The Ultimate Guide on How to Tint Car Windows

Did you know that every state in the United States has its own laws when it comes to car window tint? Some states like New York require you to allow more than 70% of light in through the windshield, while states like New Hampshire allows you to have up to 35% of light coming in. If you are trying to learn how to tint car windows to keep your car from getting so hot this summer, you are in the right place.

Keep reading to learn more in our step by step guide below.

1. Choose Your Tint

After doing some research on the laws in your state, choose the type of film you prefer. Some film options you have include ceramic film, metalized window film, dyed film, and hybrid tint. If you opt for a more complicated type of coating tint then you can look for a professional that will take care of these window tinting services. 

2. Wash Your Windows

Before you can apply any type of film you need a clean surface. First, you need to use a lint-free cleaning cloth and wipe down each window that you will apply tint to. You can use a non-ammonia based window cleaner to help get rid of anything that is not coming off easily. 

It is best to not use Windex, instead mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and either wipe it on the window or spray it. You can use a blade to scrape the dirt and gunk on the window. Don’t forget to lower the window a tiny bit so that you can get the top of the window as well.

The key is to remove any adhesives or anything sticky that can create a problem when you are trying to stick your window film on. 

3. Measure the Film

Now you will spray soapy water on the outside of the window to allow it to temporarily adhere. This will help make it slippery enough to slide the film around to put it into place. Roll out the film and place it on the window with the side that peels off facing you and make sure that it covers the entire window. 

Leave 2-3 inches of extra tint on each edge to keep you from having to maneuver the entire roll as you measure the window. Start cutting the outline of the film to the shape of your window. Make sure that you start with the bottom of the windows and move on to the sides next. Do the top of the window last.

When you reach the top of the window, roll down the window a few inches before cutting the top of the film. Make sure that you cut the film at least 1/2″ or 1/4″ from the window gasket and the other borders. 

Use a squeegee to get any fingerprints or bumpy areas out of the window film. You can also use a heat gun to make any bumps go away easier. Once there are no bumps or fingerprints it is time to apply the film. 

4. Apply the Film

This is the fun part, now put some masking tape on one side of the tint liner and pull the two apart. Once you have the tint on its own spray the inside of the car window and the sticky side of the film with the application solution. 

You can use a scraper blade to help the tint adhere to the window. Make sure to use a hard edge to tuck the bottom of the tint into the bottom seal of your window. Once the film has adhered use a squeegee to take out any bubbles and streaks that are left behind. 

If there is any extra film use a blade or exacto knife to cut it off and use a lint-free towel to wipe off any excess water. A good tip to keep in mind is to work downward and outward as much as possible and use soapy water as needed to keep you from accidentally ripping the liner. 

5. Allow the Film to Cure

Even though your film will look great once you are done applying it, you want to give it time to cure. It takes a minimum of seven days to have a perfect seal. The best thing to do is to keep your vehicle somewhere that the temperature ranges between 40 and 98 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Do not roll your windows up and down for a minimum of three days to avoid it from shifting or completely coming off. 

Tips

One tip to help preserve your tint for as long as possible its to avoid any harsh chemicals when you clean your windows. This will keep the film from fading over time.

Another tip is, if you mess up a sheet or a cut, just replace it. Window tint is not too expensive and trying to save a piece that has a tear or a crease that you can’t get out is usually not worth the headaches.  

Now You Know How to Tint Car Windows

As you can see there is quite a bit of prepping when it comes to learning how to tint car windows. We hope that you are feeling confident in doing your own window film but if you are feeling a little overwhelmed, find a professional near you and let them take care of your tint. 

Did you learn something new today? Please come back soon to always stay in the know.