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10/10 would recommend. Highly, highly recommend a full windshield as well. If I were to do it again I might go a shade lighter on the windshield though, something in the 65 to 70% range.
So, for anyone wondering, the rear of my 2020 RX 450h measured at 19%
But then, I realized that the fronts, even though they look clear, are apparently actually 70%. It appears my installer used a 15% film to match the rears to the naked eye because of the additional light coming from the windshield. But it technically measures at 10%.
Your mileage may vary; but, this was my experience. I’ll probably go with a 70% in the back to get the VLT closer to 13% (.7*.19); but, it will likely look slightly darker from the outside even though the VLT is technically a bit higher.
It’s incredible how the mind/eyes/perception works! Good luck on your tinting journey.
I recently got our 2022 Lexus 450H Blackline edition tinted. The shop my friend referred me to uses Suntek, which is a middle of the road brand. Suntek is owned by the same company that makes Llumar, which is a higher end film. Between Suntek CXP and Suntek CIR (Ceramic), there wasn't too much difference in the Total Solar Energy Rejection percentage and the UV protection, so I went with the less expensive CXP. This is what I tinted and percentages:
• Front Windows = 35% CXP
• Rear Windows and Back (over factory colored glass) = 55% CXP (I may have gone lighter, but the shop only carried 55% in CXP. No 70% or 80%)
• Front Windshield = 70% CIR (Shop recommended only doing front windshield with ceramic. Thought about doing 80%, but thought it might be too light. Happy I went with 70%)
Note: I would have preferred the uniform tint look, but didn't want to go darker in the front windows and have the possibility of getting hassled by the police.
Last edited by aceyou; 06-14-23 at 04:35 PM.
Reason: add information
I was going to go with 35 rear but when I put it up against the glass with the factory tint it was still too light as in you can see inside easily on a sunny day.
I also have the light grey interior
3m cs
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Are you able to see the back clearly at night with 20% tints? Your CS 20% equates to VLT of 15%, which is quite dark. Especially, over the existing tint.
70% XPEL XR Plus on the windshield and same film @ 30% on the front windows (guy told me they measure at 28 VLT). I like the look- there is a slight difference between front and back but I knew that going in. The windshield tint is barely noticeable but I can tell a big difference in heat reduction from the hot GA summer sun. Work done at Top Tint in ATL GA.