For many people, having tinted car windows is more than just a style statement but a necessity. While there are car models that are being sold with tinted windows, older models are not so lucky. For this reason, many people are wondering how to tint car windows without a professional’s help.
In this guide, you will find out just how the pros do it. In that way, you can also try to do it on your own. This will not only save you money but also gain you bragging rights. The truth is you can do it either using sheets or spray. Let’s look at each method to find out which one is easier and better than the other.
How to Tint Car Windows Using Sheets
If you are planning to use sheets for tinting your windows, you have to make sure that the conditions are accurate. By conditions, we mean that the area you work in must be dry and warm. Otherwise, the sheets won’t stick to the windows properly. Improper installation would impact the overall finish of the tinted window.
Once the conditions are favorable, here are the steps you need to take:
- Take Out Weather Strips If Any
The tint sheet is fitted on the inner side of the window. So, in case your windows have weather strips on them, you will have to take them off. You can remove them by pulling them off, but that won’t be possible for every car. Most of the cars would require you to detach the door trim panels with which the strips are attached.
- Clean the Windows
Before you begin attaching the sheet, you need to make sure that the windows are clean. Obviously, you can’t make sure of that unless you clean them yourself. Therefore, thoroughly clean the interior side of the windows and pay special attention towards the removal of hard water spots. Remove all the fine dust, dirt, and muck from the surface as well.
For easy and quick cleaning, use a soapy solution and a soft sponge to prevent any scratches. Afterward, wipe it dry using a soft and absorbent leather cloth.
- Measure the Windows and Cut the Sheet Accordingly
Next, take the proper measurements of all the frames separately. Then, outline the tint sheet and cut it as per each window. Do not cut the sheet as per the exact measurements; instead, keep a slight margin of around one inch on each side. Lastly, you would also want to make sure that the shape of the sheet is correctly cut.
- Stick the Tint Sheet
Once you are done with cutting the sheets, it’s time to stick them onto the windows. Start with one sheet at a time and cautiously take off the protective film shielding the sticky side of the sheet.
Thoroughly wet the sticky side of the sheet and the window using the solution. Now, carefully place the sheet on the window with the sticky surface facing it. Make sure that you have properly placed the sheet and it covers every inch of the window.
- Trim Away the Extra Sheet
After attaching the sheet to the glass, softly pull all of its edges while smoothing it out. Use a craft blade for trimming away all the extra edges that you left behind. While cutting the edges, it is better to keep the size of the sheet a tad bit smaller from the window itself. Once the edges are trimmed, rub a wet sponge on it all over again to remove any air bubbles.
- Finish
For sealing the sheet from the corners, use a transparent nail varnish and apply a very thin coating around the edges. Make sure the nail glaze is non-yellowing. Wait for the sheet and nail paint to dry off fully before pulling the windows down. Once they dry out, you can reposition the weather strips if you want.
Tinting Car Windows Using Spray
If using tint sheets is too much of a work for you, the easier and quicker way is to go for spray-on tint. Here are the steps you need to take for spray tinting:
- Start by thoroughly cleaning the windows in the same way we mentioned above.
- Cover up all the nearby areas of paintwork to avoid any unpleasant accident. Use newspapers and masking tape for entirely covering up the upholstery, dashboard, and other instruments as well. Be careful while covering the edges below the windows.
- Vigorously shake the spray bottle to mix up the tint solution properly. Hold the bottle at a distance of six inches from the window and begin spraying using steady and even strokes.
- Pull the window glass slightly down to cover the upper edge of the window easily. Once the paint on it dries, wind it up to cover the lower corner.
- Wait for the color to dry out completely. Make sure not to pull the window glass up or down while the paint is still wet. Once it dries, remove the masking tape from the corners of the windows.
Benefits of Tinting Car Windows
In addition to making your vehicle look totally dandy, tinted windows offer numerous other benefits as well. Let’s take a look at them all.
- Helps You Drive Better
Sunlight can be really irritating when you have to face it directly while driving. Not only does it bother your eyes but it also affects your driving. Tinted car glasses prevent the bright sunlight from disturbing your eyes and sight.
- Keeps Your Privacy Intact
Nobody likes to get unwelcomed peeks by strangers while sitting in their car. Tinted car windows help in maintaining your privacy no matter what part of the town you are in.
They also help in guarding the stuff you have kept inside your vehicle, like your wallet, handbag, gadgets, and the likes. This means that there is nothing to attract the attention of thieves and muggers.
- Protects the Upholstery
Parking your car in direct sunlight for prolonged hours can damage the upholstery. Tinted windows don’t let your car get too hot from the inside by blocking the dangerous UV rays. This, in turn, notably extends the life of your vehicle’s upholstery.
- Impact Resistance
Tint, particularly tinted sheets, help in increasing the impact resistance of your car’s windows. This means your windows won’t shatter that easily from small accidents.
- Heat Reduction
Since the tint blocks almost 90% of the harmful UV rays, it helps in keeping the interior of your vehicle cool too. This turns out to be a total boon when you park your car in the sunlight on hot summer days.
Conclusion
See, learning how to tint car windows is not that difficult. Through basic DIY skills, you can easily do it by following the steps mentioned above. Now, you can add style to your car without having to hire a professional and paying top dollar. After all, it is very simple to do.
