Posted By Vinyl Frog On May 05, 2023

How To Tint Car Windows? Step-By-Step Guide

Tinted car windows add a sleek, sophisticated and glamorous look to the vehicle. They make your car a definite head turner on the road exuding opulence. But the real question is: How to apply tint to car windows? The procedure is a bit lengthy and requires patience and expertise.

Though it is a job better left to the automotive professionals, if you think you have the necessary knowhow, a proper garage, right tools and a helping hand, you can do it yourself as well. Let’s see how to apply window tint, what you need for it and what are its advantages and downsides.

What Is Window Tinting?

Window tinting is a process of applying a thin laminate film to darken the windows of a vehicle. Most people, while renovating their cars, often think about getting their windows tinted. The types of tint and the reason why it is being applied may vary from vehicle to vehicle.

Car window tint looks exquisite if it is done by a professional. Make sure you choose the premium quality film available in the market to get the best results. Generally, people tint their car windows to block the sunlight rays that can harm their eyes and skin. Some people like to get tinting done to maintain privacy. Window tinting also keeps the car's temperature cool.

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Although it is recommended to hire a professional’s services for tinting car windows, you can do it yourself as well. As it is becoming common these days, tinting films are also available in pre-cuts to adjust to the size of your window.

Different Types Of Car Window Tints

Before you tint car windows, you have to decide which tint you should opt for. There are different types available, here’s a lowdown on each:

Dyed Tint Film: This is the most common and economical tint film for car windows that has layers of dyed plastic. It is good for aesthetics but does not work well if your primary role is to block UV rays. Moreover, it is not a long term solution and may fade over time.
Metalized Tint Film: This has small metal particles between the layers of film. When applied on car windows, it keeps the sunlight away, is more durable and doesn’t fade with time as well. It is, however, more expensive than dyed films and may even interfere with your cell phone reception and GPS signals.
Carbon Tint Film: This has a unique matte finish due to the carbon particles. This tint will make your car windows highly distinctive. It provides excellent protection against UV rays. It is best for insulation as well. Hence it will keep your car warm during winter and block heat during summers. With so many advantages, carbon window tints are bound to be expensive.
Ceramic Tint Film: This is the top-notch tint for your car windows that is excellent both in terms of aesthetics and performance. It has ceramic particles that block 99% of the UV rays. It reduces glare, without affecting visibility. It does not get scratched or damaged easily. This is the most expensive option though.

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Tips For Choosing The Best Car Window Tint

Before you get overwhelmed with the variety in different tints, here’s what you should consider before buying one for your car windows:

First and foremost, check the window tinting laws in your state and the other states you frequently visit. You don’t want to get in trouble with the law enforcement authorities.
Consider how much UV protection a car window tint will give. Keeping away UV rays and IR light extends the life of seats, carpet, dashboard and trim. Plus, cooler interiors will reduce air conditioner usage, eventually saving fuel. You would want to choose a tint film with these benefits.
Don’t go for a very dark tint as it might impact visibility especially if you are driving at night. It is not even allowed in most of the states.
Always read product reviews and research before buying a car window tint film.
Do not compromise on the quality of the film if you want a long lasting, durable solution.

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Tools Required To Tint Car Windows

For any enterprise to succeed, having the right set of tools is highly imperative. Once you have decided which tint film you will apply to your car windows, here’s what you need for the process:

Window tint: When getting a window tint, do not compromise on the quality. Vinyl Frog has some of the excellent heat rejecting window tint films in varying VLT percentages that give you the best value for money. Get the one that is according to the law and that suits your needs perfectly.
Spray Bottle: Take a large spray bottle with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. You will need a large one that can hold a gallon of water.
Cutting Knife: This is needed for cutting the tint film according to the dimensions of the window. Check out the branded cutting knife at Vinyl Frog for clean and precise cuts.
Squeegee: You can easily remove creases and bubbles from a tint using a squeegee. It also ensures smooth adherence of the tint film to the car windows.

The Process Of Tinting Car Windows

Here’s a step by step guide to tint car windows flawlessly.

Step 1: Preparing The Window For Tint

The first step is to prep and clean the area, the interior of the vehicle and the surface of the car windows for tint installation. There shouldn’t be any dirt, dust, grease or other contaminants on the window.

The area you are working in should be clean without any dirt. Work indoors preferably in a clean garage.
Clean and vacuum the interior of your car so that no dust will interfere with the process during tint application.
Remove any stickers, if you have, on the window and thoroughly clean any adhesive residue. Mix some dish soap with water in a spray bottle and clean the surface of the window. Use a big spray bottle that can hold almost a gallon of water. Clean the window with it using a sponge. Do not forget to clean the edges, seal and the bottom.
Use a soft squeegee to remove all the dirt and dust from the windows. Make sure to remove even the tiniest speck of dirt to avoid any flaws during tint application. This way you will have bubble-free tinting.
You cannot leave the window wet. Use a microfiber cloth to dry it completely. Do not forget to dry off the edges of the car window. Now roll the window up completely.

Step 2: Measuring The Tint

Unroll the tint film in such a way that the adhesive side is facing you. Spray soapy water on the outside of the window and place the tint on it. Put the tint on the entire window to measure leaving an extra 2 to 3 inches from the edges. Do not remove the liner. Remember, to size the tint in reverse so that the adhesive side should face you.

Step 3: Cut The Tint

Now that you have the correct size of the tint, you can start cutting it. Use the branded cutting knife from Vinyl Frog to cut a manageable size to fit your car window. Try to cut as cleanly as possible. Clean up any rough edges.

Spray the front of the tint film with soapy water (not the adhesive side. The adhesive side should face you). This will make it stick temporarily on the outside of the window. Take your knife and cut the film along the bottom and left edges of the window.

Now shift the tint film a bit towards the left edge. It should be one inch extra on the left side. Now cut along the right edge of the window. Once done, slide the film back into position. You will notice that there is half an inch of extra film both on the left and the right side.

Now slide the film down towards the bottom edge. It should be one inch extra on the bottom side. Now cut the film along the top edge of the car window. When you pull the tint back into place, it will be half an inch extra on all four sides now.

Step 4: Apply The Film

Now it’s time to apply the film to the car window:

Spray the inside glass of the window with soapy water.
Peel off the top half of the liner from the adhesive side of the window tint film.
Spray the adhesive that is now exposed with soapy water.
Roll down your window slightly and line up the adhesive side of the tint film with the glass of the window.
If the water starts to dry up, spray again to make the surface wet.
Scrape the creases and bubbles to the outside edges using a squeegee.
Once you are sure that the upper half of the tint film has been positioned and applied correctly, roll the window up.
Remove the liner from the bottom half, spray with soapy water and apply the film.
As you reach the edges, use a squeegee to tuck the film in. For the bottom edge, you may have to pull the seal back with your fingers and tuck the tint film in.
Once again, spray the surface with soapy water all over and remove any creases or bubbles in the film.
Keep a hand on the film firmly at all times while using a squeegee so that it does not move from its place.
Repeat the process with all windows.

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You have perfectly applied the tint film on your car window. Leave the tints on for 48 hours to fully fix and cure, then you can roll down your window or take your car out for a ride.

Pros And Cons Of Tinting Your Car Windows

With everything comes its advantages and disadvantages. Same goes for car window tinting.

Pros

A car window tint film…

Saves the interior from fading and losing its color, including seat covers and dashboard.
Keeps the car cool and maintains the temperature inside.
Protects you from harmful UV rays.
Prevents the car window from shattering upon impact.
Looks stylish and makes the vehicle stand out from the crowd.
Provides privacy and can prove to be valuable if security is your main concern.
Does not burn a hole in your pocket depending on the type of film you choose.

Cons

Every state has different rules and laws for tints. Do check them before you get your car windows tinted.
A tint film can be damaged or torn off which will require a complete reapplication.
Durability comes with a cost. Cheaper window tints will fade and tear away sooner than expected.

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Signs That Your Car Window Tint Needs Replacement

If bubbles, bulges, or air pockets are formed in the film, this might be a sign that the tint was not installed properly on your car window and needs to be replaced.
If you notice that the edges are peeling off, you need to change the tint film.
If the film is punctured somehow by a key, screw, or knife. The holes in the tint will make it look old and damaged hence it should be replaced.
Scratches on the film are an eyesore and indicate that the tint needs to be replaced. Dirt and debris can cause scratches on your car window tint.
Discoloration causes the tint to become darker, which will then reduce visibility so it is better to replace it on time
If you see the tint coming off, this means the adhesive is no longer sticky.

Tips To Take Care Of The Tint

In order to ensure the longevity of your car window tint, you will have to take care of it. This is what you need to do:

The tint film should not come in contact with water for almost a week after installation.
Always use a window cleaner or a tint solution to clean the windows.
Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the tint film.
Dry the tint completely after cleaning using a soft cloth.
Use ammonia-free cleaners to avoid discoloration.
Avoid using harsh and brittle sponges.
Enter and exit the car with care. You do not want to scratch the tint film with a seatbelt or other sharp objects.
Park the window in shade. You do want the UV rays to damage your tint.
Regularly inspect your car window tint for creases and bubbles.

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Tint For Car Windows At Vinyl Frog

At Vinyl Frog, we have some of the premium quality car window tints that are durable and long lasting, and promise to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your vehicle. Equipped with a strong adhesive, they adhere firmly to the glass of your car window, offering a smooth, professional application without any creases or bubbles.

Overlaid with nano-ceramic articles, our window tint prevents the harmful rays of the sun from damaging the interior of your vehicle. It also mitigates the risk of skin damage and other health hazards caused by the sun. By keeping the interior of the car cool, it also increases the fuel average of the vehicle.

Our window tint films are available in varying VLT percentages such as 5%, 20%, 35%, 50% and 70%. Get the one that best suits your needs and is in accordance with the laws in your state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s Tint Car Windows

To put it briefly, car window tints are in vogue. We recommend getting it done by a professional rather than installing it yourself. An expert will ensure flawless application and longevity of the film. You can get a darker tint to block the sun's rays or get a lighter one, but don’t forget to check the state’s laws before deciding. Make sure you follow the guidelines to avoid any mistakes. At Vinyl Frog, we have some of the finest window tint films. Visit our online store today to buy supreme quality heat rejecting tint films and get the best value for money!