Last updated on March 24th, 2023 at 03:43 pm
If you’re looking to add some privacy or reduce heat and glare in your car, tinting your windows is a great option. And while professional installation can be costly, there are ways to tint your car windows at home. In this article, we’ll explore how to easily tint car windows, including the use of spray tint and pre-cut window tint film.
We’ll also discuss whether there are any reasons not to tint car windows, including legal restrictions on the amount of tint allowed on car windows in the US. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just looking to save some money, read on to learn how to tint your car windows safely and effectively and how to tint windows at home. Using this guide is on how to easily tint car windows you will get the job done in no time.
Tinted windows not only give your car a sleek appearance, but they provide privacy, shield the interior from UV rays and reduce interior heat gain. One popular method to tint car windows is spray tinting; here’s our step-by-step guide on how to tint your windows using the spray.
So before we get going fully into this post, Is there a reason not to tint car windows?
Reason not to tint car windows
There are several reasons why someone may choose not to tint their car windows. These reasons include:
- Legal Restrictions: Each state has its own regulations regarding the amount of tint allowed on car windows. Extending your tint beyond these legal limits may result in fines and citations as well as having to remove the tinted film altogether.
- Reduced Visibility: Heavily tinted windows can impair a driver’s vision while driving, particularly at night or during adverse weather conditions. This increases the risk of accidents and makes driving more hazardous.
- Insurance Issues: Some insurers may deem tinted windows a modification to the car and charge the driver either an increased premium or cancel their policy altogether.
- Difficulty in Resale: Tinted windows can make a car less desirable to potential buyers, particularly if they are heavily applied or done incorrectly. This could make it harder to sell the vehicle or reduce its resale value.
- Poor Quality Tinting: DIY tinting or cheap professional tinting can lead to subpar quality work that bubbles, peels, or fades over time. This may cause the car’s tinting to look unsightly and necessitate additional expense to remove and redo.
Overall, it is essential to weigh the potential advantages and drawbacks of tinting your car windows before making a final decision. Consulting with an expert and researching your state’s regulations can help guarantee that any tinting is done safely, legally, and efficiently.
Steps on How to tint car windows with spray
Step 1: Gather Materials
Before you begin, collect all necessary supplies. You’ll need window tint spray, a squeegee, a spray bottle filled with a soapy water mixture, a lint-free cloth, masking tape, and either razor blades or box cutters.
Step 2: Prep the Windows
Before beginning tinting your car windows, it is essential to clean them thoroughly. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe both interior and exterior surfaces clean. Afterward, generously spray each window with a soapy water mixture until all areas are thoroughly covered.
Step 3: Prep Your Car
Cover the interior of your car with plastic sheets to protect it from spray tint damage. Tape them securely in place using masking tape. Additionally, park the vehicle in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to allow for even exposure to tint.
Step 4: Apply Tint
Shake the spray tint bottle thoroughly before use. Begin applying by spraying on the window, covering its entire surface. Work from top to bottom, working from the lightest shade down. You may need several coats depending on the desired level of darkness.
Step 5: Eradicate Air Bubbles
After spraying on tint, you may notice air bubbles forming on the window. Use a squeegee to gently push these outward, creating an even and smooth finish by eliminating all bubbles.
Step 6: Allow the Tint to Dries
Once you have applied the tint and expelled any air bubbles, allow it to air dry for at least an hour before touching it to avoid smudging.
Step 7: Trim the Tint
Use a razor blade or box cutter to trim away the tint along the window’s edges. Make sure there is at least a 1/8-inch gap between the tint and edge of the window to prevent peeling off.
Step 8: Clean the Window
Once you’ve cut away any tint, use a lint-free cloth to wipe down the window’s surface gently. This will take away any extra tint and leave your window looking clean and glossy.
Step 9: Repeat the Process
Repeat these steps for all car windows you wish to tint. Ensure that each window receives the same amount of tint in order to create a uniform appearance.
Step 10: Verify Quality
Once all windows have been tinted, take a step back and evaluate your work for quality assurance. If there are any bubbles, gaps, or unevenness in the tint, use the squeegee to even out the tint or trim it to size if necessary.
How to easily tint car windows?
One of the simplest methods for tinting car windows is with spray tint. Gather all necessary materials, such as window tint spray, a squeegee, spray bottle filled with soap and water, masking tape, razor blade, or a box cutter; then clean windows thoroughly before applying spray tint in layers from top to bottom. Squeegee away air bubbles using your squeegee, then let dry for at least an hour before cutting it to size and cleaning the surface.
How to Tint Windows at Home?
Tinting car windows at home can be done using either pre-cut window tint film or spray tint. For the pre-cut film, clean the windows thoroughly and apply it, smoothing out any air bubbles with a squeegee. For spray tint, follow our step-by-step guide above; be sure to work in an area well-ventilated and wear protective gloves to avoid inhaling tint spray particles.
Are there any reasons not to tint car windows?
Tinted windows offer numerous advantages, such as privacy and UV protection for the driver. But there may be certain situations where it’s illegal or impractical to tint beyond a certain level in certain states or countries. Plus, some drivers may find that heavily tinted windows impair their vision while driving at night or during adverse weather conditions.
Legal Reasons Not to Tint Car Windows in the US
In the United States, there are legal reasons why you may not want your vehicle’s windows tinted beyond a certain level. Each state has its own regulations regarding visible light transmission (VLT) for the front, back, and side windows; exceeding these limits could result in fines and citations, as well as having to remove the tinted film. Therefore, research your state’s regulations carefully before tinting your windows so as to avoid any legal issues down the line.
Finally
Tinting your car windows can be an excellent way to add some privacy to your car while reducing heat and glare and protecting your vehicle’s interior. Following the steps outlined in this article makes it easy to tint them at home using either spray tint or pre-cut window tint film. However, be mindful that there may be legal limitations on how much tinting is allowed on US vehicle windows; research state regulations beforehand so there are no legal issues later. With proper tools and techniques in hand, tinting your car windows is a simple yet rewarding DIY project that offers many rewards!
With this step-by-step guide, you can do it yourself at home. Be sure to follow each step precisely for optimal shade accuracy and a smooth, even finish. Wear protective gloves and work in a well-ventilated area in order to avoid inhaling tint spray. With patience and practice, you’ll achieve a professional-looking tint that will add aesthetics, privacy, and protection to your automobile.
