Who tints their own windows?

[httrdd]

I want to tint my windows by myself, but I want it to look good. Can someone recomend some good tools for the job and what to prep the surface with? Not that I am cheap, I just am too stubborn to let someone else do it if I can! Ok I guess I am cheap!!!! :grin:

[dodik]

I did tint a few times on all my cars i've had.
tools needed
one very soft rubber squeegee
one medium/hard plastic squeegee (credit card or similar)
one razor ( i use olfa snap-off cutter)
one spray bottle with slick mixture of clear dishwashing liquid and water
one open old school style razor blade and/or scraper
few microfiber towels or anything else LINT free
desired tint ( i use gila from autozone )
scotch tape
few days of decent weather with temps between 40-80

lots of patience and steady hands
having a friend also helps but i managed all by myself

1. prepping surface
main goal here is make it as clean as possible
by clean i mean get rid of all the lint and what ever else might be stuck onto your window
for side windows i use open razor blade/scraper to remove anything that might be on the window and clean with soapy water. do not use any chemicals like ammonia or acetone based solvents or tint wont stick to the window if you must use them then wait a day or two befoer putting tints on and clean clean clean with soapy water.

for rear window do not use razor at all or you will loose your defroster. just use soapy water to clean

NEVER USE PAPER TOWELS or you will have lint.

after you are satisfied with the cleanliness of you windows clean them on the outside not to the same extent but just so they are clean.

2. how to make a right template for a specific window
tint has clear backing to it so it consists of two layer just like any sticker

cut from the roll adequate amount of tint locate which side is backing which is tint

spray the outside of the window with soapy solution spray a lot dont be greedy take the tint and stick to the outside of the window with clear backing facing outside and tint itself to the window. slide around the glass to make sure film covers it completely remember to leave at least half an inch on the bottom of the window extra will need to be tucked in behind weather seal inside. once you are satisfied with location of the film take out your razor knife and cut around the window all excess tint to the exact size you want it to be on the inside.

3. take microfiber towel and clean inside of the window again. spray inside of the glass a lot
take two small pieces of scotch tape put one on each side of the film at any corner preferably one of the top ones and pull them apart. this should split film in two layers backing and tint itself. dont pull all off at once pull just enough for you to be able to start sticking it to the window and as you go keep pulling backing away more and more untill all backing is gone and tint is fully applied to the window no slide it where you think it should be. it will slide easily if you applied enough soapy mixture.

4. once satisfied with its location start getting water out with the soft rubber squeegee wet the squeegee a bit so it slides easily .
once all major amount of water is out take firmer squeegee and get the rest out.

if you are still reading this then pm me ill finish the rest of where to tuck excess tint at the bottom and some small tips and trick lol oh and i dint proofread this if any typos sorry

[httrdd]

Nice writeup thanks! :smt023 I am going to clay the windows first before anything. That will assure the windows are as clean as possible. This should be in DIY under sticky!!!

[Huffer]

Step one: find a clean, enclosed and heated garage. Heat this room to 65F at least.
Step two: claybar the inside of the windows but also use a razor blade held at a 60deg angle to get rid of even more stuff you can't see.
Step three: wuss out like I did and buy precut tint from ebay - $40 shipped for a full car
Step four: follow all the other "DIY tint guides" out there in application and take your time. Use plenty of fluid/washer liquid.
Step five: if you are at all squeamish about doing the rear glass - don't do it. Take it to a pro and have them apply your precut tint. The rear glass on sedans is AWFUL.

If you hunt around, you will find pro-tinters who will do jobs on the side for $150 or so... a full tint job usually costs $250 at a shop.
I found a guy in my area who will tint my families' cars (3) for $110 a piece if I provide an indoor heated area for him to work.