There are many advantages to installing tinting film on your home windows. It will increase your personal privacy from neighbors and passers-by, it will cut down on the sun’s harmful UV rays coming into your home by over 90%, it protects textiles inside the home from sun damage and fading over time, and it even minimizes heat and cold loss through the windows by adding an extra layer of insulation to the glass.
The one downside to having home window tinting installed is that it can be pretty pricey to have a professional come in and do it for you. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to do yourself! As long as you prepare well and use the right materials, you can save time and money by installing the tinting film on your own.
Here are the tools that you will need to collect:
• High-quality residential tinting film
• Measuring tape
• Spray bottle with a nozzle
• Liquid dish soap
• Utility knife
• Squeegee
• Metal scrapers
• Lint-free microfiber cloths
Preparing the Glass
Once you decide which windows you would like to tint, turn off any nearby fans to reduce the movement of dust in the room. Then fill the spray bottle with water, add a few drops of the liquid dish soap, and shake to combine. Begin by cleaning the inside surface of the glass with the cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth. Remove any adhesive, coatings, oil, or paint from the glass with a metal scraper or razor blade. Then finish preparing the window by washing it thoroughly for a second time. Any dirt, dust, or residue left on the glass before installing the tint will be seen clearly under the film. So, make sure to be thorough when cleaning.
Preparing the Film
Roll out the tinting film on a flat surface like a table or a countertop. Be sure that this surface is water-resistant and won’t become damaged by the water and soap solution. Use household objects to weigh down the corners and keep them in place. Using the measuring tape, measure the glass surface that you intend to tint, and then use scissors to cut out a strip of film one inch wider and longer than the glass. These edges do not have to be perfectly straight, as the film will be trimmed later. Carefully remove the backing from the adhesive layer of the tinting film. Then fully coat the adhesive side with the water and dish soap solution. Be sure that all of the edges are coated as well. This mixture will function as a lubricant when installing the film on the glass.
Installing the Film
Once both the window and the film are ready for installation, coat the glass pane with the same soap solution. Then holding the film by its top corners, lay the adhesive side against the glass until it clings. Use your hands to shift the film until it is roughly centered on the pane. Then douse the outside of the film with the spray bottle to protect it. Use your squeegee to remove any water and air bubbles trapped between the film and the glass. Start at the center of the top of the window, and squeegee to the right and to the left. Continue down the pane using gentle horizontal movements until all of the visible water and bubbles have been removed. Using the razor blade, trim the edges of the film until it fits perfectly inside the windowpane. Then douse the outside of the film once more. Use the squeegee, in the same manner, to remove any remaining water and air bubbles from beneath the film.
Be sure to clean any water off the wooden trim of the window as well as the floor, and safely stow any razor blades and scrapers. And then you are finished! Repeat the full process for any remaining windows that you wish to tint. This window tinting method should protect your home from the sun and nosy neighbors for years to come.
