3M Crystalline Window Tint in Austin, TX — Heat & UV Protection
Metal‑free, multilayer optical film engineered for premium comfort—strong heat rejection and interior protection without needing a dark tint look. 3M Multimedia
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Up to 63% TSER (by shade / glass type) 3M Multimedia
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Up to 99.9% UV protection 3M Multimedia
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Metal‑free design (no electronic interference) 3M Multimedia
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“Highly Rated Online; Over 300 Reviews” Sunshades Tint & Sound-Austin, Texas
As a preferred choice for our Austin Sedan Specialty Lab, 3M™ Crystalline offers massive infrared rejection for panoramic glass without the need for dark film.
Luxury-level fit and finish. Shade guidance included.
Performance • Shade Options • Crystalline vs Stratos • Texas Tint Laws • FAQ • Book Now
3M™ Crystalline is a non‑metallized, multilayer optical window film designed to reject solar energy while maintaining clear visibility—especially helpful for drivers who want comfort without a dramatic change in appearance.
Crystalline publishes both IRR and IRER. IRR is a narrow-band infrared rejection metric (900–1000 nm). IRER is a broader infrared energy rejection metric (780–2500 nm) that accounts for transmitted + absorbed energy that can re‑radiate into the cabin.
Below are typical manufacturer values on 6mm clear glass. Your final results vary by shade and your factory glass. 3M Multimedia
3M Crystalline — Typical Performance (6mm clear glass) 3M Multimedia
Film VLT SER IRR (900–1000nm) IRER(780–2500nm) UV Block
Crystalline 20 21% 63% 99% 99% 99.9%
Crystalline 40 39% 60% 99% 71% 99.9%
Crystalline 70 69% 50% 97% 69% 99.9%
"IRR = IR rejected over 900–1000 nm. IRER = solar infrared energy rejection over 780–2500 nm and accounts for reradiated energy. Values are typical; actual performance varies by glass type and vehicle.”
3M Multimedia
Not sure which shade fits your vehicle and Texas limits? We’ll recommend the cleanest legal setup.
Shade Selection
Choosing Crystalline isn’t just “how dark.” It’s heat rejection + night visibility + factory aesthetics.
Factory‑Look Comfort (most popular)
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Lighter appearance
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Strong cabin comfort gains
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Great for luxury drivers who want subtle
Daily Driver Heat Shield
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More privacy + glare control
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Balanced day/night usability
Maximum Heat Strategy
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Prioritizes heat rejection + interior protection
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Shade strategy depends on your glass + your driving habits
Unlike traditional dark tints, Crystalline keeps your car cool without changing its appreance, offering a clear view both day and night. It blocks harmful UV rays to protect your skin and interior, ensuring lasting comfort, safety, and perfromace ---- all backed by the trusted innovation of 3M
We’ll match shade and reflectivity so your vehicle keeps an OEM‑clean look—no ‘purple’ fade, no overly reflective finish.
Both are premium films—Crystalline is multilayer optical; Stratos is Hybrid‑Matrix nano‑ceramic. 3M Multimedia+1
Example comparison (roughly ~40 VLT range; 6mm clear glass test basis) 3M Multimedia+1
Film VLT TSER IRER SIRR/IRR
3M Crystalline 40 39% 60% 71% IRR 99%
FormulaOne Stratos 40 42% 57% 67% SIRR 97%
Decision guide:
Choose Crystalline if you want strong comfort in lighter shades and an optical-film approach.
Choose Stratos if you want a nano‑ceramic Hybrid‑Matrix film and you’re prioritizing that system/brand positioning.
LLumar
Luxury-Level Installation
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Clean edges and consistent sightlines (front windows matter most)
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Heat‑formed fitment for curved glass
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Careful work around rear defrosters + antennas
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Final inspection under lighting before delivery
Gallery Photos / Install Methods
Factory‑Look Comfort (most popular)
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Lighter appearance
-
Strong cabin comfort gains
-
Great for luxury drivers who want subtle
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Daily Driver Heat Shield
-
More privacy + glare control
-
Balanced day/night usability
-
Maximum Heat Strategy
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Prioritizes heat rejection + interior protection
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Shade strategy depends on your glass + your driving habits
Texas Tint Laws
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Front side windows (driver/passenger): 25%+ light transmission required (film + glass measured together). Texas Department of Public Safety
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Windshield: tint strip allowed above AS‑1 line (or top 5 inches), must still meet 25%+ VLT and reflectance limits. Texas Department of Public Safety
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Clear (un‑tinted) UV film is allowed anywhere on the front windshield without medical exemption. Texas Department of Public Safety
We can meter your glass and recommend a setup that stays inspection‑friendly.
Parked Heat Strategy
Crystalline reduces incoming solar energy while driving and during daylight exposure. For parked vehicles in Austin heat, a windshield sunshade helps reduce heat soak through the largest piece of glass—protecting dashboards, leather, and screens.
Ask about windshield sunshades for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions About 3M Crystalline 1) What’s the difference between 3M Crystalline and FormulaOne Stratos? 3M Crystalline is a non-metallized multilayer optical film designed for extreme heat rejection, even in lighter shades. FormulaOne Stratos is a Hybrid-Matrix nano-ceramic film. While ceramic films focus on heat absorption, Crystalline’s 200+ layers focus on heat redirection, making it the "clear king" for Austin’s climate. 2) Is 3M Crystalline a ceramic tint? No. 3M Crystalline is a non-metallized, multilayer optical film. It represents a higher tier of nanotechnology than standard ceramic films, utilizing over 200 layers to block heat without interfering with your vehicle's sensitive electronics or signals. 3) How many layers are in 3M Crystalline? 3M Crystalline is engineered with more than 200 layers of proprietary optical film. This technology allows a film that is thinner than a Post-it Note to reject more heat than many of the darkest dyed tints on the market. 4) What matters more: TSER, IRR, or IRER? TSER (Total Solar Energy Rejection) is the most comprehensive metric to compare overall performance. IRER is a more complete infrared measurement on glass, while IRR is often a narrower-band measurement. We help you evaluate these metrics based on your specific vehicle and comfort goals. 5) Will Crystalline interfere with GPS, Bluetooth, or cellular signals? Not at all. Because 3M Crystalline is 100% non-metallized, it is guaranteed to be signal-friendly. It will not interfere with your 5G mobile devices, GPS navigation, satellite radio, or Austin TollTags. 6) What is the legal tint limit on front side windows in Texas? Texas vehicle inspection standards require at least 25% Light Transmission (VLT) on the windows immediately to the right and left of the driver. Crystalline is ideal for this because you can achieve massive heat rejection while remaining fully legal. 7) Can I tint my windshield in Texas? Texas allows a tint strip above the AS-1 line (the top 5 inches) of the windshield. Additionally, Texas law permits the application of a clear (un-tinted) UV film anywhere on the front windshield to block heat and protect your interior without violating visibility laws.