Ultimately, your decision to pursue DIY Window Tinting comes down to several factors. Legal compliance and adherence to installation standards are a primary concern, along with your comfort level and schedule flexibility.
The project requires a great deal of patience, diligence and finesse with fragile materials. Assess your skill level, and consider enlisting professional assistance for a more trouble-free outcome.
Preparation
Before you begin tinting your windows, it’s important to make sure that the glass and the film are clean and free of contaminants. To do this, you need to thoroughly clean the windows with a non-ammonia cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Be sure to clean all corners and rubber seals to ensure that no dirt or grime will transfer to the new window tint when you apply it.
Once the windows are clean, it’s time to cut the tint film. If you’re a beginner, we recommend buying a pre-cut kit so that you can avoid making any mistakes. Cutting the film accounts for about 80% of the work, so it’s important to get it right the first time. It’s also a good idea to use the edges of the window as a template, rather than a piece of cardboard, so that you can match the film up to the shape of the window.
After you’ve cut the tint to size, spray the mounting solution (typically a soap and water mixture) onto the window surface and the back of the film. Be sure to spray the solution generously, so that the entire surface is dampened.
Next, remove the clear liner from the back of the film and thoroughly wet the exposed adhesive surface with the mounting solution. It’s important to wet the window and the film, so that they are both completely saturated.
To make the process easier, a tint squeegee is recommended. It’s a simple tool that allows you to squeegee out the solution and smooth the film onto the window. You can also use a tinter’s card to help you remove any bubbles or creases.
DIY window tinting can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to assess your skill level and the time that you have available. If you don’t have the expertise or tools necessary to achieve a high-quality installation, professional services may be worth the investment. Moreover, professional installation provides warranty coverage and peace of mind that your job will be done correctly. DIY tinting, on the other hand, often offers limited or no warranty coverage.
Cutting
Before cutting your window tint, it is important to take precise measurements and account for any curves or angles on the glass. It is also recommended to use a template as a guide to avoid mistakes and to get the exact size of the window tint. After measuring, it is helpful to mark the dimensions directly on the non-adhesive side of the film with a grease pencil or non-permanent marker to ensure accuracy. This step will ensure that the finished product will look flawless and professional.
After marking the dimensions, unroll the tint film on a pristine surface to avoid scratches or marks. Make sure to keep 2-3 inches extra as this will be used later to do a test-fit on the windows. After doing a test-fit, cut the respective piece for each window from the main large tint roll.
Apply the solution to the glass and squeegee out excess water with a squeegee or tinter’s card. Once the window is free of bubbles and creases, spray the adhesive side of the tint with slip solution.
If you are using a heat gun, apply the solution to the rolled tint before applying it to the glass. It is essential to follow the directions for your specific type of heat gun as different films require a different amount of heat to adhere properly.
When you are ready to apply the tint, start in the middle and work your way down to the edge of the window. It is critical to keep a steady hand and work methodically. After the first half hour, you will have a good idea of how well your DIY tint job is going.
If you are having trouble with any aspect of the tint process, it is recommended to contact a professional for assistance. Whether it’s to remove old film or simply to install a new one, the process can be complex and requires experience to achieve perfect results. A professional tint shop will have the tools and expertise to complete the job properly, saving you time and money in the long run.
Adhesive
While a DIY tint job can save you money, it is not an easy task. It requires a lot of patience and precision to ensure that your tint job is clean and professional looking. A small mistake can result in bubbles, creases, or a poorly stretched film. This can affect your car’s appearance and compromise the performance of your windows.
Aside from enhancing the aesthetics of your car, window tints can also help prevent injuries from flying glass shards during accidents and collisions. They can also deter break-ins by making it more difficult for perpetrators to see what’s inside the vehicle. Additionally, they can improve energy efficiency by reducing the need to use the air conditioning.
To begin the tinting process, you must first make sure that your windows are completely clean and dry. Thoroughly clean the entire surface of the glass, and dry the trim and seals with a microfiber cloth and squeegee. Then, saturate the outside of your windows with soapy water to remove any dirt or grime.
After you’ve cleaned the windows, double check to make sure that they are still smooth. Next, you must decide which type of window tint you want. There are several options available, including dyed, metalized, carbon, and ceramic film. Dyed films are the least expensive, but they tend to fade over time. Metalized films are more expensive, but they block more UV rays and are shatter-resistant. Carbon and ceramic films are the most expensive, but they offer the best heat reduction and UV protection.
Before you start working on the window tint, make sure that you know which side is adhesive and which is the liner. The adhesive side should be facing you, so that you can adhere it to the window. Then, gently peel away the liner from the window film in stages while spraying it with soapy water. After you’ve peeled off the protective film, spray the adhesive with the slip solution to prepare it for adhesion.
When you’re ready to apply the tint, saturate the outside of the window with soapy water and position it on the glass. After positioning the film, squeegee it to eliminate any bubbles and to smooth out the edges. Then, carefully cut off the excess film along the bottom and back of the window.
Installation
Window tint is an excellent option for car owners who want to protect themselves from harmful UV rays, regulate interior temperatures, and enhance aesthetic appeal. However, DIY tinting is not always a viable option, and there are many important considerations when making this decision. Some of the most important factors include cost, time constraints, and installation expertise. Professional installation generally costs more than DIY options, but it can also save valuable time and provide peace of mind. Professional installation also typically includes warranties and guarantees, which can reduce the risk of damage or problems down the road.
The first step in the window tinting process is to clean the glass thoroughly with a low-lint cloth or squeegee. This is crucial to ensure an immaculate surface that will prevent bubbles and uneven adhesion. It is also recommended to work in a dry and wind-free area, as small particles can easily interfere with the application of the film.
Next, the installer will spray the glass with an application solution, such as Gila Window Film Application Solution. This will help keep the glass hydrated and ready to accept the tint. Once the solution is applied, the tint should be rolled onto the window, with its liner side facing the window and its adhesive protective layer on the outside.
After the tint is rolled, it should be carefully cut with a sharp utility knife to create a smooth finish. This step is essential to achieving an accurate fit, which will improve the overall look of the tint and ensure that it adheres to the window properly.
When trimming the tint, be careful not to cut too close to the window seal, as this can cause peeling and damage the window frame. The installer should also remove any excess material from the edges of the film, which will help to avoid jagged edges that could catch on debris and potentially lift over time.
If you are considering DIY window tinting, it is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them closely. Doing so will ensure that the film is correctly installed and that it is compatible with your vehicle’s warranty.