DIY Window Tint?

[Spike00513]

Has anybody DIY'd this? Any tips?
What's a good film to use?

[gmartin0814]

.....so what is your question?

[fast377]

If you're going to do it yourself, pre-cut is the way to go. But, for me, it's worth it to have it done professionally. I CAN do it, but if you mess up once you have to buy more material. It only cost me $160 to have mine done and it has a lifetime warranty. Well worth it.

[Mr.Avant]

I had both my front two windows done locally for $50 with lifetime warranty. And they did perfect work. Cant complain at that.

[evo_ski]

.....so what is your question?

Don't worry, most of his threads have both the question and the answer in the opening post. LOL.

[Spike00513]

.....so what is your question?

Edited for clarity.

[USAF Long]

.....so what is your question?

Has anybody done this? Any tips?
Is the B6 that way?
Anyone else here done that? Is there any recommended film?

I counted 5 questions.

[gmartin0814]

Edited for clarity.

Thanks. I have not had any experience with that tint, I have used llumar tint previously on multiple vehicles and never had an issue. It was the best tint I have used as far as shrinking it. Best tips I have are take your time! Especially while shrinking the film.

Spray some soapy water on rear window and rub it down with a dryer sheet prior to laying on the rear tint to shrink it. Try and get it as smooth as possible without burning the edges.

Honestly it took me prob 50 cars before I became proficient at it. If you have the option to get it down professionally, I reccomend it. A lot of places have a lifetime warranty and it will save you headaches.

If your still set on DIY, watch some YouTube videos on how to shrink it. There are some good ones out there.

I tinted for about 3 years, if you have any questions don't hessitate to PM me.

Good luck!

[SJorge3442]

Tint is one of those things best left to the pros imo. The stress and headaches of trying to do it yourself aren't worth it

[gmartin0814]

Not to mention by the time you add all the money you spent from buying the tint to buying all the tools you need to do it right, you could have just paid someone else to do it.

[customa4]

Tint is one of those things best left to the pros imo. The stress and headaches of trying to do it yourself aren't worth it

I agree with this.^^ I tried it one time on my old car... never again. I'll pay someone to do the tint. It's a one time fee and you shouldn't have to worry about having it done again.

[SJorge3442]

I agree with this.^^ I tried it one time on my old car... never again. I'll pay someone to do the tint. It's a one time fee and you shouldn't have to worry about having it done again.

I think trying to do your own tint is something that everyone tries once and never tries again. It's just so frustrating. Shell out the $150-$200 and let someone else do it. There is a reason why good shops have their own template cutters.

[Spike00513]

I think trying to do your own tint is something that everyone tries once and never tries again. It's just so frustrating. Shell out the $150-$200 and let someone else do it. There is a reason why good shops have their own template cutters.

I tried it four times. Most turned out well.
But you are right. The first time, I almost ripped my hair out. I invented a few new curse words.
Many good shops don't have template cutters. That can help speed up the process if your priority is to churn out one car every hour, but that's not my concern.

I have the film, and am trying to make game-plan.
If anybody could please critique, especially gmartin since you're a professional with expertise, I would really appreciate it.
=========================



Rough unorganized sketch plan, that I need your help in revising:

PREPARATION
-Clean work area
-Remove previous tint, either w/ ammonia+trash-bag method, OR clothing steamer
-Wash and detail car, vacuum and lint-roll interior
-Clean glass w/ Stoner Invisible Glass
-Mist interior with water lightly, to prevent dust/dirt from floating off and onto the film
-Prepare soap solution = distilled water w/ No-Tears Shampoo, not sure what ratio. Some recommend Joy dish soap.
-Scrub glass clean w/ soap solution
-Clean glass w/ razor
-I hear it helps to clean glass with steel wool too, until you feel smooth defroster lines. Not sure if I should use 0000 (fine) or 0 (coarse)
-Clean glass corners by wrapping squeegee edge in towel
-Dry glass w/ something lint-free, such as coffee filters?

REAR GLASS
-Prep glass method: Clicky
-Shrink-shape it with heat-gun. Don't over-shrink/heat, be patient. Liner side out. Lift up the bottom portion you plan to shrink so that it's not touching the glass, and heat it.
-Cut smoothly at close angle with fresh razor, just past dot matrix, with shop light shining from the interior. Round corners
-Remove liner. Piece of cellophane tape on each side, peel away, spray with solution.
-Mist interior glass, transfer film

ROLL UP WINDOWS
-No idea how to do this. Remove door cards? Cut the edge out (just like you do with the rear) just-past the gasket, shift film, and repeat on all the other sides?
-Shave top edge with razor angled with the glass-bevel?

TIPS
-Don't shake up interior, or dirt/dust will get on film
-Use SS razor instead of carbon (too sharp)?

AFTER
-Don't roll-down windows for a week



TOOLS
(tentative list)

-Conqueror for corners
-Smoothie for glass-cleaning only
-Card, for general use, rear glass shrinking. This Card is another version. Same, but with felt. I hear this is what you need, to keep from scratching the film.
-Turbo squeegee for misc. use
-Triangle, not sure if need
-Teflon Hard Card.
-Assorted Kit
-The Go-To

[Audi 4 Life]

The problem with all those shops that are tinting for 200 and under they are mostly using cheap tint that does not reduce the heat coming into the car. Really good tint runs twice that. If i were you I would not DIY, the rear window on our car is a royal PITA. I suggest that if you bought quality tint, to take that to a shop and ask if they can discount you for supplying your own materials.