How do LLumar and XPEL window tint lines line up?
Both brands sell a colour-stable dyed film and a nano-ceramic film; XPEL adds a hybrid middle tier and a premium multi-layer ceramic above its core ceramic. This is how the lines match up, using the films the shop installs and XPEL’s US lineup.
| Type | LLumar (lines the shop installs) | XPEL PRIME (US lineup) |
|---|---|---|
| Colour-stable dyed | ATC: 5, 15, 35, 50 at the shop | PRIME CS: “colour-stable dyed” |
| Hybrid dyed-metal | Not on the shop’s menu | PRIME HP: “hybrid dyed-metal” |
| Nano-ceramic | IRX: 5, 15, 35, 50 at the shop | PRIME XR, sold as XR BLACK and XR BLUE: “core premium ceramic” |
| Premium ceramic | No separate tier on the shop’s menu | PRIME XR PLUS: “multi-layer nano-ceramic”, “top-tier” |
| Lightest ceramic shades | AIR, listed by the shop at 70, 80 and 90% | XR BLUE at 70 and 80 VLT |
XPEL’s descriptions are quoted from its technical data sheets (revision R062526) and its automotive window tint page. XPEL notes that its window film is curated to each region, so ask an XPEL dealer which shades are stocked in BC.
How do the dyed films compare: LLumar ATC vs XPEL PRIME CS?
On their makers’ own numbers, ATC and PRIME CS are close to a tie: at each matching shade, CS measures the same or a little darker and rejects about one point more total solar energy.
| Shade code | ATC measured VLT | ATC TSER | PRIME CS measured VLT | PRIME CS TSER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5% | 44% | 5% | 45% |
| 15 | 18% | 40% | 16% | 41% |
| 35 | 38% | 35% | 34% | 36% |
| 50 | 60% | 28% | 51% | 29% |
LLumar figures are from its Window Film Performance Data sheet (LL0116NAEN, 03/26). XPEL figures are from its PRIME USA specification sheet (R0523), whose ranges match XPEL’s 2026 data sheets. Both brands’ shade names are product codes rather than measurements: ATC 50 measures 60% visible light, CS 50 measures 51%.
How do the ceramic films compare: LLumar IRX vs XPEL PRIME XR and XR PLUS?
XPEL’s core ceramic, XR BLACK, runs level with IRX to six points ahead on TSER at matching shade codes, and XR PLUS lists three to ten points ahead. Those are real differences on paper, with a measurement caveat that matters.
| Shade code | IRX VLT / TSER | XR BLACK VLT / TSER | XR PLUS VLT / TSER |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6% / 62% | 5% / 66% | 5% / 71% |
| 15 | 20% / 59% | 15% / 65% | 12% / 69% |
| 35 | 39% / 54% | 36% / 59% | 38% / 59% |
| 50 (IRX) vs 55 (XPEL) | 54% / 50% | 54% / 50% | 57% / 53% |
Two things to read before treating the gap as a verdict. First, at the 15 code both XPEL films are darker than IRX, and a darker film rejects more energy on its own. Second, LLumar and XPEL test on different glass to different standards, so part of any gap may be method rather than film. XPEL also lists a tolerance of plus or minus 3% on its performance values.
Why can’t you compare the two brands’ heat numbers directly?
Because the two brands measure on different glass to different standards, and their headline infrared figures don’t measure the same thing at all. TSER and VLT are the closest thing to a common yardstick, and even they aren’t measured identically.
| LLumar | XPEL | |
|---|---|---|
| Glass | Single-pane 6 mm clear glass | 1/8 in. (3 mm) glass |
| Method for light and solar energy | NFRC methods | EN 410 methodology |
| Headline infrared figure | SIRR, across 780–2,500 nm (IRX 85–88%) | IR rejection at a single wavelength, 1025 nm (XR PLUS 92–96%) |
| IRER | 780–2,500 nm, counting absorbed and re-radiated heat (IRX 59–61%) | 780–2,500 nm, counting absorbed and re-radiated energy (XR PLUS 67–70%) |
The single-wavelength figure is the trap. XPEL’s 96% is measured at 1025 nm only; LLumar’s 88% SIRR is measured across the whole 780–2,500 nm band. They describe different things, so comparing them tells you nothing. Both brands define IRER over the same band, but on different glass, so even that is indicative rather than head-to-head. Use TSER at a matching measured VLT, accept that a few points may be method, and remember both makers say real cars vary with their glass.
How do the LLumar and XPEL warranties differ?
Both are lifetime warranties with exclusions, and both send you back to the installer to claim. XPEL publishes its full terms; LLumar publishes a short statement and refers you to the dealer.
| LLumar ATC, IRX, AIR | XPEL PRIME | |
|---|---|---|
| Term | “manufacturer’s lifetime limited warranty” | “for the life of your vehicle” from initial installation |
| Defects named | Not listed in LLumar’s FAQ | “discoloration, fading, bubbling, peeling, cracking, and delamination” |
| Installation condition | “see dealer for warranty details” | “professionally installed in the manner recommended by the Company” |
| New owner | Ask the installing dealer | Transferable with proof of the original installation date, for the remaining period |
| Labour | The shop’s lifetime workmanship warranty sits on top | XPEL “will cover parts and labor” for a manufacturing defect |
| Not covered | “Certain restrictions apply”; ask the dealer for the list | Scratches, chips, stains, damage from automatic car washes or improper washing, collision |
LLumar’s wording is from its tint FAQ; XPEL’s is from its PRIME window film warranty (R1224). One wrinkle: XPEL’s product page FAQ describes the coverage as lasting “for as long as you own your car”, while the warranty document says “for the life of your vehicle”. Ask any XPEL dealer for the written terms that apply to your install. Our own terms are on the warranty page.
Does the installer matter more than the tint brand?
Yes. Both brands route warranty claims through the installer, and the quality of the cut, the edges and the cure decides how film looks for years, whichever roll it came off.
LLumar’s dealer page says its dealers get “specialized training” and resources meant to hold each install to its standards, and XPEL runs its own training and certification for installers. Buyer forum threads on RedFlagDeals and RevScene keep landing on the same points: experience matters more than the film brand, and buying from an authorized dealer matters for the manufacturer’s warranty. On RevScene, one member noted that dealers send new cars to Brookswood. Questions worth asking any shop:
- Are you an authorized dealer for this brand?
- Which film line and shade, by name, is on my quote?
- Is the film plotter-cut for my model or cut on the car?
- Who handles a warranty claim, and is the warranty in writing?
LLumar or XPEL: which should you choose?
Neither brand wins across the board. The dyed films are a wash, XPEL’s XR PLUS lists more heat rejection than IRX at matching shades, and both warranties are lifetime terms with exclusions. Choose the installer first, then the film line, then the shade.
LLumar suits you if
- You want a shop that installs LLumar, such as ours, with a lifetime workmanship warranty on top of LLumar’s.
- IRX’s numbers cover what you need: 50% TSER even at IRX 50, which measures 54% visible light.
- You want ATC’s charcoal dyed look at the lowest price on the menu.
XPEL suits you if
- You’ve found an authorized XPEL installer you trust.
- You want the highest listed TSER at the darkest shades, which on XPEL’s sheet is XR PLUS.
- You want a hybrid dyed-metal middle tier, which XPEL sells as PRIME HP.
Where we stand
We’re a LLumar dealer and install LLumar only, so read this page knowing which side of the counter it comes from. We think IRX does the job very well, and every number on this page comes from each brand’s own published data, not ours. If XR PLUS is what you want, get it from an authorized XPEL installer so XPEL’s warranty applies. More about our dealer status is on authorized LLumar dealer in Langley.
How do you get a LLumar quote to compare?
Send us your vehicle and the XPEL film and shade you were quoted, and we’ll quote the matching LLumar line so you compare like with like. ATC starts at $220 for a coupe’s rear glass and $240 for a sedan’s; IRX is quoted per package.
Use the tint quote form, or phone or text 604 534 6433. Most cars are done the same day. For film type rather than brand, see ceramic vs dyed window tint, and the full spec table for our ceramic film is on LLumar IRX.