Applying Window Tints – A Step by Step Guide
People love to play around with their cars. They install aftermarket car parts to make the car looking more appealing. Some aftermarket parts enhance the performance of the vehicle. Whatever, the reason, we all love adding new things to our cars. A growing trend among the people is applying window tints.
What is Window Tinting?
Window tinting or window filming is simply a scratch resistant thin film that people stick onto their windows (e.g. car, home). The film is mostly made from a polyester base. Earlier, people used to apply it just to make the car more appealing. However, window tinting provides a lot more benefits besides making a car look more attractive.
Is Window Tinting Allowed?
Many countries around the world have banned window tinting. They cite legal reasons for it. For example, it makes it harder for Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) to carry out inspections. Moreover, people tint their windows to carry out illegal or unethical acts in their cars. With tinted windows, it becomes harder for LEAs to perform their duties.
There are also countries which allow window tinting. However, it requires a special permission from the relevant authorities. The permission is only given to VIPs and VVIPs. In the UAE, tinting was completely banned. However, recent changes to the law allow for 50% tinting. The front windscreen cannot be tinted in any case!
How to Apply Window Tints?
There are two ways you can apply window tints. The first is quite obvious. Find a workshop that offers window tinting services. The second is to apply yourself. In this article we will guide you about how you can apply tints yourself. Pay close attention.
Ensure You Have the Right Tools
Firstly, make sure that you have all the right tools. Firstly, buy the tint film and film application solution. You will also need a:
- scraper blade;
- cleaning cloth;
- knife/blade;
- heat gun; and
- an application squeegee.
Steps to Apply Window Tints
The next step is to clean the window thoroughly with the application solution. To ensure that it is cleaned properly, run the scraper blade on the entire window (side to side). Afterwards, run the squeegee to ensure no debris or dust remains on the window. Once done, it is time to apply the application on the outside of the window. This will ensure that the window is thoroughly cleaned.
The next step must be done carefully to avoid damaging the film. With the protective-film layer facing upward, roll the film along the window. With the film in place, start cutting the film according to the size of the window. Running the squeegee over the film will ensure that it stays in place while you cut it. Make sure to do this. Otherwise, you might make a wrong cut, rendering the film useless.
Start peeling off the protective layer and use the application solution on the adhesive surface. Once removed, it is time to move the tint to the inside of the window leaving a 1/8-inch gap. Run the squeegee end to end again. To slide the tint underneath the window gasket, use the squeegee to push out the gasket a little. It will help the film slide underneath it. Use the heat gun and the scraper blade to remove bubbles with the film. Use a clean cloth to absorb the solution.
Wrapping Up
That is it! You have successfully applied window tints yourself. You can use a smaller window to practice before you move onto the bigger ones. If you feel that the whole process is too complicated for you, get it installed from a workshop. It is quite cheap and hardly takes more than 30 minutes. Just make sure that it is within the legal limits or else be ready to face a hefty fine.