The tinting has many benefits, including increased privacy, less chance of glare, and protection from dangerous ultraviolet radiation. A DIY approach can be employed for a wide range of painting projects, and it is important to take the right measures to get the best results.
This article will act as a step-by-step guide on how to tint car windows on your own and give you a run-through of some important things to do after the tint job for the best outcome.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tinting Car Windows Yourself
There are several ways to tint car Windows, and in this article, we will walk you through the five-step process for tinting your car’s Windows properly.
1. Gather Your Materials
Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials:
- Window tint film (pre-cut or in a roll)
- Application solution (a mix of water and a few drops of baby shampoo)
- Squeegee
- Utility knife
- Heat gun or hair dryer
- Lint-free cloth
- Spray bottle
- Hard card or credit card
- Glass cleaner
2. Clean the Windows
Thoroughly wash the interior and exterior glass parts of your car windows using a glass cleaner accompanied by a lint-free material. Dirt or dirt particles and debris on the glass can be a big problem for the tint, as it will form bubbles and imperfections.
3. Measure and Cut the Tint
Window tint films are normally in a roll form; therefore, prepare the right dimensions of the window to be tinted and cut it on the roll. As you are loading the slide, it can be helpful to make a tiny border around the film, simply removing it later.
4. Apply the Application Solution
The application solution should be applied profusely where the tint will be applied, particularly on the internal side of the window. When installing the solution, it is easy to adjust and set the film in the right place.
5. Apply the Tint Film
First, it is crucial to remove the adhesive backing on the tint film and find the proper positioning of the film on the window. This is where the application solution will be instrumental in helping you move the film to the appropriate position. Thoroughly clearing all the bubbles and extra solution is possible with the help of a squeegee, starting from the middle of the work to the edges.
6. Trim the Excess Film
One should use a utility knife to get a clean cut from the edges of the tint film. Take care not to scratch the glass, as it would be very ill-suited to have that happen to it.
7. Heat Shrink the Film
Place the heated shrink film through the application of heat, such as in the heat gun or hair dryer, to shrink on the curves in the window. To ensure quality work is done and not overexpose the film, thus causing harm, the following tips should be observed.
8. Final Squeegee
Go over the window again with the squeegee in order to remove any bubbles that remain and wipe up any excess moisture. It is also found that with the tint cure for a few days before rolling down the windows.
What To Do After Tinting Car Windows
Tinting car windows is one of the best car accessories that enhance the looks of your car while protecting the passengers from the sun and its UV rays.
Once you have tinted your automobile, it is noble to follow proper ways of care for the tint to last for several years.
Here are some key tips to follow:
1. Allow the Tint to Cure
Tinting involves changing the hue, shade, or texture of a car’s exterior by using paint or adding a thin and transparent coat of a different color to its surface, sometimes combined with paint.
Usually, it takes three to five days for the tint film coating to dry completely. During this time, one should refrain from performing certain actions, such as rolling down the windows, as this might lead to the formation of pimple-like formations or peeling on the film.
2. Avoid Cleaning for a Week
Do not attempt to wash the tinted windows for a week. The adhesive will need 24-48 hours to bond properly. Cleaning them is best done gently, using water that does not contain ammonia and a soft fabric.
3. Be Gentle
Another thing to note when using windows is that they must be managed gently, especially in the first days or weeks. Do not bang the doors, as this will infringe on the surface of the tint films.
4. Check for Bubbles
Every once in a while, take a look at the windows to determine if there are bubbles or other noticeable defects. If you see any, use high high-temperature hair dryer or heat gun to make those bubbling areas flat again. Hence, while occasional bubbles are peculiar occurrences that may be easily burst, persistent ones may call for professional help.
5. Protect from Sharp Objects
Refrain from using sharp items around the windows, as they may scratch or damage the tint. Any scratch or abrasion on the premium suburban window tint film is enough to affect its overall appearance and performance.
6. Park in the Shade
If you have the time and opportunity in the winter, try parking in a shaded area or use a cover known as a sun shade. It has come to be known by many that extreme heat and direct sunlight do much damage to the tinted surface.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using the Wrong Tools: For an excellent application, make sure that you follow the correct steps with the right equipment, such as a squeegee or a utility knife.
- Not Cleaning the Windows Properly: Anything left on the windows, such as dirt or other material, may lead to window imperfections that are generated when the tint is being applied.
- Applying Tint in Dusty Environments: Before applying the tinting film, the surface should be clean and free of dust to avoid compounding it with dirt.
- Rushing the Process: Make sure that you take your time measuring the area that you want to cover, cutting the tint appropriately, and then applying the tint to the surface properly.
Why Choose Sun and Safety Film for Professional Tinting
Even though applying the tint yourself can be fun and a great way to spend your time, it is wiser to seek expert help if you want a professional appearance on your car.
We pride ourselves on providing tinting services for car windows with the best quality tints and skills in practice at Sun and Safety Film. Our services guarantee satisfaction in the sleek and shiny exterior of your car while simultaneously providing maximum UV protection and privacy.
