Question about DIY window tinting

[JasetheDamager]

First off, I'm curious if anyone has tried to tint their own windows before? What kind of results have you achieved? I know quality shops can charge between 250-400$ depending on the vehicle. I've read that SolarGard HP films are high quality and I can order a pre-cut kit from this website: Car Tint, Car Window Tinting & Precut Car Tint Kits | SnapTint Window Tinting

The kit costs about 100$ and I can install it in one day. However, I'm wondering how this works with the factory tint I already have on the rear and back windows. Also, I'm curious if I should go 20% or 5%?

I'm going to call the company in the morning to clarify the pre-existing tint question. I appreciate any feedback.

 

[absalom]

I would def not recommend doing it yourself. I had my entire truck done for $120 by a pro. I watched him from start to finish, and it looked like a huge PITA. He was saying it took him about 6 months to learn to do the curved windows.

When you get it done, I highly recommend getting your entire windshield done as well. Makes a massive difference in reducing interior temps, reducing glare, and preventing UV damage to your dash.

 

[Jeddy]

If you absolutely dont have the extra hundy to take it to a shop, then yeah, you can do it yourself. But unfortunately everyone on the road will know you did it yourself. Window tinting is extremely difficult, took my friend and I a couple hours just to match his front windows of his 08 f150. I am no pro so it could be a lot easier for you but I would highly recommend going to a shop.

 

[JasetheDamager]

Thanks for the replies! I just watched a video and it looked like a huge PITA, no doubt. I'm willing to spend extra money to make it look professional. Jeddy, I see you're in OC. I'm in Dana Point. Do you have a recommendation for a reputable shop?

 

[Kenjan]

You can do it but why not get a shop that will give you a wty for life

 

[Lineman]

Highly recommend to have a shop do it. Its very hard to get it perfect. Here in VA it was $225 for all the windows including the sunroof at 20%.. Looks outstanding over the stock tint. Very dark, the tech said it equaled about 13% when you apply 20% over stock.

Front driver and passenger are 50% stock so I''d imagine they're now 35%? But, when all other windows are around 13, the fronts look really dark too.

 

[STRRAYNGE]

If you were local, id do it for you! My mother has owned her own window tint business since 1989, and about 1991, we branched out and opened another tint shop I ran for several years. Tinting everything from, cars, trucks, boats, houses, and businesses. It is difficult to a point, but the main thing is having a dust free environment to do it in, the proper tools, and taking your time. I actually still need to do mine!! But its hard to find good quality tint, and I dont want to use the cheap stuff that turns purple and bubbles up.

 

[Stick Figure]

I would also caution against going w/ cheap dyed film if you plan to keep your truck for a while. The dyed film is the stuff that turns purple, and is still a pain to remove especially over defroster lines.

 

[JasetheDamager]

If you were local, id do it for you! My mother has owned her own window tint business since 1989, and about 1991, we started another business in another town that I ran. It is difficult to a point, but the main thing is having a dust free environment to do it in, and the proper tools. I actually still need to do mine!! But its hard to find good quality tint, and I dont want to use the cheap stuff that turns purple and bubbles up.

Hey Strraynge, I've been researching brands and I keep reading about SolarGard and SunTek. I'm going to do some investigating the next couple of days, cuz I definitely want the best possible results. I don't want something that bubbles or turns a weird color either. Besides, I'm kind of a research junky, so I'll poke around for a few hours.

 

[Jeddy]

Thanks for the replies! I just watched a video and it looked like a huge PITA, no doubt. I'm willing to spend extra money to make it look professional. Jeddy, I see you're in OC. I'm in Dana Point. Do you have a recommendation for a reputable shop?

Hey man, yeah I live in the oc! a place that i would recommend is Signature Glass Tinting. They are on West 17th in Costa Mesa, I have never gotten my 4r done there but I plan to bring it to them when I do; and I know several people who have taken their cars here and loved them.

 

[GladeRunner]

Agree with the others to have a pro do it. Well worth the money.

Ive seen plenty of DIY tint jobs in FL. There's no way I could stand looking through bubbles!

 

[02-Sport]

I've been tinting windows on the side since 1987 (dang i'm getn old). If you get pre cut tint thats half the battle. Theres alot of important things to do but the three main things is cutting the tint correctly, cleaning the glass very good then clean some more and using soapy water to apply tint. But with that being said and you never tinted before you will probably mess the tint up on one or more of the windows that roll up and down which will require ordering more tint. Unless you want to learn how to tint and want to invest in the extra tint to mess up and learn on I would pay for someone else to do it.
As far as 5% and 20% I prefer 20% for the main reason of 5% being harder to see at night. I can't believe they charge that much to tint in your area!!

In my pics you can see my 02 my sons 01 Runner and my wifes 12 Sienna I tinted

 

[rebelbowtie]

Didn't really see anyone say it but I prefer ceramic tint over metallic, I have Huper Optik's ceramic on my car and will probably be doing it on the 4runner as well.

It has so much less distortion when looking through it that tint I have had on other vehicles.

 

[caddyman]

Someone mentioned tinting the windshield as well......keep in mind that is HIGHLY ILLEGAL to do the entire windshield. Unless you have a perscription..which I DO. So all my glass is tinted as well as my windshield....in my Audi as well. But I pay a professional for tint.

 

[Stick Figure]

But with that being said and you never tinted before you will probably mess the tint up on one or more of the windows that roll up and down which will require ordering more tint.

One "trick" here is if you are only doing your own vehicle and not trying to make a living at it, you can take the time to pull the door panels to eliminate the weather strip issue. I prefer to do this anyway as apposed to letting the tint guy shove the strip down in the door. The 4Runner would be a bigger pain w/ 5 roll down windows, but still better than messing up the tint.

 

[JasetheDamager]

I ended up talking to a few knowledgeable friends who are my go to when I'm not seeking free advice on this forum. Seems like a no-brainer. I'm definitely taking it to a shop for pro install and lifetime warranty.

However, I like more specific details and I'm curious about quality. I'm willing to spend more for better film. Industry names I've come across thus far are Solar Gard, SunTek, and Huper Optik. I don't want cheap crap that will give me trouble further down the line as I plan on keeping my truck for the rest of its life.

Does anybody have experience with these brands, or another brand they feel is superior quality?

 

[absalom]

I have Solargard on every bit of glass on my truck. Danny's Car Wash (the biggest tinter in Arizona) uses this as their everyday tint, sure there are more expensive, but they say best bang for your buck.

Just keep in mind that every tint will eventually fade and discolor.

 

[TheDurk]

I had to pull a purply, bubbly tint job off a used BMW vert I bought for my son. By the last window we had it down to a system. So post back if you need help in that area.

 

[Brentif]

Jase,

You have negelected to mention the largest brand of film around, 3M. They make very high quality products in a variety of price levels. You cna call me at my work, Campbell Window Film and I can go over all of the specifics for you. I do commercial/residential flat glass sales but can give you all the info on the products (as well as a discount which we offer to all forum members)

Holler at me if you have questions. 714-841-1010

Brent

 

[JasetheDamager]

Jase,

You have negelected to mention the largest brand of film around, 3M. They make very high quality products in a variety of price levels. You cna call me at my work, Campbell Window Film and I can go over all of the specifics for you. I do commercial/residential flat glass sales but can give you all the info on the products (as well as a discount which we offer to all forum members)

Holler at me if you have questions. 714-841-1010

Brent

Hey Brent, thanks for the reply. Yeah, I'm still researching different brands. Sounds like you work in the industry and know what you're talking about. Some people have kinda bad-mouthed 3M, but maybe they don't know the full range of products that 3M offers. I'm not biased against any particular brand. I just want a quality product for a decent price.

I've decided that I want 20% tint all the way around, though I may go darker on my cargo windows, side and rear, for more privacy. If I tint everything, including my sunroof, can you give me an idea of what to expect for cost? I'm guessing I'll pay between 200-300$ at a shop, though I'm no expert and might be estimating on the high side. Do you have any recommendations for shops? Jeddy gave me a heads up on a shop in Costa Mesa. I have no real free time until Monday, but I'll give you a call if I need additional info.