DIY Security Systems
Tinted car windows usually block ultraviolet rays from the sun that can harm your skin. Tinted windows also offer privacy from onlookers. Tinting your car windows can be a long and time-consuming process, and DIY tinting can be tricky if not appropriately done. However, other people tint their own car windows using only some basic tools. Whatever your reasons are, this guide on how to tint windows with rain guards will help you achieve your DIY goal.
Materials Needed
Before you start your DIY project on how to tint windows with rain guards, you will need the following materials (others are optional but can be very useful).
- Window Tint: Clearly, the most significant thing on your list. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s directions for the tint film’s application and maintenance.
- Film Application Solution: When you purchase a window tint, the application solution typically comes with the tint film itself. It’s best to use the solution that comes with your window tint.
- Razor Knife/Blade: Any razor blade should be enough for applying the tint film to your windows. The blade will be used to cut and shape the window tint to your car window.
- Scraper Blade: This item usually comes together with the tint and film application solution. Otherwise, they’re usually available at any auto shop or car washes, etc.
- Lint-Free Cleaning Cloth: This cleaning cloth will be used to clean your car windows before you apply the window tint to your car.
- Squeegee (Optional): This is optional, yet it is beneficial to smooth out the edges and get rid of air bubbles or trapped water.
- Heat Gun (Optional): This is another optional item, but it’s very useful to ensure good adhesion of the tint film to your window’s glass surface.
Prep Work Before You Start
Before we go down to the guide on how to tint windows with rain guards, here are some reminders before we get started.
- Check out the laws about window tints in your state/city. Laws that monitor/regulate car window tints vary from state to state. These laws regulate how dark or reflective your car window tin can be. Check out if your state/city has specific laws regarding window tints.
- Choose the type of tint you require. Pick the type of tint that best suits your car and needs. These days there’s a wide range of window tints available in the market as well as the methods of application.
Steps on How to Tint Windows with Rain Guards
- Wash or clean the windows completely before tinting. Use the lint-free cleaning cloth to wipe down your car windows thoroughly. You can use a non-ammonia-based glass window cleaner to get rid of stains and particles stuck on the glass.
- Wet the window and roll the film tint into it. In applying the car window tint, make sure that it conforms precisely to the size and shape of your window. It’s best done through the process called shrinking.
- Using the application solution, spray or apply it on the outside of your car’s windows so that the film tint can stick.
- Then, roll out the film tint, and set it on the car window liner side that faces you (liner side = side that peels off). You can also use the squeegee to neat out the liner a bit and make sure it’s holding in place.
- Cut/form the film into the shape of the car’s window. Cut the outline of the film to form the shape of the window. Start at the bottom of your window and move towards the sides. Reserve the top of the window for last. Be sure to cut the film at least 1/2 and 1/4 inches from the window gasket and other window borders.
- Roll down the window a little bit once you reach the top. Cut the top of the film while remaining within the 1/2″ to 1/4″ of the window’s edge. You might notice some “fingers” or bunchy patches on the window film. You can squeegee them out. (You’ll need patience for this.) Or, you can also use the heat gun to adhere the film to the glass surface and get rid of bunchy ones. Once you’re satisfied with the shape and smoothness of the film as you have applied it on the outside, take the film off from the outside of the car window.
- Peel the liner off and apply film to the inside of the window. Remove the liner from the tint after you have cut out the window tint. You can do this by putting masking tape on the one side of the tint/liner sheet and pull the two apart. Then, spray the interior of the window using the film application solution. Spray also the sticky side of the tint using the solution. The most important part is to put the window tint unto the inside of your car window. Use the scraper blade to stick the tint to the window itself securely.
- Remove the bubbles inside the window tint, and let it cure. Lastly, squeegee out the remaining bubbles and streaks from your window tint. Though the tint fits nicely (because it shrinks to fit the window from the inside), you may still see little contortions. You can squeegee them out, or use the heat gun (sparingly) to obtain good adherence.
- But your work’s not done yet. It would be best if you let the window tint cure for at least seven days to guarantee a good seal. During this period, make sure that the car is located where air temperature ranges within 40 and 98°F.
Conclusion
Window tinting surely demands a lot of time, patience, and of course, steady hands. Cleaning the windows to cutting the film tints accurately and smoothing out the bubbles is undoubtedly a long and tiring process. Thus, this gives you satisfaction after you’ve finished your DIY project on how to tint windows with rain guards successfully. Consider tinting your car windows a way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun’s harmful rays and provide security and privacy for the whole family. Just like how you want to ensure home safety, it is also best to feel safe and secure in your car. Here’s how to learn more about Window Guards.