How to Tint a Sunroof

It is very common to see people driving vehicles with tinted windows. More and more people are getting their sunroofs tinted as well. Not only does this enhance your vehicle's appearance, but a tinted sunroof helps keep your vehicle cooler by blocking out the sun. Although there are professional tinting shops, you can actually do this project on your own.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Window tinting kit
• Squeegee
• Spray bottle
• Knife or razor blade
• Mild soap
• Paper towels or a lint free cloth
• Ruler

1. Choose the appropriate shade of tint for your sunroof. A light tint (5 to 10 percent) is usually preferable. This is just dark enough to keep the interior of the car cool, but not so dark that it compromises your view of the sky or greatly reduces the amount of light that comes through your roof. Make sure that the tint is also designed to protect against UV rays.

2. Purchase a window tinting kit from a local auto parts store or online. Most sites will sell pre-cut kits customized for your make or model of car as well as rolls of tint that you can cut to size yourself.

3. Clean the interior of the sunroof glass with a solution of 1 tsp. mild soap to 1 qt. distilled water, wiping it dry with paper towels or a lint-free cloth. Be sure to clean the glass two to three times with window cleaner before tinting the sunroof.

4. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the window tint film. Make sure that your fingers and hands are free from dirt, debris, lotion or any sort of chemicals.

5. Take a piece of the window tint film and lay it over the interior side of the sunroof to ensure a good fit. If you don't have a pre-cut kit that includes a sunroof-sized section of window tint, you will need to trace the shape of your sunroof onto a larger sheet and carefully cut it out.

6. Peel off the clear protective backing from the film, being very careful not to let the film fold back on itself as you do so.

7. Spray the soapy water solution on the backside of the sheet of tint as well as on the interior sunroof glass. Position the tint by lining it up with the top corners of your sunroof, then carefully smoothing it down across the rest of the glass.

8. Use a squeegee to remove the solution and air bubbles from the film by starting in the center of the sunroof and slowly moving outward. Be sure to squeegee the entire sunroof glass. Then, re-apply the solution and repeat the same steps with the squeegee.

9. Cut any overlapping pieces with a sharp utility knife or razor blade. Use a ruler to ensure that you cut off the pieces evenly.

10. Allow the tint to cure by leaving your sunroof closed for at least three days. It's a good idea to leave your other windows closed during that time, as well. Park your car in the sun to accelerate the drying process.

Tips & Warnings

• Tint your sunroof in a clean work area that is as dust-free as possible.
• If you to cut tint film to fit your sunroof, try making a paper template instead of tracing the shape of your sunroof directly onto the film.
• While state laws limiting tint darkness on vehicles normally apply only to the front, back and side windows, several states outlaw the use of red, yellow or amber-colored tint anywhere on the car, including the sunroof.
• Do not tint your sunroof during the winter.