Window Tinting Installation Tips and Tricks

Home window tinting can be used to give you more privacy, to provide protection to your furnishings from harsh sunlight, and to help insulate your home during cold weather.  You can install home window tints yourself with a little know-how and some basic DIY skills.  Read on to find out more.

Buy the best 

To achieve the best results and longevity, always buy a professional-grade window tinting film and tinted window cleaner from a good supplier.

What you'll need

  • window tinting film
  • clean, empty spray bottle
  • mild, baby shampoo
  • bottled water 
  • drop cloth or clean towel
  • squeegee
  • craft knife
  • straight edge
  • paper towels
  • window tint cleaner

Preparation

  1. Begin by cleaning the window you want to tint.  There's no point trying to affix film to a dirty surface, as it won't adhere properly.  Make up a weak solution of baby shampoo and bottled water, and put it into the spray bottle.  
  2. Remove any obstructions from the window sill, and place a drop cloth or clean towel on the floor beneath the window to protect your flooring or carpets.  
  3. Spray your cleaning solution into the window crevices, starting at the top and working down.  Wipe out any debris, and then rinse the crevices thoroughly using clean, bottled water.   
  4. Spray the window with cleaning solution and squeegee it, drying around the edges with paper towel.  
  5. Unroll the window film onto a cutting board or work bench.  Using a craft knife and straight edge, cut the film to an area that is slightly larger than the window.  Remove the backing from the window tint by peeling it off carefully, beginning at one corner.  The backing will be clearly marked.  
  6. Spray the window with cleaning solution, and then place the window tint onto the glass.  The liquid will keep the tint in place but still allow you to move it around as required to get it into place.  This technique also prevents the tint from becoming creased and folded as you move it around.  
  7. When you're happy that the tint is in the correct position, run your squeegee down it to remove the water and allow the adhesive coating on the tint to stick it into place.  Don't worry if there are a few drops of water trapped underneath the film; these will dry out over the next couple of days and disappear.  
  8. Use your craft knife to carefully cut away the overlap, using just enough pressure to cut through the tint without damaging the glass underneath.  
  9. Finish off by cleaning the window using a tint-specific cleaning product obtained from your tint supplier.

In conclusion

You can apply window tint to your windows yourself by following the guidelines above.  Always use good quality tint and cleaning products obtained from a good supplier for the best results.


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