Installing Window film on your Car Windows

For years, many thought that window tinting was once only for stretch limos, or for the powerfully wealthy. However, today many vehicles come from the factory with tinted windows.

Window tinting is more than for looks or for vanity, but serves practical purposes such as reducing heat gain inside of the vehicle, protect the interior vinyl, upholstery, and leather from fading due to damaging UV rays. In addition, window tinting also helps to prevent the window from shattering.

Many choose to have professionally installed window tinting as an after-market feature, however, it is possible to save money and do it yourself. Before you do it yourself or select a shop to do the job for you professionally or doing it yourself, you have to be aware that there are several qualities of window tints available. The highest quality available can eliminate as much as 99% of harmful UV rays, and many come with a limited lifetime warranty. The medium quality is the best selling nationwide, does provide protection from the harmful UV rays but may or may not come with a warranty. The lowest quality and lowest priced window tinting usually does not have any warranties, and has a tendency to turn purplish, fade, and develop bubbles over time.

If you decide to install the window film yourself, then you have to prepare a work area, which is relatively free of floating dust. Dust particles, which get sealed under the tint are permanently there and can cause damage. To help keep down dust, wet the floor inside your work area before you start your installation.

You will also need the following tools: Window-tinting film Spray bottle Rubber squeegee Single-edged razor blade Distilled water Mild soap (baby shampoo without conditioner) Lint-free cloth Butcher paper or craft paper Pencil

You will need to create a template for each window using butcher/craft paper, which you will use to cut the tint film. To create your template, slightly roll down the window and then trace the top edge. Next, carefully trace the outline of the window. To help hold the paper in place while tracing, you may use tape to secure the paper to the window. You want to leave at the bottom of the template approximately an extra inch of length so that the film can be tuck below the window gasket. Once you cut the template, check, and double-check the template to ensure that it fits perfectly against the window. Mark on the template which window it is for, then repeat this same process until you have made templates for each window that you will be applying film.

After cutting all templates, the next step is to clean each window. Mix a solution of teaspoon of mild baby shampoo without conditioner to one quart of distilled water, and then fill a spray bottle with the solution. Thoroughly clean and dry both sides of the window. If necessary, scrap any remaining debris from both sides of the window using a razor blade, using caution as not to scratch the glass.

Rewash and dry both sides of the window until you are certain that you have removed all dirt, grease, and debris. Make sure that you clean all the way to the edges of the glass, deep into the corners, and around the window gasket.

Next, using a utility knife and the templates that you have made as a guide cut the window-tinting film. Before applying the film, you will have to pull away the backing, which is on the film to protect the adhesive.

To help remove the backing, place two pieces of tape facing each other on either side of a corner on the film. Pull the two pieces of tape away from each other, which will allow you to separate the backing from the film.

Once you have removed the backing from the film, wet the adhesive surface using the spray bottle and soap solution, you will also need to wet the inside surface of the window with the solution. Carefully position the film on the inside of the window and allow the film to adhere to the glass, from the top of the window down toward the bottom. Do not let the film double onto itself or cease. The film should adhere to the glass if it has been well wet with the soapy solution.

Spray the film again with soap solution, then using the squeegee remove the water and any bubbles from underneath the film, while smoothing out the film. It is vital that you take your time and carefully work out all the bubbles. Keep the outside of the film wet, as the solution will act as a lubricant. Take care as not to apply too much pressure with the squeegee as this may stretch the film. In addition, do not attempt to lift the film to remove bubbles, but instead use the squeegee and gently work them to the edge of the window to remove the bubbles. Once you have smoothed away all the bubbles, next using a new razor blade trim any extra film that maybe hanging over the edges of the window edges. For at least three day, keep the windows rolled up so that the film can cure properly.

Important:

Prior to installing any widow film, check your state's restrictions on the degree of tint, which is permitted.

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