Step-by-Step Window Tinting

Learn how to tint your car windows.

Your friends may advise you that you need a professional to install window tint on your car windows. But if you're patient and meticulous, you can apply your own window tint and save yourself a lot of money. Each state has specifications on how your car windows should be tinted. Make sure to check your state's restrictions about car window opacity. Buy a window tint that complies with your local regulations.

Things You'll Need

• Craft paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Flat work surface
• Window cleaner
• Paper towels
• Spray bottle
• Squeegee
• Utility knife

Instructions

1. Roll down your car window about 1/8 of an inch. Place a piece of craft paper against the window, making sure it reaches all sides. Trace around the outline of the window onto the craft paper with a pencil.

2. Cut the template out of the paper with a pair of scissors. Hold the template up to the window and check if it's exactly the same size as the window.

3. Lay the window tinting film on a large, smooth, flat surface. Lay your template on top of the film. Trace around your template onto the back or "wrong" side of the film. Cut out the film with a pair of scissors. Repeat this process for all the windows to which you want to apply window tinting.

4. Spray your car windows with window cleaner. Wipe the windows clean with a dry paper towel. Make sure that you wash the outside and the inside of the windows.

5. Fill a spray bottle with water. Roll up your car window and spray a light film of water on the inside surface of your car window.

6. Remove the paper backing from the adhesive side of the window tint. Spray a light film of water on the adhesive side of the tint.

7. Hold the window tint film in front of your car window. Press it against the window, making sure to match up the edges. Try not to bend or make creases in the film.

8. Press a squeegee onto the surface of the tint film on the window. Rub the squeegee across the surface of the film to remove water and creases. Push any bubbles toward the edge of the film.

9. Trim any tint film that hangs over the edges of the window. Run the utility knife along the edges of the window and cut off the excess film.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you have pressed the window tint film onto the car window, don't try to peel it off again, as you will ruin it. If air bubbles remain, keep trying to smooth them out with the squeegee.

References

• "Edmunds Car Space: Applying Window Tint"
• "Tint Dude: Car Window Tint Installation Instructions"