In Florida, window tinting, a simple but transformative installation, brings peace, comfort, and enjoyment while driving. It not only safeguards the passengers from outside heat but also ensures privacy, increases the longevity of the interiors, saves fuel on AC, restricts impacts of harmful UV rays, and so on.
But the question is how to install window tint. In a very short answer, the installation of the window tint process includes cleaning the window, cutting the film to size, applying it using a soapy water solution, and squeezing out air bubbles and excess water.
Here, we inform the whole window tinting process in a stepwise guide, along with some crucial tips and tricks.
Step-by-Step Guide to Install Window Tint
The process starts with arranging the necessary materials and tools and ends with curing. Let’s check out the whole process.
Step 01: Arrangement of Materials and Tools
First, gather all the necessary materials like soapy water solution, utility knife, squeegee, heat gun or hair dryer, microfiber towels, tinting applicator tool, cutting mat, tinting gloves, masking tape, etc.
Now, it is time to select the desired but right tint material. Consider the below points while going for the tint material selection.
- Purchase material from a reputable brand with a warranty.
- Consider your desired level of tint darkness while incorporating the Florida Tint Laws.
- Based on budget, choose from dyed, metallic, or ceramic tints.
- Always listen to the shopkeeper’s suggestions but do not take all. Use your own thinking and judgments.
Step 02: Make the Windows Dirt/Substance Free
Ensure you get rid of any stickers stuck to your car’s windows. Effectively remove any residual adhesives or sticky substances that might hinder the window film’s adhesion.
Clear out any obstacles inside your vehicle that could impede your work. And most importantly, do a complete cleaning process by vacuuming the interior to eliminate any dust particles’ presence.
Step 03: Cleaning with Soapy Water
Prepare a soapy water solution with a few drops of dish soap in warm water. Apply this solution to the window and use a 1-inch razor blade to effectively remove dirt and grime from both sides of the glass. Be thorough in the process.
Ensuring that all the edges and seals are cleaned properly. We highly recommend you not use any Windex or ammonia-based cleaners.
These substances can make the windows turn purple after tinting. Roll the window up to reach the bottom, and prepare almost a gallon of soapy water beforehand for a smoother workflow. Using a spray bottle is strongly recommended for this process. Finally, take a clean and dry rug. Wipe the entire surface of each window gently: we mean every centimeter, literally.
Step 04: Fixing the Tint Paper Size
Use the soapy water canister to spray soapy water outside of the window. Unroll the tint paper and go for test-setting. Keep 2-3 inches extra. Now, spray the water on the paper without removing the liner. The measurement is done (with 2-3 inches extra).
Now, cut the respective piece for each window from the main large tint roll. Finally, do a test fitting of the tint material on the windows and cut off the previously kept additional inches.
Step 05: Applying the Tint
Start from the top and work all the way down to remove any trapped air and water from the tint film. Smooth the entire film on the outside of the window and as the work progresses downwards. Be aware you that there will be zig-zagging patterns caused by air pockets.
Consider these positive indicators. Continue pressing down, and then use a heat gun along the window’s bottom to ensure complete drying. Leave the tint on the outside for a while; just make sure it remains dust-free. Ample soapy water is needed. Clean between the seal and the window, spray the entire window with soapy water, and peel off the top half of the tint. Slide it between the fingers to remove the adhesive layer. Align the top edge of the tint with the window’s top edge while keeping the window slightly down.
Then, insert the sides into the seals on the right and left. And use a squeegee to work out water from the top and sides. Here, it is essential to avoid the bottom where the liner is. Keep a hand on the tint to prevent shifting. Lastly, ensure there’s enough soapy water to prevent sticking.
Step 08: Finishing
In the final step, gently tuck the tint into the lower seal with your fingers and a firm tool. Apply more soapy water and pull back the seal using the fingers. Then, use the tool to press the film onto the window. Smooth it out, directing water and air bubbles toward the edges. Work downward and outward. It is needed to spray more soapy water to prevent tearing the liner. Keep squeegeeing for a seamless finish.
DIY vs Professional Installation for Window Tints
Below are the pros and cons of both tint installation processes.
DIY Process
Here are the pros and cons of DIY tint jobs.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Precut kits are available for various vehicle models, simplifying the installation process
- Real time-saver
- Provides a sense of accomplishment
Cons
- Achieving professional-looking results is nearly impossible.
- Clean installation work is challenging.
- Tinting may not comply with local laws.
- DIY tinting does not come with any certificate.
Professional Tint Installation
Here are the pros and cons of a professional tint job.
Pros
- A professional look at the work.
- Any issues are rectified promptly.
- The time saved and superior results outweigh the DIY.
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Ensures legal window tints
Cons
- It is expensive in most cases.
- Material is selected by the shop.
- Worker’s experience affects the work quality.
How to Choose the Right Window Tint Professional for Your Car
The following are the points.
- Check for the experience: at least 2 years of working experience is better.
- Look for some certification. A certificate confirms his or her ability to do the job exactly.
- Always get a professional who can show some references. Here, you can take your friend or family’s recommendations.
- Monitor the first half hour of work. It will reveal a lot about the worker’s professionalism.
- Take assistance from reputed agencies that supply tint professionals.
Things To Consider When Choosing Window Tint
The following things to consider when choosing the right window tint.
- The overall cost of the chosen window tint solution.
- Fade resistance capacity.
- The darkness or lightness of the tint.
- The overall aesthetics.
- Equipped with features like added insulation and UV protection.
- Ensures a proper fit and installation.
Tools Required to Tint Car Windows
The required tools are a soapy water solution, spray bottle, utility knife, squeegee, heat gun or hairdryer, microfiber towels, tinting applicator tool, cutting mat, tinting gloves, masking tape, etc.
Tips for Taking Care of Your Tinted Windows
Below is the list of tips to take care of tinted windows.
- After applying window tint, allow ample time to dry before cleaning to prevent damage.
- Go for a window cleaner that’s safe for tinted windows to avoid any adverse reactions with the film.
- Ensure the film is completely dry after cleaning to prevent streaks or water spots that can affect visibility.
- Be cautious with seatbelts and sharp objects near tinted windows.
- Take consistent care of window tint to extend its lifespan.
Conclusion
Getting window tints correctly can make the driver’s life easy. Additionally, it gives privacy, cuts glare, and shields your car from UV rays. We hope that our guide on how to install window tint will assist you enormously. Remember, doing a good window tint requires experience and expertise, and that can only be earned by practicing.
