Llumar VS. Solar Gard?

[SYS]

While searching for some information regarding window tinting, I came across the product name, Llumar. But has anyone used this product name "Solar Gard," and if so, how is it? And how does it compare with Llumar? It seems to be as good as Llumar from Googling...

[littlewaywelt]

ours is llumar. Get several recommendations on the shop. I had to get one window redone and it looks like another one as well.

[DonWillson]

While searching for some information regarding window tinting, I came across the product name, Llumar. But has anyone used this product name "Solar Gard," and if so, how is it? And how does it compare with Llumar? It seems to be as good as Llumar from Googling...

Being from the south I have been using tint for almost 50 years. I always have use or demanded 3M products. I have never had any bubbling or fading to purple. I don't know about Llumar or Solar Gard. Be sure to get a lifetime warranty about bubbling and fading.

Don Willso

[SYS]

Here's some information regarding Solar Gard True Grey. It specifically talks about how their films are designed NOT to interfere with cell phone, radio, satellite, etc.:

http://www.bekaertfilms.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/Press_Room.Solar_Gard_NRTG

Anyway, since Solar Gard is as well known and as popular as 3M and Llumar, and since the shop offered its own lifetime guarantee, as well as the product's own lifetime warranty, I went ahead with 28% on 5 rear windows and 38% on front. So far it looks great. Paid $229.99 for the job. We'll see how it looks after its initial drying process.

[F0RWARD]

warranty, I went ahead with 28% on 5 rear windows and 38% on front. So far it looks great. Paid $229.99 for the job. We'll see how it looks after its initial drying process.


Bit expensive for tinting, paid 180$ month ago (Moscow,Russia) Llumar,15%

[SYS]

Yes, I agree about the cost. Having read just about everything on the topic on this forum, I pretty much knew what I should be paying for. My other option was to take my brand new car way down south, unsafe part of the city. Shaving off just a few more dollars wasn't worth the trip and the risk.... So I knowingly paid more for convenience. I was rather intrigued by this "Solar Gard" brand, as well...

[F0RWARD]

http://www.volvoxc.com/volvo_photo_gallery/albums/userpics/normal_s%20XC%20after%20tinting.jpg

http://www.volvoxc.com/volvo_photo_gallery/albums/userpics/normal_s%20XC%20after%20tinting1.jpg

http://www.volvoxc.com/volvo_photo_gallery/albums/userpics/normal_s%20XC%20after%20tinting2.jpg

[SYS]

Nice looking, Forward!

What were the % grade?

I "sort" of regret that I didn't do it darker, but then I'd feel safer driving at night under snowy or rainy conditions. Even with my eye glasses, driving at night can get nerve wracking for me.

[F0RWARD]

Nice looking, Forward!

What were the % grade?

I "sort" of regret that I didn't do it darker, but then I'd feel safer driving at night under snowy or rainy conditions. Even with my eye glasses, driving at night can get nerve wracking for me.

%% is 15% side windows and 20% rear window (means - only 15% of light will go through), I also have to note – my XC was came with factory tinting. I think climate / weather conditions are pretty same in Colorado and Moscow = long-long dark and cold winters with lot of snow….

[Bluegrass-XC]

Looks nice Forward!

Here's mine:

http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=230&stc=1

http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=231&stc=1

http://www.volvoxc.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=234&stc=1

[SYS]

Bluegrass -

Yours look nice, too, but illegal. :D

Wish I had them darker, but because there's a possibility that I might move to the state of Washington (35% limit) within a year or two, I decided to abide by their limit.

[ksmif]

I have also been doing a bit of research on tinting my windows. I called the Volvo dealer here in town to see if they used anyone in particular... they said "no, because the tinting interferes with the rear window defroster." Have any of you had issues regarding this?

On a side note... I've owned my xc70 for a little over a month now and I am loving it and enjoying this site quite a bit! Thanks for all the great info!! :D

ksmif

[SYS]

I have also been doing a bit of research on tinting my windows. I called the Volvo dealer here in town to see if they used anyone in particular... they said "no, because the tinting interferes with the rear window defroster." Have any of you had issues regarding this?

On a side note... I've owned my xc70 for a little over a month now and I am loving it and enjoying this site quite a bit! Thanks for all the great info!! :D

ksmif

Now that winter's passed, I can't test the rear window defroster. However, I specifically asked the guy who worked on my windows about this, as well as the radio antenna on the left rear cargo window, and he said it all depends on the degree of metallic film. Apparently the Solar Gard can produce the same effect, with lifetime warranty, as metallic film without using much metallic content. You can read more about how the Solar Gard doesn't interfere with radio, GSP, etc. at the below link that I provided.

One thing for sure, mine doesn't interfere with my radio whatsoever.

[F0RWARD]

Bluegrass -

Yours look nice, too, but illegal. :D

Wish I had them darker, but because there's a possibility that I might move to the state of Washington (35% limit) within a year or two, I decided to abide by their limit.


35% is almost nothing in terms of REAL tinting ;)