Jun 09 2010
Basics of Window Tinting
Window tinting is an art form, a timeless practice designed originally to protect the vehicle owner from the sun’s harmful rays. Nowadays the use of tinted windows doubly serves as a vanity effect and has become commonplace among nearly every vehicle owner, at least to some degree. There are several different degrees of window tinting, this is judged by percentage, for instance, a 5% tint would be very dark and may be considered illegal in many if not all states. The practice of window tinting has been around since before 1990 so can still be considered fairly new.
To tint a window manually you will need tinting film, razors, a blow dryer, an exacto knife, a bone tool, 4 inch squeegees, a 4 inch hard card such as a credit card or ID card, and a spray bottle filled with dishwashing soap and water.
You start the process of by cutting the layer of tinting film in the shape of the window or area you want tinted and set it aside on a board or area devoted to maintaining your film. At that point you would then spray down the window you want tinted with your mixture and scrape the sides of the window to remove any residue. Be sure to squeegee it down to really get it clean. After the window is clean it’s time to get to work!
Apply the tinting film to the window, leaving the edge 1/4 inch away from the top of the window to be handled after the doors and windows are closed. You would then use the bone tool to push the tint film below the window and between the plastic rails. Use the card to push the film into the corners. At this point you would use the squeegee and blow dryer to attach the fil
m to the window. Be sure to work the squeegee in a horizontal motion. Reapply this technique for all windows but be very cautious of the defroster lines in the back window. You should also consult your states laws for darkness levels before applying tint to your front windows.
Hopefully this article has been informative. Apply this method carefully and responsibly. A quick final note if you are unsure of what darkness levels to use. You want to be sure to apply at least 25% tint wise when beginning the process. When it comes to window tinting practice makes perfect. Always remember to adjust your tint to your eyesight should you decide to tint your front windshield.
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