From the shop

Ceramic vs dyed window tint: is the heat rejection worth it?

Compare LLumar Classic (dyed) with Pinnacle and Stratos (ceramic) using LLumar's heat numbers, and see which fits your car and budget.

Quick answer

Dyed and ceramic tint can look the same from outside the car — the difference is heat. At a 35% shade, Classic (dyed) rejects 35% of total solar energy, Pinnacle 55% and Stratos 58%, and all three block over 99% of UV.

Dyed and ceramic tint can look the same from outside the car. The difference is how much heat each one keeps out.

The numbers at a 35% shade

Classic (dyed)Pinnacle (ceramic)Stratos (ceramic)
Total solar energy rejected35%55%58%
Infrared energy rejected22%61%67%
UV blockedover 99%over 99%over 99%

Source: LLumar FormulaOne Auto Tint performance data. Tested on standard clear glass, so real results vary by car.

What that means

  • All three block over 99% of UV, so skin and interior protection is similar.
  • Ceramic films reject far more infrared heat, which is the heat you feel on your arms and legs.
  • LLumar lists Pinnacle and Stratos as no signal interference films, so your phone, GPS and toll tag keep working.

Which one to choose

If heat is your main reason for tint, choose ceramic. If you want a clean, factory-dark look at a lower price, Classic is a good fit. Pinnacle ceramic starts at $599 on a sedan, out the door. Text us your car for Classic and Stratos prices.

Questions

Is there a warranty?

Our window tint film has a lifetime warranty.

Can I see the difference in person?

Yes. Stop by Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 6 PM, and we'll show you the films side by side.

See window tint prices, or read about the best ceramic tint for California sun.

Good to know

Questions

Is there a warranty?

Our window tint film has a lifetime warranty.

Can I see the difference in person?

Yes. Stop by Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 6 PM, and we'll show you the films side by side.

Rated 4.7 stars from 63 Google reviews · 5.0 on Yelp from 252 reviews

Read our Google reviews or leave one →

Get your quote in one text

Tell us your car and the service you want — we'll text back pricing and help you pick a drop-off time. Prefer to talk? Call (510) 657-6868.