Choose LLumar CTX for everyday ceramic tint, LLumar IRX when higher infrared heat rejection is your priority, and LLumar AIR 80 when you want a nearly clear finish. This 2026 comparison separates heat performance from appearance so you can choose the film and window coverage that fit your car.
- LLumar CTX vs IRX vs AIR 80: choose by infrared heat rejection and appearance, not shade alone.
- CTX offers up to 72% infrared heat rejection; IRX and AIR 80 offer up to 90%.
- All three films block 99% of UV rays, according to Stealth Autowerks’ supplied figures.
- AIR 80 is the nearly clear option; confirm shade availability for each film before booking.
Byline: Stealth Autowerks
Why this matters
Your tint decision has separate parts: the film, its appearance, and the windows you want covered. Treating those as one choice makes it harder to explain what you actually want from your appointment.
Stealth Autowerks is best for Sacramento-area drivers who want shop-installed LLumar ceramic window tint. At Stealth Autowerks, you can discuss all-side-and-rear coverage, the front two windows, or a full windshield installation. Start your 2026 tint appointment with the result you want, then select the film and coverage.
LLumar CTX vs IRX vs AIR 80: which ceramic tint fits your car?
The main difference is the combination of stated infrared heat rejection and appearance. All three films share the same supplied UV-blocking figure, so UV protection alone does not distinguish them.
| Film | Best for | Infrared heat rejection | UV blocking | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LLumar CTX ceramic | Everyday ceramic | Up to 72% | 99% | Lower stated infrared rejection than IRX and AIR 80 |
| LLumar IRX nano-ceramic | Higher infrared rejection | Up to 90% | 99% | Choose separately for appearance; confirm available shades |
| LLumar AIR 80 | Nearly clear finish | Up to 90% | 99% | Not the choice for a deliberately dark appearance |
These figures are client-supplied for this 2026 comparison, not independently verified manufacturer specifications. Infrared heat rejection is not total solar heat rejection, and these percentages are not promises of a particular cabin-temperature reduction.
LLumar CTX: everyday ceramic tint
Best for: drivers who want ceramic tint without making the highest listed infrared rejection their deciding factor. LLumar CTX offers up to 72% infrared heat rejection and blocks 99% of UV rays, using the shop’s supplied figures.
CTX belongs on your shortlist when you want ceramic tint and have no specific reason to prioritize IRX or a nearly clear finish. Its limitation is straightforward: its stated infrared rejection is lower than the other two options. If that difference drives your decision, choose based on performance rather than the film name.
LLumar IRX: higher infrared heat rejection
Best for: drivers who prioritize infrared heat rejection. LLumar IRX nano-ceramic offers up to 90% infrared heat rejection and blocks 99% of UV rays, according to the shop’s supplied figures.
IRX has a higher stated infrared rejection ceiling than CTX. That is its clear advantage in this comparison. The figure does not select your shade or tell you how dark the finished windows will look; discuss appearance separately before choosing your installation.
LLumar AIR 80: a nearly clear finish
Best for: drivers who want nearly clear ceramic tint. LLumar AIR 80 offers up to 90% infrared heat rejection and blocks 99% of UV rays, using the shop’s supplied figures.
AIR 80 shows why a dark appearance is not the only way to choose tint. Its nearly clear finish is the reason to consider it, but also its limitation if you specifically want darker-looking glass. AIR 80 and IRX share an advertised maximum here; that alone does not establish identical performance under every condition.
Why your ceramic tint choice varies
Use these factors to narrow your choice before discussing installation:
- Heat priority: CTX lists up to 72% infrared heat rejection; IRX and AIR 80 list up to 90%.
- Appearance: AIR 80 is nearly clear. Decide whether that matches the finish you want.
- Shade selection: Listed shop shades include 5%, 15%, 25%, 35%, 40%, and 50%. Confirm which shades are available for your chosen film.
- Window coverage: Choose all side windows and the rear windshield, the front two windows, or a full windshield installation.
- Existing tint: Old tint removal is available. Mention existing film when arranging your appointment.
Is LLumar IRX better than CTX for heat rejection?
Up to 90% infrared heat rejection gives LLumar IRX the higher stated ceiling, compared with CTX at up to 72%. Both block 99% of UV rays; choose IRX when the infrared figure is your main selection criterion.
Is LLumar AIR 80 a good choice if I don't want dark windows?
LLumar AIR 80 is the nearly clear option in this comparison. It suits a different appearance goal from deliberately dark tint while retaining the shop’s stated infrared and UV figures.
Plan your installation and aftercare
Allow about 2 hours for your 2026 tint installation. You can wait in the waiting room with Wi-Fi or drop your car off. Installation takes place at the shop; mobile service is not offered.
The tint film carries a lifetime warranty against bubbling, peeling, and fading. Ceramic tint does not interfere with phones, GPS, or toll tags and is safe over defroster lines.
Keep your windows up and avoid cleaning the inside glass for 3–5 days after installation. Some haze is normal and clears up. Plan around that aftercare period, not just the appointment itself.
One last thing
Choose coverage as carefully as film. A front-two-window appointment and an all-side-and-rear appointment cover different glass, even when the same ceramic film is selected. State both choices when booking so your requested installation is clear.
Related guides
FAQ
What's the best LLumar ceramic tint for my car in 2026?
Choose CTX for everyday ceramic tint, IRX when higher stated infrared heat rejection is your priority, or AIR 80 for a nearly clear finish. Confirm your film, shade, and window coverage before booking.
Do CTX, IRX, and AIR 80 all block UV rays?
All three films block 99% of UV rays according to the shop’s supplied figures. CTX lists up to 72% infrared heat rejection; IRX and AIR 80 list up to 90%.
Can I get any tint shade with any LLumar film?
Confirm shade availability for your selected film before booking. The shop’s listed shades do not mean every shade is available for every film.
How long does ceramic window tint installation take?
Tint installation takes about 2 hours. You can wait in the waiting room with Wi-Fi or drop your car off.
When can I roll my windows down after tinting?
Keep your windows up for 3–5 days after installation. Avoid cleaning the inside glass during that period, and expect some temporary haze.
Where do I bring my car for ceramic tint?
Bring your car to 3223 Monier Cir, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742. The shop is open Monday–Saturday, 9 AM–6 PM, and closed Sunday; mobile service is not offered.
Ready to book? Call us at 916-333-7313 or text (206) 786-2901 to get started at Stealth Autowerks in Rancho Cordova.
