How to: Black Magic Window Tint
by Danny Donahue
Window tint protects the interior of a vehicle from damaging solar rays. It also significantly changes the look of the vehicle. Black Magic window tint is an inexpensive product available in several grades, each with a different price range. Black Magic products are sold in the automotive sections of large discount chains and retail automotive outlets, as well as online. Applying Black Magic window tint takes just a few tools, most of which are supplied by the manufacturer.
Step 1
Cover the inside perimeter of the window frame with masking tape. Clean the window with a mild window cleaning chemical. Scrub any stubborn spots with a nylon scrub pad. Drag the blade of the squeegee across the window to remove any moisture. Dry the window with a lint-free cloth.
Step 2
Measure each edge of the window. Secure the Black Magic window tint film to the frame with masking tape. Cut the tint film 1 inch wider than the width of the window. Cut the tint film 1 inch longer than the height of the window. Cut the tint film with a razor knife to get a sharp edge.
Step 3
Wet the outside of the window with the spray bottle. Press the window tint onto the wet surface. Rub the squeegee across the tint film to flatten it against the glass and remove all bubbles. Trim the tint film along the top and both sides with the razor knife. Leave a 1/2-inch strip of film hanging below the bottom edge of the window.
Step 4
Pull the tint film off the outside of the window. Pat the film with a lint-free rag to remove any moisture. Stick a piece of masking tape on each side of one corner of the film. Pull the two pieces of tape apart to separate the tint film from its protective backing. Slowly peel the two apart. Discard the protective covering.
Step 5
Wet the inside of the window by spraying it liberally with water. Press the adhesive side of the tint film against the wet side of the window. Spray the outside of the tint film with water. Drag the squeegee across the surface of the film from the top of the window to the bottom to remove air bubbles. Tuck the extra 1/2 inch of film between the glass and the gasket at the bottom of the window.
Step 6
Spray the tint film with water and squeegee again to remove any remaining air bubbles from under the film. Remove the masking tape and let the window dry completely before lowering the window or driving the car.
References
Things You'll Need
- Masking tape
- Mild window cleaning chemical
- Nylon scrub pad
- Squeegee
- Lint-free rag
- Tape measure
- Razor knife
- Spray bottle filled with water
Warnings
- Always check the state and local laws that apply to your vehicle. Each state, and some localities, has specific laws concerning window tint.
- Apply Black Magic window tint only when the temperature is between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not apply Black Magic window tint if the temperature will dip below freezing in the three days after installation.
- Apply Black Magic window tint only in a dust-free environment that is well lit and will receive no direct sunlight.
Writer Bio
After learning electronics in the U.S. Navy in the 1980s, Danny Donahue spent a lifetime in the construction industry. He has worked with some of the finest construction talent in the Southeastern United States. Donahue has been a freelance writer since 2008, focusing his efforts on his beloved construction projects.
