Step 1: Research the Car Tinting Regulations in Your State

Most states have regulations regarding how dark a tinted window can be. If the tint is too dark, it can make it difficult for police to see inside your vehicle if they need to. Dark tint can make it difficult for police to identify hit and run drivers and make eye contact with potential suspects in their vehicles. If the tint that you use on your car is too dark, you can get a ticket and will be forced to remove the tint. This can be a very time consuming procedure. The best way to find out the tinting regulations in your state is to call a local tint installer, contact the police department, or do some research online.

Step 2: Choose the Type of Tint You Want

There are a variety of tint types to choose from. After you have found out how dark your tint can be, you need to choose the tint that you want. There are a variety of shades of tint. You can also find a variety of effects as well. Some of these include metallic, reflective, and mirrored. The type that you choose depends on your own personal style.

Step 3: Clean the Windows

It is extremely important that you clean your windows thoroughly before applying the tint. You should clean the inside and the outside with a window cleaning solution and a squeegee. It may take more than one cleaning for the windows to be ready for tinting. It is important to clean the gasket which holds the window in place as well. If the gasket is dirty, the windows will get dirty again when you roll them down. If there is any residue in the gasket, you should use a razor blade to scrape it off. If the glass is not thoroughly cleaned, it will create air bubbles on the film. Also, be sure to dry the windows with a paper towel after you have pushed all the water down with the squeegee.

Step 4: Measure and Pre-Cut the Film

To pre-cut the film, you should unroll the film onto the window with the liner side up. The liner is the silk side, not the sticky side. Using a razor knife, you should cut the film to the approximate size of the window. Be sure to leave at least an extra inch on each side. This will ensure that the whole window will be covered. You are only pre-cutting during this step. It is not necessary to get the exact shape and size correctly. That would be done in the next step.

Step 5: Size and Trim the Film

xBegin by positioning the film. It should go in, straight bottom first, and about one inch below the top of the window’s inside rubber gasket. Once the bottom is placed, begin cutting the vertical edges. This should be done carefully, with a utility razor. You want to avoid damaging your window with the knife. After the two vertical edges are done, you can cut the top of the window. To do this, lower it down about 2 inches, and trim the top to fit the exact shape of the window. If you do not get the perfect shape the first time, do not get discouraged. It may take a few cuts to get it right.

Step 6: Apply the Application Solution

Start by spraying the inside of the window, generously with the application solution. You want to make sure that you use enough, however, do not use so much that it pours down the window onto the door panel. Next, peel off the film liner and spray the adhesive that is exposed with the application solution. Make sure that the film liner is firmly attached.

Step 7: Apply the Tint

Start this process with your window still rolled down about an inch. With the adhesive side facing the glass, carefully position the film onto the glass. To do this, you will need to slide it into place, and start with the bottom and work your way towards the top. From the middle out, use a squeegee to press the film onto the glass. If you feel the film grabbing the glass, apply more pressure with the squeegee. Make sure that there are no air bubbles. Next, roll the window up completely, and keep placing the film into the position. Slip the film under the window gasket, and use the squeegee as far as you can go. Continue using the squeegee to push all of the water and soap towards the edge of the window. To blot it away, wrap the squeegee in a paper towel. This should collect all of the excess water.

After you have finished tinting the windows, it is important that you do not roll your windows down for at least 48 hours. The tint’s adhesive needs time to dry and stick to the window before roll them down. After 48 hours, you will be able to roll your windows down as often as you wish.

Tinting your windows yourself is relatively simple and will cost you only the fraction of the cost that a professional would charge.

Article written by: Clara Peterson

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