Self tinting side windows - how difficult?

[MrChrisLS3]

Originally Posted by rickyrocket

Its one of those things best done by a pro

I can attest, living here in the deep south where tint is almost a necessity, that I have seen many examples of the result of a bad tint job. If you want this, hire a professional and use the best material.

[baum]

Go on Ebay you can get a good quality tint that is pre-cut to your windows. it makes installing tint really easy.

[DKS1DE]

A little experience talking here, used to own a business that did commercial and residential window tinting, and I would let my guys do cars in the shop on the side. Good window tint is very difficult for the average person to buy. Most of the stuff you find retail is the same manufacturer but it is the lowest quality the company produces and is a completely different make up than "commercial window tint". All automotive glass is curved and therefore in order to properly tint most auto windows the tint has to be heated, and not all tint can be heated. Most of the good manufacturers make two classes of film auto and commercial - commercial is a much tougher film but cannot be heated. Anyone can tint their own windows, question is what is it going to look like. Needs to be done by an experienced person in a controlled (dust free) environment.

Its been a few years since I was associated with the business but if I remember correctly I believe ALL window film is technically illegal in most states.

Also the darkest we put on a window was 20% and did it rarely - Limo Tint is what we called it. 35% mainly and we also put either 50% or 80% on the front window. The biggest advantage to this is that it cuts down night time glare and makes the car 100% UV protected. BTW best film on the market is Huper Optik (German) Ceramic films but they are VERY expensive.

My advice is go to a pro in your area and spend your time on something that wont be so frustrating!

Good Luck

[rbenotti]

Thanks for the tips!

[EMB135Driver]

Would you cut your own hair? Do your own surgery? Some things are best left to the pros

[baum]

Originally Posted by EMB135Driver

Would you cut your own hair? Do your own surgery? Some things are best left to the pros

well cut my hair yes... a flowbee

I agree. Being i was a professional 12v installer for 10+ years i would laugh when you would get people that try like remote starts and what not.

[rbenotti]

Originally Posted by EMB135Driver

Would you cut your own hair? Do your own surgery? Some things are best left to the pros

Actually, the cutting your own hair comment doesn't apply if you have a clipper cut (which I do), and can clip via a mirror.

The surgery comment however is closer to accurate - though a bit extreme.

Point is taken from the thread regardless.