DIY window tinting
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 708
Likes: 0
From: Florida
DIY window tinting
Have any of you tinted your windows yourself? What brand of tint did you use and where did you purchase it? I'm a little hesitant of using anything from the "discount" auto stores, but maybe something from an auto paint supplier or home improvement center (besides the mirrored stuff, is home tint any different from auto tint, as long as it's "legal"?)
Thanks!
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
I've tinted two cars. The trick is to read the directions, I'm not trying to be funny, but when you see the ricers with the bubbles all over, it's because the driver either didn't read the directions or didn't believe them, Yes you must wet the He77 out of the window to be tinted with windex before you apply the tint then start in the center and squeegee outward, trying to get out every bubble of air. you won't be 100% successful, some tiny ones will still be there, but only a few, it's then that you by the directions cut a tiny ~1mm slice and squeeze out the bubble. then you go around the outside of the window with a razor, cutting to size (cut bigger to start. looked perfect after I was done. 
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
My windows were tinted by the PO. I had to remove it when I got pulled over by Buford T. Justice and pay a $90 ticket. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,108
Likes: 11
From: No Prov RI
It's easy to do VERY IMPORTANT!!!! start clean!!! the secret to tinting is to keep your work wet! you would be amazed at how much soapy water the pro's use
if you get an instal kit it will have the basics.....sqweegy and razor blade. I recomend getting a good retractable razor knife a good spray bottle a stiff rubber sqweegy and you need a blow dryer or heat gun ALWAYS cut the piece to size on the outside. spray the window and the tint and fit it to size and trim to size. A secret to fitting the moving side windows is to leave the tint a 1/4'' away from the entire edge so it wont peal back when it sits in the window seal!!! to get a nice edge use the window edge as your cutting guide trim the tint to shape on the edge and then slide the whole piece down a 1/4'' to get your border ,then do that to all 3 sides untill you get a nice even space all the way around the window EXXCEPT the bottom!!! For the bottom.... tuck or fold the bottom window seal into the door against the glass and make the tint lower than the seal. The most important part of the job is getting the piece cut to the right size and always keep your work soaking wet!!!!
if you have to pull the tint off while you are installing it, use plenty of spray as your peeling the piece away from the glass.
Hammadown
VERY IMPORTANT!!!! start clean!!! the secret to tinting is to keep your work wet! you would be amazed at how much soapy water the pro's use if you get an instal kit it will have the basics.....sqweegy and razor blade. I recomend getting a good retractable razor knife a good spray bottle a stiff rubber sqweegy and you need a blow dryer or heat gun ALWAYS cut the piece to size on the outside. spray the window and the tint and fit it to size and trim to size. A secret to fitting the moving side windows is to leave the tint a 1/4'' away from the entire edge so it wont peal back when it sits in the window seal!!! to get a nice edge use the window edge as your cutting guide trim the tint to shape on the edge and then slide the whole piece down a 1/4'' to get your border ,then do that to all 3 sides untill you get a nice even space all the way around the window EXXCEPT the bottom!!! For the bottom.... tuck or fold the bottom window seal into the door against the glass and make the tint lower than the seal. The most important part of the job is getting the piece cut to the right size and always keep your work soaking wet!!!! if you have to pull the tint off while you are installing it, use plenty of spray as your peeling the piece away from the glass.
Hammadown
Last edited by hammadown; Jun 15, 2008 at 11:51 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
I used to make exact window molds from newspapers then cut the tint on my kitchen table.Another valuable tip is stay out of the wind and after you finish pull the power window fuse out.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 1
Buy the sheet with the peel off backing. That way you can cut it to size (oversize) first. Then put a piece of tape on both sides and pull the tape apart to peel off the backing. Wet the window and the foil after removing the backing and stick it on and squeegee out the air bubbles and let it dry.
Last edited by V-Twin; Jun 16, 2008 at 04:07 PM.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,108
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From: Sebastian Florida
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette Louisiana
I have only paid to have this done once but my work has never looked as good as a pro's.
I use almost all the tricks mentioned and can only add this: Don't try to do this outdoors or in the sunlight. If possible get inside so that the wind can't blow trash around and the heat doesn't dry your wetting agent.
I still think there is better film out there that is not available at our autoparts stores. I just don't know where to get it.
I use almost all the tricks mentioned and can only add this: Don't try to do this outdoors or in the sunlight. If possible get inside so that the wind can't blow trash around and the heat doesn't dry your wetting agent.
I still think there is better film out there that is not available at our autoparts stores. I just don't know where to get it.
plenty of razors and patience