Fitting Window Tint yourself - tips and advice please

[Laney760]

Hi to All!

I have been given a very expensive roll of dark grey professional window tint and am going to use it on the rear windows and estate

Any tips and advice please. Should I make pattern parts first in plain paper? Its about eight feet plus high so its going to be difficult for me to manouevre around to cut to size!

[pookie]

In a word Laney, don't.
If it's the top class film get a professional to do it for you. It's not that easy to apply, I watched a tint job the other day and you really need to know what you're doing.

Salut Laney,


Pookie

[Whyman]

I agree with Lane.

If you must the most important part is getting the window clean.

I did it on a Hilux many years ago and by the fith window got a reasonable result but this was on a glass that I had taken out, cleaned with wire wool then a razor blade and meths. I was able to lay the film on the flat glass on the bench. Float it on with some water and fairy liquid in a spray bottle. Much more difficult on a curved glass in a door frame, hardest will be the rear window.

You will always be able to see your mistakes and eventually they will bug you so much that you take it off and pay someone to do it!

[XC90Mk1]

To echo pookie don’t, I have been there and it’s a nightmare.

The side windows can be ok, clean, polish and then have a good spray bottle with solution and a good squeegee.

It’s the rear window that can cause troubles, if they have. Compound curve (both directions) then I would say as a private individual you will not be able to do it.

Good luck however what ever you decide.

[heyskull]

To be honest if this is going on a 900 estate.
It is relativley simple (speaking as an ex window tinter) as the windows on the estate (even the tailgate) are flat.
If it's going on a saloon you will have to heat shape it to the rear window, which is an art form allof its own.
Cleaning and removal of the wind up rear windows is key to it.
Have the car valleted before starting on this, as a stray dog hair is very unsightly.
After it is valeted clean all the windows again and then give them another clean with a lint free cloth.
I have had many a customer come in wanting me to just tint the rear window as they have made a complete ass of it.
On a further note, do not tint any of the front windows, as it is illegal it will also void your insurance if your in accident and is dangerous.

SC

[Laney760]

Hi All

Thanks for the advice

As it is top class tint I am re-thinking doing it myself

[Laird Scooby]

Best bit of advice is one word - don't!

If you want your rear windows tinted and you have the film, find a tame window tint fitter and bribe him heavily to do it as a private job for you. When you're happy with the job he's done, send him my way!

[volvo again]

It can be done yourself.
In short...
Clean inside and outside of glass
Spray soapy water onto outside glass
Place film, with removable film side facing outwards and trim to size (this is where you have to heat shrink if doing curved glass)
Spray inside of glass with soapy water
Peel off the top section of protective film
Place onto glass and squeegee smooth
Remove rest of protective film and smooth into place

Easy peasy...

BUT...like many things it takes practice, there are many pitfalls, if you're not 100% sure, get a pro to do it, as others say, any mistake will show and look horrible

[DAN AT ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi,
Remember to notify your insurer if you decide to tint your windows.
Regards,
Dan.

[Laney760]

Thanks to everyone for the advice