How To Tint Your Car Windows

If you want your machine to look and feel sporty, tinted windows are essential. They help to requite the car a sleek profile while maximising privacy, for a more fashionable drive. And there are other benefits to window tints too, including keeping out the sun's UV rays – keen if you're travelling with children or just want to keep your car cool.

If your automobile doesn't accept tinted windows, you tin can add them as an optional extra. This guide covers everything y'all need to know about window tinting, from different types of pic and the law, to the procedure of applying tints to your motorcar.

Use the links below to navigate the guide.

Tinted Windows – What the Police force Says
What are the Different Types of Window Tint Film?
How to Apply Window Tint Motion picture in Eight Elementary Steps

Tinted Windows – What the Police force Says

The windscreen film must let in a minimum of 75% light.
The forepart side windows must allow in a minimum of seventy% calorie-free.

man applies car window tint

Before y'all make up one's mind to add together window tint picture show to your car, y'all need to be enlightened of the laws on tinted windows, as outlined past the Driver Vehicle Standards Bureau (DVSA). These rules are for the windscreen and front end-side windows but, though at that place's a take a chance you lot could be stopped by the police if they retrieve rear window tinting is affecting your car's condom.

If the police or the DVSA suspect that your car doesn't let in enough low-cal, they tin can utilize light measuring equipment to check. If they find that the tint on your windows is besides dark you'll be issued with a prohibition notice, preventing you from driving the car on the road until the tinting is removed. Yous could even receive a fixed punishment observe or court summons if they feel it's serious enough.

The laws are at that place to make certain all drivers take a clear view of the road. It also ways that other road users and pedestrians are able to make centre contact with the driver, so they know they've been seen.

Window tint manufacturers in the Uk aren't immune to sell films which don't conform to the DVSA's safety limits, then simply ever buy aftermarket window tint film from reputable sellers.

What Are the Unlike Types of Window Tint Film?

Now that we've covered off the legal bits, it's fourth dimension to look at the unlike types of window tint film, so you can decide which is right for you. Below, we look at the four chief types and weigh upward the pros and cons of each.

applying car window tint

Dyed Window Tint Picture show

The most common, affordable and readily available window tint is dyed film. This has a sticky back to set up information technology to the window, and then a heat gun is used to stick it properly to the drinking glass. The film appears black from the outside merely is relatively clear from within, for good visibility and finish.

Pros: Affordable, like shooting fish in a barrel to use, decent tinted cease.
Cons: Dye can fade over time, average-poor cooling effect and UV protection in the summer.

Metallised Window Tint Pic

This type of flick contains microscopic metal particles, which help to tint the glass while providing a shiny, metallic finish. Metallised films are excellent for keeping heat out of the motel, providing a dense reflective coating. They're also useful for reinforcing windscreens, making them less liable to shattering.

Pros: Strong and resistant to scratching, good insulator in the summertime and winter.
Cons: Metal particles tin interfere with phone, infotainment and radio reception.

cutting car window tint to size

Carbon Window Tint Picture show

Carbon film is a stride up from metallised window tinting, as it contains carbon particles which don't interfere with radio and phone reception. It's also groovy for blocking heat from the sun, even in the peak of summer, then yous won't need to employ the air conditioning as much.

Pros: Splendid UV protection and insulation, attractive matt finish.
Cons: Expensive compared to dyed and metallised films.

Ceramic Window Tint Film

The crème-de-la-crème of window tints, this contains ceramic particles which offer first-class protection against harmful UV rays and solar estrus, keeping the auto nice and cool in the summer. It'due south the newest and almost expensive tinting movie out there, and it also offers the best finish and the best longevity, equally it's super resistant to scratches and fading.

Pros: Tough and hardwearing, classy matt finish, great protection from UV and heat.
Cons: Very expensive and simply bachelor from specialist manufacturers.

How to Apply Window Tint Flick in 8 Uncomplicated Steps

While many people prefer to have aftermarket tints applied by a professional, it is possible to utilise it yourself if you have the right tools. Below, we provide practical steps on how to utilize window tint motion picture.

smoothing car window tinting

What You'll Need

A heat gun
Arts and crafts or Stanley pocketknife
A spray water bottle
Metallic file (for finishing)
Microfibre textile, squeegee and window razor

Step one: Clean the interior drinking glass where the film volition be practical. We'd recommend using a dedicated machine window cleaning production to remove grease, marks and smears. When you're satisfied the drinking glass is completely make clean, use a duster and a window razor to remove excess wet and dry out the glass.
Step 2: First by spraying the exterior glass of the window y'all're working on with water. Water holds the picture gently in identify, so you lot can suit information technology and cutting the film to size without having to hold information technology awkwardly against the glass (which would be tricky, even with the steadiest of hands). Then, cut the film past pressing it into the window recess and trimming it with a knife. Follow the lines of the window frame to cut equally precisely as possible, and circular off the corners to foreclose peeling and canis familiaris ears. Remember, yous'll need to wind downwards the window slightly to brand sure the film is cut to the right shape.
Step 2: Use a heat gun to shape the movie to the exact size and shape of the window. The heat will allow the picture show to stretch and reshape hands, particularly if you use a piece of plastic to mould it into the corners. Once you're happy the picture is the right shape, gently remove information technology from the glass and set it bated. We'd recommend clipping it up and then that it'south hanging, or else laying information technology flat on a clean surface. If you're laying information technology down, spray the surface with water kickoff to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Remove the bankroll and spray downward the film with make clean water. Keeping the motion picture as moist equally possible will arrive easier to adjust and move into place on the glass before it sticks firmly, so you can be certain of the perfect fit. Then, you're ready to begin applying it to the glass.

completed car window tinting

Stride v: Advisedly printing the motion-picture show on to the inside of the window, using a plastic card to push button it into the corners. You should work your mode from the center outward, forcing the air towards the edges. A estrus gun will assist keep the film pliable until y'all're happy you've removed all the creases and air pockets – but retrieve to apply information technology to the outside of the drinking glass and so as not to cook the film.
Pace vi: Use a metal file on the edge of the window to ensure a polish and rounded stop. This will help prevent the pic from becoming unstuck when the window is moved upward or down.

Additional tips: When you're applying the tinting movie to the rear window or windscreen, information technology'll brand it easier if yous roll it onto the glass from i side to the other. You should too requite the pic time to cure and set, and so avoid winding the windows downwards or using wipers for two days after application.

These steps are for guidance only and may not utilise to all tint jobs. Always follow the manufacturer'south instructions which are supplied with the tinting pic you purchase. We'd also recommend buying pre-cutting tints which are specifically designed for the make and model of your car, which takes the stress out of having to cut the flick to size yourself.

Remember, while applying window tints at dwelling is doable, you lot may get a better finish past leaving it upwardly to the pros. If yous'd prefer to do it yourself, we'd recommend watching some in-depth guides on YouTube to proceeds knowledge, tips and expertise from professional person tint specialists.

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