% on my Euro with 65% on front windscreen - looks awesome, keeps the heat out extremely well and has never attracted the attention of the police (had this setup on my last 2 cars also). You just need to keep in mind that it is illegal and if you do get a jerk of a cop on a 'mission', he will happily slap a work order on it... The risk you have to take i guess - but from my experience, if you dont drive like a knob and get their attention, they will happily let your black windows cruise on...

hey man, post some pics please...