Car window tint serves a number of purposes, from enhancing the outward appearance of the vehicle to protecting the interior from harmful ultraviolet rays. Professional window tinting can be expensive, though, and do-it-yourself (DIY) window tint kits are readily available. With knowledge, skill and patience, car owners can install their own window tint with minimal time and hassle.
A number of DIY car window tint kits are available from automotive stores, discount chain stores and even online retailers. Selecting the proper DIY kit, though, takes knowledge and planning. First, it is important to be familiar with how tint kits are rated; the standard rating for tint kits indicates the percent of light allowed to pass through the tint. Lighter tints allow a higher percentage of light and UV rays into the vehicle, so they are rated with higher numbers (60 percent tint allows 60 percent of all outside light into the vehicle, for example); the lower the number, the less light can enter the vehicle. Most states also prohibit dark tint; Florida, for example, makes any tint rated at 30 percent or below illegal for road-going vehicles. To effectively select tint, select the appropriate package for the vehicle to be tinted (car, truck, SUV or mini-van) and ensure the tint complies with all local laws. Finally, verify any warranties on the tint before completing the purchase, as less expensive tint kits may tend to bubble or peel away over time.
Because tint adheres directly to the car's windows, it is important the windows be completely clean of any dirt, dust, grease or grime. Even if the window appears to be clear of contaminates, it should be cleaned with commercial window cleaner before applying any tint. If the window is not clean, the dirt and dust may be permanently trapped under the tint, reducing visibility and increasing the likelihood that the tint will peel or bubble as it ages.
If the proper car tinting kit was purchased, the tint should already be cut to the appropriate size for the car's windows. If it is not, it may be necessary to measure the windows and cut the tint to the proper proportions. To apply the tint to the clean windows, line up the tint film and firmly but gently press it against the glass. Starting from the bottom and working up, apply firm pressure to ensure the tint is fully adhered to the glass surface, using caution to work out any wrinkles, creases or bubbles that may form as the tint is being applied. Once the tint has adhered to the window, use a squeegee to push any air bubbles out from underneath the tint film; this step is critical to a good tint job, as any remaining air bubbles will likely cause the tint to fail and peel away.
Once the tint has been successfully applied to the car windows, use caution to ensure it is not disturbed for several days. If it is necessary to drive the newly tinted cars, ensure the windows remain in the "up" position for at least three days after the tint is applied. In addition, passengers in the vehicle should keep jewelry, mobile phones and other hard items that could scratch or tear the tint away from the windows until the tint film has sufficiently sealed against the window glass.
