Don't like the adverts?  Click here to remove them

window tinting -first attempt

goodoldboy

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 30, 2010
Messages
1,630
i finaly got round to trying out some window tinting film that i bought last year.the idea is to help keep the car a bit cooler & keep out prying eyes so i started on the back door.taking off the trim & high level brake light was a good idea as was cutting some paper templates for the shape of the corners.because of the curve of the glass i cut the film into 3 horizontal strips but in retrospect 6 would have been better.used a staight edge stanley knife & the dining table to cut the film.got a mate to help to put it on & vola - from a distance looks ok but the middle strip has 2or3 folds in it but wtf its a works van.going to have a go at the rear side windows when i get chance
Image0250.jpg
 
I had tinted windows all round except, for some reason, the back window.
Maybe it had been replaced in a past life :?:

Anyway, I tried the film but didn't think to do it in peices so tried to do it in one hit.
The first attempt was terrible and eventually had to come off. On the second try, I offered the film up soaking wet and used a hair dryer on full heat as I used a rubber blade to press it into place.
Still not the best result on earth but the heat made the film shrink slightly where it would otherwise have creased.
There is a fair bit of damage after four years but it is still stuck and doing it's job apart from the scrapes I have put on it.

What have I learned :?: It is bl**dy difficult to do it yourself :lol:
 
I am making my first attempt on sat morning ;)
 
Paul said:
I am making my first attempt on sat morning ;)

Good luck Paul

You don't realise how just the small bow in the glass of the back window can make the job such a pain.

I think maybe Goodoldboy has the right idea doing it in bits. If you tried to follow the demister wires you could probably make the joins invisible. I could see it being a hard job all the same.
 
have a look on you tube how to window tint loads of tips you need to srink the film to the outside of the window with a heat gun then once that is done you can pill the film backing of and fit to the inside that way it will not have so many creases in the film. i have done my side windows but waiting to get a new back window before i do it
 
go for it paul - i was quoted €200 - the film cost me €15 - ecky´s tip about following the demister wires is spot on
 
Don't like the adverts?  Click here to remove them
Nah, 2 hours and it will all be done ;)
 
yes very funny bat 21 - of course if you want your truck to look like a tarts handbag lash out the money
 
goodoldboy said:
yes very funny bat 21 - of course if you want your truck to look like a tarts handbag lash out the money
Oooo not another one with a sense of humor bypass
doh.gif


I was laughing because the 'focus' of your image is 2 dirty great tree trunks.... I'm sure your tint looks fine fella
comfort.gif
 
I had a go at tinting once. Now I just pay someone to do it! :mrgreen:
 
My 90 was originally tinted all round (excluding the front screen) when I bought it. I had it like that for almost 5 years, never had a problem.

I sold it to a work colleague last year and within 1 week of his ownership, he had been pulled by the Police and was asked to remove the tints on the front side windows. He had to peel the film off the windows in front of them before being allowed to proceed/avoid a fine.......

I must admist that it makes the cabin better for not having the tints on the front - much more light and airy.
 
I only have a very light tint on the front side windows to avoid trouble.
 
Re: window tinting -very easy

Hi Guys!

Window tinting... easy as pie!
The fastest and easiest way to pop it on the screen/window... is the same way you fit body line stickers.
Take a clean/new plastic bucket, fill half way with clean fresh water, add a tad of Fairy liquid, stir lightly, I mean lightly guys... (don't want a foam bucket).
and you are about ready. Provide a clean cloth, soft sponge and a soft line plastic or better rubber scraper (as you would use for wall paper hanging).
And bobs your uncle you are ready to roll. Cut your tint approximately an inch or so larger than the window you would like to cover. Make sure your window is
sparkling clean, dip the sponge in the bucket, wet the window and the tint, place the tint on the window and
gently stroke the tint starting from the middle working towards up and down and then from side to side with your scraper. The soapy water enables you to move/shift the tint if needed.
When all is in place and there's no little air bubbles left you may wipe it all off with your clean cloth. If you want to prevent shrinkage at a later stage it is recommended on some tints
to lightly warm it up and then give it a good rub down before trimming the edges. (the wife's hairdryer will do just fine). don't overheat for bubbles may occur.

Have done many over the years and found this the easiest and cheapest way to do... for £15 worth the try... would not pay £200 for labour!!

Have fun

African Drifter
 
Hi again

Sorry- I forgot to mention, the bucket size is about 2 liters, we're not going to wash the car.

It's not that difficult, just be gentle and ad a little patience and you will be fine!

African Drifter
 
Guys, how is 'professional' tinting done? I imagine that a glass factory could produce darkened glass, but when you go to a specialist, do they all use film or is is there a method like 'fake tan' where they coat the windows? I have seen some fantastic work, but wondered if sticky backed plastic is the best option. Mine is definitely film and not done badly but it's been nicked here and there. Don't think I can be bothered to do it again.

Chris
 
one more question, does anyone know what the difference is between normal tint and security tint, which acts like laminated glass when smashed? And most importantly can you put on this security tint by yourself?
 
The pro's just use a plastic film like you'd have to, they just have more practice at it and know how to get round tricky spots and curved glass. The one tip I picked up watching some being fitted to my old 80 was after they'd trimmed the film almost to size round the top of opening windows they dropped the window a bit more and filed the remaining excess off to get a perfect finish and most of the cutting was done with craft knifes. I'm sure I could do it if I spent enough time over it but by the time you've done the whole vehicle I'd rather spend the time doing what I'm good at to pay someone else to do what I'm not so good at :D
 
Rob said:
one more question, does anyone know what the difference is between normal tint and security tint, which acts like laminated glass when smashed? And most importantly can you put on this security tint by yourself?
The security tint is a much thicker film (still thin but 2 or 3 times thicker than the std stuff) - it may have a different, stronger glue too?
Dunno about DIY but I assume it would be similar to the std stuff.

There are a few useful posts on security tints (aka smash 'n grab tint) on LCCSA where there is a lot more concern about people helping themselves to your possessions via the closed windows :twisted:

Cheers,
 
The standard film holds a shatered window together pretty well :roll:
 
Back
Top