The Best Way to Tint the Rear Windows of a Car
The rear window of most cars contains compound curves. They are curved both at the sides and at the top and bottom. To deal with this challenge, it is usually necessary to apply your tint film in narrow strips, otherwise you could end up with creases as you attempt to cover the curves. In addition, access to the rear window inside some cars is extremely limited and difficult at best. If it is possible for you to do, it is sometimes recommended to remove the rear deck entirely. Barring this, you will have to work around it.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Clean cloths
- Rear window tint kit
- Cleaning solution
- Scraper
- Florescent light
Instructions
-
-
1
Clean the car thoroughly inside and out. Use a product recommended by your film choice as a cleaning/adhesive solution. Work in a clean environment, preferably indoors out of direct sun and wind.
-
2
Clean each window surface again immediately before placing each strip of the film.
-
-
3
Use the outside of the rear window as a template for your strips. Wet the window, place the strips and use a rubber edged scraper to adhere the right side (not the sticky side) of the film to the outside of the window.
-
4
Trim the edges of the film following the outline of the dot matrix pattern on the car window. You may use a fluorescent shop light inside the car to help illuminate as you cut.
-
5
Complete three strips, overlapping them by no more than 1/8 inch in the middle.
-
6
Attach two strips of invisible tape at a corner of the film to each side of the film. Hold onto the tape, and pull the film from the liner. Spray liberally with solution as you pull it apart to minimize static.
-
7
Move with the top strip of film to the inside of the car. Wet the window down, and apply the strip, using the rubber scraper to work out the liquid. Work from top to bottom, starting at one side. Spray for the next strip and repeat.
-
8
Cut your final film strip as above, but cut out around the brake light, if applicable. Move to the inside and apply this strip as well.
-
9
Press all the liquid from between the strips and the glass, again working from the top downward. Wrap a cloth around your scraper to catch and pull out excess liquid around the edges. Work out any wrinkles or bubbles as you go.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always use a fresh sharp blade when cutting tint film.
Use microfiber or other lint free cloths for best results.
Do not allow your film to contact the back deck of the car, as it could pick up lint or debris that will mar your tint job.
