Anyone Install Their Own Window Tint?

[Jason in DLH]

Been looking at tinting my own windows and have watched a few videos on it. Just wondering if anyone has done this themselves? I was looking into pre-cut tint such as this...

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated as I’ve never done this before!

 

[homesick]

I did a couple of my vans many years back. I used rolls and did my own cutting/trimming.

It was a lot of work, trying to be perfect 'n all. As time went by, random little air bubbles appeared, not a lot but too many. There were also a couple of spots where edges came unglued a bit.

Let me just say that I'm glad that factory tint is now so common.

joe

 

[drakon543]

im not sure if its just skill and or better supplies and materials. ive done a few myself seen alot of diy jobs and the difference between a professional job and a diy job are generally noticeable very easily. ive only ever seen a few diy that you couldn't notice from a short distance and had to get up close to notice. i just call around until i find the best price ntm how many of those companies will come to your vehicle anymore. i just dont see the point in having a subpar end result when you can just pay them to come tint your vehicle while your at work.

 

[kbuskill]

I have done a few of my vehicles when I was younger. The pre cut tint is definitely the easiest route to go if you insist on doing it yourself.

At my age I would rather take it somewhere and let a professional do it inside with the proper tools and quality materials.

I had my Burb done with nano-ceramic film and it makes a very noticeable difference in the heat transmission into the vehicle.

Had them do the entire windshield in 70% film and it was worth every penny.

 

[TheAutumnWind]

I've used the precut stuff from rtint. I'm not particularly good at it but it came out fine. Would use again.

 

[91RS]

Window tint is really a you get what you pay for item. You aren't saving enough money to be worth the hassle if you are paying $30 for the materials. Cheap tint places usually charge $70-$100 depending on tint brand for just front door windows.

 

[iamdub]

Then, if you end up having to bring it to a pro to do it right, it'll cost more cuz they'll have to remove the mess up rather than starting fresh.

 

[91RS]

Also most window tint places offer a lifetime warranty, another thing to consider.

 

[Sparksalot]

Ooo, those cargo area templates will be helpful for some other projects! Muchas gracias!

 

[2010gmcyukon]

As others have mentioned, it's not difficult to do, but it is difficult to do perfectly. I've done several of my own and the pre-cut tint does make it easier, but it still doesn't end up perfect. If you are a perfectionist, take it in to a reputable shop.

 

[Geoffsfas10]

If you can easily get the windows out of the doors, its not too bad. I thought about doing this with the pre cuts but the guy who did my front windows is so affordable for doing the rest Im just gonna have him do it., Wants $140 to do the rear 5 windows.

 

[PG01]

I put that on my 01 years ago. Stuff was fine, no scratches from inside felts and lasted until I sold it 12 yrs later

 

[ta6point6litre]

Been looking at tinting my own windows and have watched a few videos on it. Just wondering if anyone has done this themselves? I was looking into pre-cut tint such as this...

View attachment 261357


Any recommendations are greatly appreciated as I’ve never done this before!

I have used the pre-cut tint several times now and it is definitely worth doing it yourself. You will need a spray bottle full of soapy water, a squeegee, and a hair drier or heat gun. Baby shampoo works best for the soapy water. Remove your door panels and the window sweep. Clean both sides of your window glass and put you window down about an inch or two. Spray the hell out of both sides of the glass and both sides of the tint with the soapy water. They begin to peel off the tint from the backing, spraying generously with the soapy water. Place the tint on the inside of the glass and slide it around until you are happy with the placement, you want a small gap all the way around the top edge. One you have the placement you like, start squeegeeing out the water. Use the hair dryer as needed on any areas that need it. Roll up the windows and continue to squeegee out the water down to the bottom of the window. After an hour or two you can put the door panels back on. Wait at least a day or 2 before rolling your windows down. For $13 on eBay and a little work you can't beat it.

 

[Jason in DLH]

Thanks for all the recommendations everyone! Decided to give it a whirl. Heck, got baby shampoo already that I use on my prosthetic eye. Good to know it works for window tinting too!

 

[Just Fishing]

If you screw up and wish to remove the tint, this works wonders!
https://www.walmart.com/ip/SALAV-GS18-DJ-120-Performance-Series-Garment-Steamer-White/37733558

 

[Thrust]

I did my garage windows in a mirror tint. Take your time and make sure the window is clean. My windows came out great but it's not professional. And it was my garage so not as worried as if it was my vehicle.

 

[Jason in DLH]

I did my garage windows in a mirror tint. Take your time and make sure the window is clean. My windows came out great but it's not professional. And it was my garage so not as worried as if it was my vehicle.

Great idea for tinting the garage windows. When we were deciding on putting Windows in our garage I didn’t like the idea thinking people could look in and see if we were gone or not.

As for taking my time...I am certainly doing so. Much like the guy who walks back and forth to a cliff edge to jump in the water below. I’ve had the tint now since Nov 2 begging to be put on.