The Movie Guy Holding Picture in Car Window

November 25, 2021

How to Tint Your Car Windows

Glass tinting for cars is a way to keep your car cooler inside when it gets hot outside, and it protects your interior, according to Popular Mechanics. It's also less costly to do it yourself than it is to take it to a dealer to have the windows tinted.

Choosing the Window Tint

Choosing the best auto window tint for your car includes a few considerations. First, consider checking with local law enforcement to determine how dark your windows can be tinted before you risk getting a ticket. Then, consider the different types of film available. Dyed film is the most frequently used type, but it fades faster, according to NAPA Online. Metallized tint is more scratch-resistant and fade-resistant but can block cellular signals. Carbon tint is known for its cooling and sun-resistant properties, and ceramic film cuts the heat but isn't as dark as carbon tint, according to NAPA Online.

Find a Dust-free Work Area

Gather your supplies and get everything set up in a dust-free work area, such as a clean garage or shed. Avoid beginning this project when it's excessively hot, cold or humid. Plan to take your time with each step to make sure you get a smooth finish when applying the tinted film. The tint gets attached to the inside of the window, but you use the outside of the window as a template.

Prepare the Inside of the Window

Spray a layer of application solution to the window's inner surface and try to avoid getting the solution on the door trim. Pick up the blade and gently scrape across the window in a smooth, sweeping side-to-side motion that starts at the top and works downward. Don't get too vigorous because the glass can be gouged if you aren't cautious. Swap the blade for a squeegee and repeat the process to remove any debris the blade may have missed.

Use the Outside of the Window as a Template

Mist a layer of application solution on the outside of the window, then put the tinted film over it with the peel-off protective layer facing up. Gently squeegee it onto the window to partially secure it. You should still be able to slide it around enough to get a clean cut along the bottom edge where it needs to be able to slide under the window trim after its applied. Use a razor knife to cut the film to size.

Applying the Tinted Window Film

Spray another layer of application solution on the inside of the window, then use cellophane tape to attach a corner of the film to the window. Peel off the protective layer and mist application solution directly on the adhesive side of the film. Bring the film around to the inside of the window and apply it to the glass, then squeegee it to push air and water out from under the film. Spray application solution on the film again, then hold the trim out on the door trim so you can slide the film under it. Squeegee the window again and then dry the window off with a lint-free cloth. If you see any bubble remaining, use a heat gun on the low setting to warm the film, then squeegee the surface again to push out the bubbles.

Lew Latme1991