The short answer
Sun Control installs car, truck and SUV window tint across Minnesota and western Wisconsin using ceramic and carbon films from 3M and XPEL. Every install follows Minnesota’s tint law, is done indoors by our own employed technicians, and comes with written warranty terms for the film you choose. Quotes are free.
Film options
| Film | Heat rejection | Look | Signal interference | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Highest | Clear to dark, no metallic shine | None | Drivers who want the most heat and UV control |
| Carbon | Good | Matte, true black | None | Value with a clean, dark look |
| Windshield clear film (where legal) | Good, nearly invisible | Clear | None | Heat and UV control without darkening |
Ask your installer whether any clear windshield film you are considering meets Minnesota law before installing it.
Ceramic vs carbon window tint
Both are quality, non-metallic films that will not fade purple. The difference is heat. Carbon film absorbs and blocks a good share of infrared heat; ceramic film uses non-conductive ceramic particles to reject far more of it without having to be dark. That matters in Minnesota, where the side windows on most cars must let through at least 50% of visible light, so you cannot simply go darker to stay cooler.
| Carbon tint | Ceramic tint | |
|---|---|---|
| Infrared (heat) rejection | Up to about 60% | Up to about 90% or more |
| UV blocking | Up to 99% | Up to 99% |
| Signal interference (phone, GPS, radio, keyless entry) | None | None |
| Look | Matte, true black | Clear to dark, no metallic shine |
| Typical price, full car | About $150–$400 | About $500–$900 |
| Best for | A clean dark look on a budget | Maximum heat control, especially at Minnesota’s legal 50% shade |
Which should you choose?
- Choose ceramic if you want the most heat and glare relief at a legal shade, park in the sun, or drive long summer commutes.
- Choose carbon if you mainly want privacy and a sharp, dark look at a lower price.
- Either way, neither film interferes with phone, GPS, radio or keyless-entry signals, unlike older metallized tints.
Minnesota tint law, in one line
Side and rear windows on most cars must let through at least 50% of visible light (plus or minus 3%), reflectance can be no more than 20%, and no film that darkens or reflects is allowed on the windshield. Pickups, vans behind the driver, limousines and qualifying medical prescriptions have exceptions. See Minn. Stat. 169.71.
What you get
- Computer-cut patterns for your exact vehicle
- Indoor, clean install bays
- Our own employed, trained technicians, never subcontractors
- Advice on legal shades before we start
- Written warranty terms that match the film you choose
- Free quotes at any location
Locations
| Location | Area served |
|---|---|
| St. Paul (HQ) | East Metro |
| Plymouth | West Metro |
| Rochester | Southeast Minnesota |
| Duluth | Northland |
| Hudson, WI | Western Wisconsin and St. Croix Valley |
Read next: How to choose a tint shop in Minnesota
Frequently asked questions
How much does car window tint cost in Minnesota?
Price depends on the vehicle, number of windows and film type. Ceramic costs more than carbon. Contact us for a free quote on your vehicle.
How long does tinting take?
Most vehicles take a few hours. We’ll tell you when to pick up and how long to keep the windows up while the film cures.
Is ceramic tint worth it in Minnesota?
Ceramic film blocks the most heat and UV without darkening as much, and it won’t interfere with phone, GPS or radio signals. Many drivers find it worth the extra cost.
Can you remove old, purple or bubbling tint?
Yes. We remove failed film and adhesive before installing new tint.
Will tint get me pulled over?
We install film to Minnesota’s legal limits and will tell you if a shade you ask for isn’t legal on your vehicle.
Is ceramic or carbon window tint better?
Ceramic rejects much more infrared heat (up to about 90% or more, versus up to about 60% for carbon) and keeps cars cooler at Minnesota’s legal 50% shade. Carbon costs less and gives a matte black look. Neither interferes with phone or GPS signals.
