How to Tint Windows
Tinted windows not only look good, but they also help diffuse excess light and heat. Tinted windows can also help you save a lot of money for cooling and heating bills. Tinting a window is usually a job reserved for professionals, but here are some tips and steps to help you tint your own windows.
Tint Shading
Many colors of tint are available from car care and home supply stores, although the best way to distinguish the purpose of a particular tint color is its shade and saturation:
tinting windows
Dark tint is best used for home windows with direct exposure to the sun. Dark tint is not safe for use in cars because it reduces visibility, and may be considered unlawful in some jurisdictions.
Light tint is best used for vehicles. Lighter shades of window tint make it easier for you to see the road, as well as prevent excess light and heat from entering the passenger cabin.
When choosing tint film, make sure to use one that best suits your needs. Many colors of tint are available from stores, and most come with installation kits that can help make installing them easier. For car windows, tinting kits already come pre-cut depending on the model and specifications of your vehicle. To save on time, effort, and cost, it’s best to buy tinting material if you’re going to work on many windows.
Tools
To tint your windows, you need the following materials:
Tinting film
Utility knife
Sharp disposable razor blades
Heat gun
Squeegees
A hard plastic card
Spray bottle
Warm soapy water
Steps
If needed, trim the film to size on a glass or composite surface.
Fill the spray bottle with warm soapy water, and spray the window surface.
With the razor blades, gently remove dirt and other particles from the surface of the window. Be careful not to scratch the window.
Remove the rest of the residue with a squeegee.
Apply the tinting film very carefully on the window. Keep the film as even as possible, and avoid folds, holes, or tears on the film.
With a heat gun, bind the film on the glass. Work the squeegee behind the window to get rid of excess moisture and to keep the film even.
Allow the film to set and dry.
Tinting windows is a job best left to the professionals. With enough practice, though, you can make a window tint project as perfect as a professional auto customizer would.