The Dos And Don'ts Of DIY Car Window Tinting

Posted on: 13 January 2016

You've watched all the videos, ordered high-quality tint, and have what you believe to be the best tools, but even all of this does not mean that attempting to tint your own vehicle's windows will be an easy adventure. The fact is, tinting car windows can be a real pain, taking you a lot of time to complete and a lot of patience to get good results. However, if you truly feel like this is one auto detailing task that you are equipped to handle, there are a few dos and don'ts that you should keep in mind to help you out along the way. 

Do clean your windows like you have never cleaned them before you get started. 

Even the most minuscule speck of dust can inhibit you getting new tint into place appropriately. Therefore, the preparation process of a DIY window tinting job should take you quite some time to get complete. Clean the windows like you have never cleaned them before. Break out scrubbing pads to remove any invisible residue and razor blades to carefully scrape away any debris. 

Don't use any type of cleaner with ammonia to get the windows prepared. 

Ammonia is one of the most damaging chemicals when it comes to window tint. It will actually cause the film to discolor, lighten, or look spotty. Skip any type of cleaner that contains ammonia because even the slightest residue left behind could cause problems with your tint down the road. 

Do check local window tint regulations. 

Most cities have specific laws and regulations in place about what kind of tint is allowable, what windows it can be applied to on a vehicle, and how dark the tint can be. Before you get started applying tint, make sure that you check the local tint regulations to keep your car legal on the roadway. Illegal tint can land you with some pretty hefty fines in some places. 

Don't forget to test a small window first for visibility. 

Even if you have checked the local regulations, this does not mean that the darkest allowable tint is best for you and your car. You may be allowed to use 20 percent tint, for example, but this tint can be extremely dark. It is always a good idea to apply the tint you plan to use on a smaller window first and wait until dark to make sure you can still see well through the window. 

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