Board Logo

DIY window tinting
Jamox - May 16th, 2003 at 09:25 PM

Guys and gals
I read an old article on this subject and wondered if anyone had tried it either successfully or ...

My baja is in need of a tint, but I try and do everything myself. I haven't really looked in any shops or anything yet either.

Very curious.

Cheers
Jamie


65busser - May 16th, 2003 at 09:55 PM

Give it a go. It's pretty easy. Can get a bit nerve wracking at times, but on flat glass it'll be easier. It's creases and bubbles that you want to avoid. Bubbles can be popped with a pin and flattened out as it dries. Creases in the film mean "do it again." You can take the glass out on winding windows if you really want to get anal, but if you can cut straight with a stanley knife you're lookin good. You spray the glass you're about to cover with soapy water so the tint can be moved around, then squeegy out the water, taking care not to scratch the film.
I suppose you know all that if you've just studied an article.....but anyway..
And you trim it once it's dry!!!!


Jamox - May 16th, 2003 at 10:00 PM

Great! Thats what I wanted to hear. So you have done it 65busser? Where did you get the kit/materials from? It must be cheaper as well?


HotRodMatt - May 16th, 2003 at 10:07 PM

thinking about doing it to my bus.... found a roll under the back seat when i picked it up!


65busser - May 16th, 2003 at 10:21 PM

You'll save plenty and be proud of it. You can buy film by the roll at auto acces. shops. They probably have kits ready cut. I think a roll would be the go 'cos you will probably stuff one up. (Just when you start to get confident!!!)


Jamox - May 16th, 2003 at 10:29 PM

Thanks 65busser, next time I get remotely close to an auto shop I will get a roll.


70AutoStik - May 19th, 2003 at 12:07 AM

Jamox - I can't help noticing you live in WA. You will probably see bubbles in your tint this summer. I recommend finding a good price from a reputable firm (that guarantees their work) for a 3M tint.

If you decide to do it yourself; buy a good quality product to start with - the Kmart-type stuff peels really quick. Fill your spray bottle with a pure detergent (old-style Amway LOC, two squirts to 100ml works) and wet the surface. Establish an edge and work the film over the glass, then wet it. Squeegie firmly across the glass with the squeegie (of nice hard rubber) you bought for this purpose, eliminating as much liquid and air as you can: then pray. The West Australian sun is rather harsh on amatuer tinting attempts...


Jamox - May 19th, 2003 at 04:13 PM

Thanks 70AutoStick. The guy I talked to has done his own and they have been good. I think it is worth a try anyway. I actually bought a roll today and will see how it goes.

Dunno when I will get round to doing it though. There is at least potential to save money. Or... :(


70AutoStik - May 19th, 2003 at 09:16 PM

Good - at least you don't have to worry about paying for a $200 job that gets left to the trainee...

Just remember - a fine spray of detergent, just enough to allow the film to slip on the glass, squeegie hard (the trick is holding the film in place and, most important of all - make sure the glass is spotless before you start (try to find a workplace as dust-free as possible, too.)


Jamox - May 20th, 2003 at 01:13 AM

Definitely. I will razor my windows in-case there are any bugs or bumps. We'll see how I go holding the tint in place place without wrinkling it. I have also got a hard squeegee that came with the tint.

I take it you have done this a few times 70AutoStick? It sounds like practice is the word?!!


fish - May 20th, 2003 at 05:34 AM

pay the extra and get an expert to do your tinting. so many cars driving around here with shitty home tints. might as well not have it. Home tint here on the coast does a whole kombi for under $300 and guarantees for 10 years. hard to beat.:bounce


pyr0 - May 20th, 2003 at 08:44 AM

i had mine quoted at $270 seeings tho there is no tint on it and i only have to pay 4 it to be put on and not removed


amazer - June 2nd, 2003 at 07:50 PM

plenty of shocking DIY jobs around here too. If you have to DIY then I would try buying the film of people who apply it. Not Kmart, supercheap or anything like that.