[alpinewhite3]

I am looking to get tinted windows and noticed the little sticker on the windows indicating 70% Min. Transparency. When I lower the windows it is obvious that the glass is not fully transparent. Do tint shops account for this?
I wanted to get 20% all around but if there is already 70% then that will be too dark. I should get 30% to account for the existing tint which would result in 21% tint (if my math is correct). Also I didn't see that sticker on the rear windshield. Is it also 70%?? Thanks for your help guys!

[Dog Face Pony Soldier]

Originally Posted by agent0986

I am looking to get tinted windows and noticed the little sticker on the windows indicating 70% Min. Transparency. When I lower the windows it is obvious that the glass is not fully transparent. Do tint shops account for this?
I wanted to get 20% all around but if there is already 70% then that will be too dark. I should get 30% to account for the existing tint which would result in 21% tint (if my math is correct). Also I didn't see that sticker on the rear windshield. Is it also 70%?? Thanks for your help guys!

My tinter did allow for the OEM glass, but that isn't the norm from most installers. I went to him asking for 3M Crystalline in 60%, but he was so adamant about 70% being the "correct" choice when the OEM glass is considered, I went with his suggestion. For the record I am very happy with the CR70 film.

[S4NoMore]

I believe all cars to be more or less the same in this regard, save for the Mercedes factory tint and SUVs. I wouldn't worry about it, just go for the tint level you normally would prefer. If you're concerned, there is a tint photo thread somewhere around here.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by S4NoMore

I believe all cars to be more or less the same in this regard, save for the Mercedes factory tint and SUVs. .

My Nissan Altima has 65% tint as standard, and it's visibly darker than that on my BMW, enough so that I never considered further tinting it. Shops should consider the factory tint, as 50% of 70% is 35%.

[Daftasabrush]

70% is the transparency of the existing windows, they have a 30% tint

[Thumper333]

Originally Posted by agent0986

Do tint shops account for this?
I wanted to get 20% all around but if there is already 70% then that will be too dark. I should get 30% to account for the existing tint which would result in 21% tint (if my math is correct).

If your tint shop is even slightly competent they do the math for you. When you ask for 20% they KNOW you mean 20% final, not that you want 20% applied to the factory tint (whatever it is, it does differ, but all cars have factory tint for UV protection whether it's 70, 80, or even crappy 90%).

Generally my recommendation is to just do the maximum legal amount.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by Daftasabrush

70% is the transparency of the existing windows, they have a 30% tint

It's the other way around. Tints are classified by what they transmit, not what they block. The lower the number the darker they are.

[Daftasabrush]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

It's the other way around. Tints are classified by what they transmit, not what they block. The lower the number the darker they are.

Well isn't that backwards!

[Thumper333]

Originally Posted by Daftasabrush

Well isn't that backwards!

Depends on how you look at it.