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How To Tint Car Windows

Install window tinting in an area that is clean, dust-free, dry, shady, and free of dust. A garage would be ideal. Don’t hurry and be patient. Follow all the steps carefully to ensure a good job. Installing window film correctly on each side may take up to 30 minutes.

Keep your fingers moist with soapy water. Avoid bending the film when installing. It is useful to have an extra pair of hands.

Tools/Materials

Before you begin the installation, make sure that you have all of the necessary items. Consider buying an installation kit which includes many of the following items:

  • Window film;
  • Large Spray Bottle Full of Soapy Water — You’ll Need at Least a Gallon. Mix two tablespoons of dish soap with a quart of warm water.
  • Razor blade scraper and blades;
  • Microfiber towels;
  • Tint applicator;
  • Silicone squeegee;
  • Replacement blades for the precision knife;
  • Vacuum cleaner;
  • Heat gun.

Prepare the Windows

Never use commercial cleaners, or ammonia-based ones. They can change the tint color.

Remove dust and dirt by vacuuming the interior. Wash the windows inside and out with soapy water. After cleaning the top of the glass with the soapy water, raise the window and close it. Re-wet the window. Remove any dirt, grime, or stickers residue with the razor scraper.

Clean the window trim and all seals and gaskets. Also, clean any crevices or nooks where dirt and grime could be hidden. Dry the glass completely with the squeegee, and microfiber towels. Wrap your squeegee in a towel to dry the seals and window trim.

Size the Tint Film

You need to know which side has the adhesive. The adhesive liner should not be removed. This step is not about installing tint. Instead, it’s using the outside of your glass as a guide. Start at the front passenger-side window:

  • Soak the exterior glass in soapy water.
  • Unroll the tint.
  • Cover the entire window with the adhesive facing outwards, leaving plenty overhang.
  • This piece can be cut from the roll.
  • Press the tint gently onto the glass for a temporary fixation..
  • Trim the film to a manageable square size. Leave two to three inches of overlap on the glass.
  • The tint squeegee can be used to wet and smooth the film.
  • With the squeegee, or with your hand, hold the film in position.
  • Cut along the bottom of the glass (front to rear) and then the back with the precision blade.
    • Pro tip: Use only enough force on the blade to cut film at a low-angle.
  • The film should be pulled straight back so that it overlaps the edge of the window by about 1/2 inch.
  • Trim the front straight edge of the film (the area by the sideview-mirror).
  • There should be 1/4 inch extra film at the front and back of the glass. Extra film should be placed on the front and the back of the glass.
  • The film should be lowered until it is one inch below the bottom of your glass.
  • The bottom of your film should be wetted and then gently lifted away from the bottom glass/body.
  • Reduce the window by one inch.
  • The tint squeegee can be used to wet the glass, and then smooth the film out.
  • Use the glass to guide you when cutting the film.
  • Carefully cut off any excess film on the front or back of the glass.
  • Remove any wrinkles or corners.

Apply the Tint Film

  • Wash and dry all window trims and seals again. The film will bubble if there is any dust or dirt on the window.
  • Use plenty of soapy, warm water to spray the inside of your glass.
  • Remove the adhesive backing from the window film before you remove it.
    • Pro tip: Spraying the adhesive solution with soapy water will help the film slide more easily into place.
  • Peel the outside film off the glass by lowering the window one inch.
  • Use the adhesive side that is wet to adhere to the glass.
    • Pro tip: Roll up the bottom edge of the film before applying it to prevent the adhesive from absorbing dirt.
  • Slide the film into place and spray it.
  • The film should be centered and about 1/16 inch away from the window. There should be a space of about 1/16-inch below the window.
  • Use the tint squeegee, working toward the top and sides, to remove air and water bubbles.
  • Raise the window.
  • Spray the glass and film bottoms.
  • Use the tint squeegee again to remove all air and water bubbles under the film.
  • Use the squeegee to tuck the exposed edges of film beneath the window seals.
  • Continue spraying the film while you remove air bubbles to prevent tearing.
    • Pro tip: Use a heat gun to remove excess water, air bubbles and stretch the film so that it fits properly on curved windows. Do not get too close to the film or leave it on for too long. The film can be damaged by too much heat.
  • After finishing, use a microfiber cloth free of lint to dry the film.

Repeat the steps for every window. After the window is finished, leave it up for seven to ten days to let the adhesive cure.

This post was written by a professional at M Tint. M Tint is your ultimate destination for professional Los Angeles auto tint. With over 20 years of unparalleled expertise in the industry, we have established ourselves as the go-to specialists for all your window tinting needs. At the heart of our company is Marcos, our esteemed owner, who has dedicated his career to mastering the art and science of window tinting. Under his leadership, M Tint has grown into a reputable and trusted name, synonymous with quality, precision, and customer satisfaction.

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