TL;DR
- Ideally, you should approach a professional window tint installer to apply window tint to your car windows.
- A DIY job runs the risk of developing peeling or bubbling tint.
- However, if you wish to attempt doing it yourself, follow these steps:
Applying Window Tint Yourself
Window tinting is a service that can practically pay for itself. It’s useful in a range of weather conditions and makes the driving experience far more enjoyable.
If you’re considering doing it yourself with a high-quality film, or you’ve watched a window film installer make it look easy, here’s an important disclaimer: unless you have enough experience working with window films, the process can be quite challenging. It requires patience and a willingness to devote several hours to the task. Even then, there’s still a risk of the film peeling or bubbling prematurely.
If you’re still set on doing it yourself, this blog will walk you through how to install window tint as safely as possible, the Solar Solutions way. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Phase 0: Tools We Recommend
Here’s what you’ll need to tint your car windows:
- Razor blade (or something similar)
- Utility knife
- Squeegee
- Spray bottle
- Soapy water (in a 1:10 ratio)
- Microfiber or lint-free cloth
- Duct tape
- Heat gun
Phase 1: Prepping Your Windows
Before you even begin applying the tint, you need to prepare your windows. This is the basis for a successful installation. You need to treat this step as paramount to the process and no, it’s not as simple as wiping your windows down with some Windex.
Park your car in a clean, dry area with enough room. You don’t want dust particles to stick to the windows between your application.
We begin our process at Solar Solutions with our trademark secret: soapy water (we’re only half joking). Be as thorough as possible! We cannot emphasize this step enough. Even a single fingerprint left behind will be trapped under your tint for years.
You need a blank slate for installation so you have to remove all stickers as well. You may need alcohol to loosen them up. Use a razor blade to scrape off any residue from your glass. Don’t worry about scratching it, just don’t put too much pressure.
Wipe away excess soapy water and use a squeegee to finish the cleaning and get the windows dry for installation.
Phase 2: Measuring & Cutting Your Tint
At Solar Solutions, we begin every installation with pre-cut and measured vinyl tints. We do this at the first appointment to ensure a quick and precise process. This is especially important for older, luxury, or modded vehicles.
If you’ve managed to acquire pre-cut films, that’s great! You can practically skip this step. However, this is rare, since cutting films requires specialized equipment and isn’t readily available.
- If you have uncut film, you must line up your sheet to your window. It helps to cut down larger sheets into a manageable size.
- Before you begin cutting, spray down the outside of the window with soapy water to let the film cling to the window while still allowing enough give to slide it around while cutting.
- Lay the film in the center of your film with the adhesive side facing up. Remember: we’ll be installing the film on the inside of the window; the outside is where you position it.
- Spray the front of the window tint film. Start by cutting along the bottom edge and the left side of the window. Hold the film steady with your free hand (or a squeegee), and keep your knife flush against the window edge to ensure a clean, straight cut. Remove the excess film.
- Slide the film about one inch to the left so it overlaps the side you just trimmed. Cut along the right edge of the window, then reposition the film back to the center. You should now have about half an inch of extra film on both the left and right sides.
- Pull the film down roughly one inch and smooth it again with the squeegee. This extra material will tuck into the bottom window gasket later.
- Roll the window down about half an inch. Use the top edge of the window as a guide to trim the top of the film. Once cut, slide the film back up so there is about half an inch of extra film on each side of the window.
- You’ve cut your film! You can leave it stuck in place as you prepare for the actual install. You may need to keep spraying soapy water under it.
Phase 3: The Actual Window Tint Install
Now, you want to re-clean the inside of the windows (same process as before). We know it’s tedious, but like we said, a clean window is non-negotiable.
- Carefully clean up the spaces between the film and window and wipe off excess water.
- Then, spray the window down again with soapy water. This time, you’re going to spray an excess of water around the edges.
- With the film still attached, remove half of the application film. Spray the exposed adhesive portion with your soapy solution.
- Through the ½ inch opening in your window, lay down your window tint adhesive side down on the inside of the window. Go to the other side of the door and align the film the best you can. Both surfaces should be wet, making it easier to line up.
- After aligning the film with the top of the window, gently tuck the edges beneath the window seals on both sides. Having someone help you can make this step much easier. If needed, lightly bend the film to help guide it under the seal, starting at the top corners and working your way down along each side.
- Lightly mist the film with soapy water once more, then use a squeegee to remove the excess. Start in the center and push outward and upward, directing the water toward the top and sides. Keep the film steady as you work. Avoid pushing water downward right now, since the bottom edge has not been lined up yet.
- Roll up your window and lift the bottom part of the film. Spray generously with soapy water.
- Using the corner of your squeegee, tuck the lower edge of the film into the bottom seal of the window. Otherwise, it may begin peeling as you use your windows.
- Almost there! With the squeegee, carefully press the liner flat, pushing moisture out and down as you go. Continue misting the surface to keep it slick and prevent tearing. Take your time with this step and work thoroughly to remove all air and water bubbles from beneath the tint!
- Finally, dry the tint with a microfiber cloth wrapped around your squeegee.
If you have any wrinkles, you’re going to have to pull back the window film and redo it. If it comes out bad again, you’re going to have to recut a new piece.
Ensuring the Best Window Tint Installation
We believe in you, and if you had a successful installation, congratulations! The process of installing a tint can be time-consuming, and we recommend tackling it with a friend or family member.
If your tint installation doesn’t go as planned (we won’t tell anyone!) or if you want to be assured of its success, it’s best to approach an experienced window tint installer.
If you want flawless results without the frustration of doing it yourself, Solar Solutions Window Tinting is here to help. As a locally owned window film installer in Vero Beach, we bring over 20 years of hands-on experience to every installation.
We’ll do it right the first time! Contact Solar Solutions Window Tinting today to schedule your service and experience the difference with expert installation.
Contact: 772-633-6795
Address: 1175 Royal Palm Blvd
FAQs
1. What liquid do you use to apply window film?
Window film is typically applied using a solution of water and soap (in a 1:10 ratio), which allows the film to be positioned correctly before it is stuck to the glass.
2. Is car window film applied inside or outside?
Car window film is applied to the inside of the windows, where it is protected from the elements and lasts longer.
3. Can I use Dawn soap to apply window tint?
Yes, a small amount of original Dawn dish soap can be used, but it must be the right ratio or it’ll interfere with the application process.
