3M Crystalline is the top film in 3M’s automotive lineup. It keeps out more heat than the other two 3M films while staying light, so your windows don’t have to look dark to keep the cabin cool. We install it at both of our Calgary shops.
How Crystalline works
Most tint keeps out heat by being dark. Crystalline works a different way. 3M builds it from more than 200 very thin layers, and each layer is tuned to block part of the infrared light that carries the sun’s heat. Visible light passes through, so even the lightest shade keeps out a lot of heat.
The film contains no metal. That means it won’t interfere with your phone, GPS, satellite radio or tire pressure sensors. It also blocks UV, which protects your skin and keeps the dash and seats from fading.
Crystalline specs
These figures are from 3M’s product bulletin for Crystalline.
| Shade | Visible light through | Infrared rejected | UV rejected | Total solar energy rejected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CR 90 | 90% | 97% | 99.9% | 34% |
| CR 70 | 70% | 97% | 99.9% | 41% |
| CR 60 | 60% | 97% | 99.9% | 46% |
| CR 50 | 50% | 97% | 99.9% | 49% |
| CR 40 | 40% | 97% | 99.9% | 59% |
3M measures infrared rejection in the 900 to 1000 nm range. Total solar energy rejected (TSER) counts visible light, UV and infrared together, and it’s the best single number for how much cooler the cabin will be. To see how these numbers compare with other brands measured the same way, read our brand comparison.
The darkest Crystalline shade is 40. If you want dark, private rear windows, 3M Ceramic IR and 3M Colour Stable both come in much darker shades. You can also mix films, for example Crystalline on the windshield of a vehicle that can legally have one and a darker Ceramic IR on the rear windows.
Who Crystalline suits
- Drivers who want a cooler cabin without making the windows look dark.
- Vehicles with a lot of glass, where the sun coming through is the main complaint.
- Windshield installs for the customers who can legally have one, covered below.
- Anyone who wants the most heat rejection 3M offers in a light shade.
Crystalline and Alberta law
Crystalline is light, but light doesn’t make it legal on the front of the vehicle. Alberta’s Vehicle Equipment Regulation bans any film on the windshield and on the side windows beside and in front of the driver, and that includes clear film. On an Alberta-registered vehicle driven on public roads, Crystalline can go on the rear side windows and the back glass.
We install Crystalline on the windshield and front windows for show and off-road vehicles, vehicles registered outside Alberta, and drivers with a medical exemption permit. Our Alberta tint law guide explains the rules in full.
Crystalline prices
These prices are the same at both shops.
| Package | 3M Crystalline |
|---|---|
| Two front windows | $449 |
| Back windows | $819 |
| Windshield | $749 |
| All windows | $999 |
| All windows and windshield | $1,499 |
“Back windows” means the rear side windows and the back glass.
How it compares with the other 3M films
3M makes three automotive films, and all three block UV and cut glare.
3M Colour Stable
A carbon film that holds its colour instead of fading to purple. It’s the lowest-priced choice for privacy and a dark look. From $299.
3M Ceramic IR
A ceramic film that keeps out a lot more heat than carbon and comes in dark shades. From $349.
3M Crystalline
The film on this page. It keeps out the most heat for a light shade and comes only in lighter shades. From $449.
Want Crystalline on your vehicle? Ask for a quote.