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Applying window film tint

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Applying window film tint

Postby alcapone » Fri Apr 08, 2011 9:39 am

Firewalker asked about applying window tint film in another topic (viewtopic.php?f=13&t=87011) so rather than go off thread, I thought it might be better to answer in a new topic.

Here is how I do it...

Patience and time is the key, don’t rush it.

1 – cut the exact size rectangle out of the film by placing it on a hardboard surface and using a steel rule and very sharp knife (new Stanley knife blade)
2 – tape the film to the window so the top, sides and bottom are in the right place
3 – hold the film down at the rounded corners and trim with the sharp blade (make sure none of the film will be lifted over the rubber seal)
4 – clean the window area with slightly soapy water and dry off with a lint free cloth (you don’t want the cloth to leave tiny bits on the glass to get stuck under the film)
5 – spray a soapy water mix onto the glass, make sure the whole area is wet
6 – remove the backing from the film (pick a corner and using tape on both sides, peel apart)
6a - spray the sticky side of the film as you peel the backing off, it helps prevent the film sticking together if it folds over
7 – make sure the film doesn’t bend over and stick to itself – if it does, bin it and start again
8 – place the film on the wet window
9 – spray soapy water onto the top of the film – this will aide the squeegee in the next step
10 – squeegee the film - start in the centre and hold in place with your hand next to where you start each stroke then squeegee away from your hand towards the edge of the window (I find a 3 to 4 inch squeegee about the right size)
11 – as you get the water out of the film, dry around the edges

For a window that winds down, cut the film an inch bigger in height. When you apply it to the window, have the window wound up and apply the bottom part first, sliding it under the rubber seal (make sure you have wetted under the seal before applying the film). Cut the edges at least an eighth of an inch away from the side seals so they don’t touch the film at all as the window goes up and down. Also make sure the top of the film doesn’t touch the top seal.

The only thing I find difficult is keeping the area clean and keeping dust out of the air. Any dust on the film will show as a speck/bubble. Don’t let the film sit around once the backing is removed, it will collect dust very quickly.
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Re: Applying window film tint

Postby Altransit » Fri Apr 08, 2011 9:46 am

Good guide, so I've stickied it :D 8)
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Re: Applying window film tint

Postby alcapone » Mon Apr 11, 2011 10:12 am

Altransit wrote:Good guide, so I've stickied it :D 8)



:) Just hope it's useful to someone.
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Re: Applying window film tint

Postby the_big_fact_hunt » Mon Apr 11, 2011 6:33 pm

step 6A spray the sticky side of the film as you peel the backing off, it helps prevent the film sticking together if it folds over :wink:
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Re: Applying window film tint

Postby alcapone » Mon Apr 11, 2011 7:12 pm

the_big_fact_hunt wrote:step 6A spray the sticky side of the film as you peel the backing off, it helps prevent the film sticking together if it folds over :wink:


Damned good tip!
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Re: Applying window film tint

Postby Altransit » Mon Apr 11, 2011 7:46 pm

alcapone wrote:
the_big_fact_hunt wrote:step 6A spray the sticky side of the film as you peel the backing off, it helps prevent the film sticking together if it folds over :wink:


Damned good tip!

Edited in for you :D :mrgreen:
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Re: Applying window film tint

Postby alcapone » Mon Apr 11, 2011 8:00 pm

Ta. I used to do it that way on my first attempts and totally forgot about it :)
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Re: Applying window film tint

Postby dean_king » Wed Apr 13, 2011 11:51 pm

well, all i can say is, i wish i had bloody read this two days ago!
as i have just botched 3 reels of tint, it looks awful. lol
but will have to do till i can buy more.

the two parts i will take away from this post are,

you tape the film up just to measure it, not as you try and peel off the backing(doh)

spray the film as you peel off the backing, i sprayed the window first and then was trying to
spray while removing film(not good).

i will also get a better squeege as i found an ice/mist window type general one isnt any use either.
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Re: Applying window film tint

Postby johny transit » Sat Apr 16, 2011 10:22 am

Yeh I second the better squeegee - I have gotten by with the rubber side of a scraper/demister but a proper squeegee really really helps - just one thing though you need to watch the angle as they can have a scratchy metal edge if you get too low.
Another tool worth buying before you start is a good quality plastic snap off blade type knife so you can have a really sharp cutting edge at all times - for trimming off once the film is on - anything less will just not do.
Personally, for opening windows, I like to go round with a clear nail varnish on the edges of the film the next day, just to make sure nothing can catch and lift later. It does look ever so slightly less neat but you can only see the top edge when the window is down, and the sides are always hidden if you have taken the gasket out and tinted right up to the edge.
Has anyone mastered the compound curved glass? I find that the thinest film (Trilogy/Savage) manages ok for smaller windows ie the front quarter glass but the cheapo thicker stuff (usually from ebay) needs laying on the outside of the glass and stretching into place with a little heat gun so that it has a compound curve of its own when you come to fit it on the correct side.
Oh yeh...and hope that a big puff of wind doesn't come suddenly just when you are peeling the film.
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Re: Applying window film tint

Postby dirtydog » Sun Apr 24, 2011 2:56 pm

Johnny, I had the windows done in my Focus (professionally) and they used 3M tint film and they used a heat gun to stretch it to fit the rear compound window.
I really need to redo my windows as I rushed it when I was doing it and it was a windy day. Will take the glass out of the door next time.
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Re: Applying window film tint

Postby alcapone » Sun Apr 24, 2011 3:24 pm

Another option for non-moving windows is to remove them and apply the film then make sure it goes under the rubber seal when you put it back in, that give a really good finish.
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Re: Applying window film tint

Postby transitandy » Mon Jun 27, 2011 11:06 pm

good bit of info m8y cheers :)
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Re: Applying window film tint

Postby Altransit » Mon Jun 27, 2011 11:10 pm

Just received the film to do mine, wish me luck :oops: :lol: :wink:
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Re: Applying window film tint

Postby captain hook » Fri Jul 01, 2011 8:45 pm

Done mine yesterday 8)
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Re: Applying window film tint

Postby Altransit » Fri Jul 01, 2011 9:30 pm

captain hook wrote:Done mine yesterday 8)

Thats shown me up :roll: I had better get on and do mine then 8) :lol:
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