Window Tint
Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2022 1:07 pm
I just got a 2002 Sprinter 140wb passenger model with windows all around. I am going to do a camper conversion. With all that glass, I am thinking this thing is going to be a greenhouse, and therefore want to cut the heat. I would love some answers to the following questions, preferably backed up by some kind of real-world data so as not to lead to more confusion.
I have tried looking through some threads here and on some other forums like Tintdude, but I'm still confused because it seems there is a lot of contradictory information and I'm not sure who is right. For instance somebody will post an answer, then somebody else will refute it, then the other guy will say "oh yeah...I guess you're right...sorry, my bad". But then somebody else will come in and refute what those two people just agreed on.
My main goal is to keep the inside of the van as cool as possible. Cut heat transmission from the sun. Now I know that in and of itself is a complicated scenario because of the different types of heat transmission, so perhaps that can be cleared up as well.
With regards to the "darkness" of the tint, I'm not necessarily leaning towards or opposed to just about anything from 20-90. Ideally, I would like to retain the ability to see outside from within the vehicle so we can enjoy views of nature even at dusk and dawn. Therefore I am thinking maybe a lighter tint?
Finally, I intend on making some solid panels to go over the windows when we need total privacy and/or to block additional heat. I bought some 2" rigid foam insulation that I will use for that purpose (and to insulate the rest of the van). Therefore, having really dark or blacked out tint is not necessary for privacy.
1- What type of window film is worth it? I believe ceramic from what I've read. The 3M Crystalline gets mixed reviews and supposedly turns brown
2- What brand? Looking for a good value, not necessarily lowest or highest cost. I'll pay for longevity and performance if it is justified.
3- Darkness of tint? This is one I am most confused on. Within one brand of film, what reduces overall heat more...20% or 80%? Some say the darker tints get really hot and therefore they are not helping, but others say they get hot because they are blocking that light at the window instead of allowing it to enter the vehicle and heat up other things inside. And there is UV, visible and IR light...so which of these is the culprit that we want to reduce/block?
4- Will the insulation panels have any effect on what tint should be used? I have some radiant barrier left over from when I put it in the attic of my previous home and was thinking of gluing that to each side of the foam board to deflect more heat. Good idea?
5- DIY-able? Ideally, I would do this job myself. I have put Gila film on the windows at my house with pretty good success. I am not going to tint my windshield or driver/passenger windows. If I decided to do that, I would probably leave that job to a pro because it is a safety issue with visibility. But all the other windows are fixed in place and perfect visibility is not a concern, although I do want a view without too many imperfections. I understand that pre-cut, laser-cut or professional cut film is going to look nicer around the edges than my job, but I'm not too concerned about 1/16" of a difference here. so...has anybody applied their own film?
I have tried looking through some threads here and on some other forums like Tintdude, but I'm still confused because it seems there is a lot of contradictory information and I'm not sure who is right. For instance somebody will post an answer, then somebody else will refute it, then the other guy will say "oh yeah...I guess you're right...sorry, my bad". But then somebody else will come in and refute what those two people just agreed on.
My main goal is to keep the inside of the van as cool as possible. Cut heat transmission from the sun. Now I know that in and of itself is a complicated scenario because of the different types of heat transmission, so perhaps that can be cleared up as well.
With regards to the "darkness" of the tint, I'm not necessarily leaning towards or opposed to just about anything from 20-90. Ideally, I would like to retain the ability to see outside from within the vehicle so we can enjoy views of nature even at dusk and dawn. Therefore I am thinking maybe a lighter tint?
Finally, I intend on making some solid panels to go over the windows when we need total privacy and/or to block additional heat. I bought some 2" rigid foam insulation that I will use for that purpose (and to insulate the rest of the van). Therefore, having really dark or blacked out tint is not necessary for privacy.
1- What type of window film is worth it? I believe ceramic from what I've read. The 3M Crystalline gets mixed reviews and supposedly turns brown
2- What brand? Looking for a good value, not necessarily lowest or highest cost. I'll pay for longevity and performance if it is justified.
3- Darkness of tint? This is one I am most confused on. Within one brand of film, what reduces overall heat more...20% or 80%? Some say the darker tints get really hot and therefore they are not helping, but others say they get hot because they are blocking that light at the window instead of allowing it to enter the vehicle and heat up other things inside. And there is UV, visible and IR light...so which of these is the culprit that we want to reduce/block?
4- Will the insulation panels have any effect on what tint should be used? I have some radiant barrier left over from when I put it in the attic of my previous home and was thinking of gluing that to each side of the foam board to deflect more heat. Good idea?
5- DIY-able? Ideally, I would do this job myself. I have put Gila film on the windows at my house with pretty good success. I am not going to tint my windshield or driver/passenger windows. If I decided to do that, I would probably leave that job to a pro because it is a safety issue with visibility. But all the other windows are fixed in place and perfect visibility is not a concern, although I do want a view without too many imperfections. I understand that pre-cut, laser-cut or professional cut film is going to look nicer around the edges than my job, but I'm not too concerned about 1/16" of a difference here. so...has anybody applied their own film?