Thanks for stopping by. First of all, we still carry LLumar but since March we began switching to SolarGard. Both make comparable films but SolarGard works with their dealers more on a cost level. We began serviceing major new car dealerships in Wesley Chapel and New Port Richey so our tint volume went through the roof. However, LLumar would not give me better pricing based on this volume jump and they are a pain to warranty work through. So I met with SolarGard reps at a road show and struck a deal-I've had NO warranty claims since March with them either (we average 40 vehicles per week with some major commercial and residential tint jobs thrown in the mix-that's alot of window film!).
As far as tint education, first thing to understand is the tint percentage. The higher the number, the LIGHTER the tint! Reasoning, the number refers to "percentage of light transmission". In other words, the light 30% tint that is legal in Florida on your front windows only allows 30% of the available light to get through the tint. On the opposite extreme, the ever-popular 5% (or limo) tint only allows 5% of the available light to get through the tint.
With that cleared up, you get 47% heat reduction with the 30% (lightest) tint, and 53% heat reduction with the 5% (darkest) tint. Not much difference...
As far as computer cut, the gap is usually a consistent 1/8" or less from the edge of the glass. The tinter can even adjust it up a little for those who are wanting it "micro edged". We never want it up right at the edge of the glass because that leaves the tint prone to failure caused by the seal "jamming" its dirt and jagged edges into the tint. Leaving that small gap at the edge is kind of like using tires that are slightly wider than the lip of the rim to protect from curbs.
The cool thing about my shop has always been that the customer lounge is a few feet from the tint bay (wide open). You get to sit back and watch your vehicle being tinted and as long as the tinter isn't "slammed" busy (like on Saturday's), he will take the time to explain the process to you. And hell yes, we love to show off our computer plotter. We even plan to show it on our next commercial shoot for Bay News 9 next month.
Hopefully I answered a few questions and cleared some misconceptions for you. Feel free to drop by or call if you ever want to know more than I have answered here!