How to Install Window Tint

We’re a professional tint shop, so we’ll be upfront: we think professional installation is worth every dollar. But we also believe in giving people honest, useful information. If you’re going to tint your own windows, here’s how to do it properly.

What You’ll Need

Materials: Pre-cut window tint film (buying pre-cut for your vehicle model eliminates the hardest part), slip solution (baby shampoo and water works), a spray bottle, a squeegee or hard card, a heat gun or hair dryer, a sharp utility knife with fresh blades, lint-free microfibre cloths, and masking tape.

Workspace: A garage or covered area out of direct wind and sunlight. Dust is the enemy of clean tint installation — even a small particle trapped under the film creates a visible bubble. Clean your workspace thoroughly before starting.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Clean the glass. Spray the inside of the window with your slip solution and scrub with a razor blade scraper held at 45 degrees to remove any adhesive residue, sticker material, or mineral deposits. Follow with a lint-free wipe. Repeat. The glass must be perfectly clean — any contamination will show through the film.

Step 2: Cut the film (if not pre-cut). Spray the outside of the window with slip solution and lay the film on the outside, tinted side facing you. Using a utility knife, cut around the window edge leaving 1/4 inch of excess on all sides. Use the window gasket as your cutting guide.

Step 3: Prepare the window. Roll the window down about 1/2 inch. Spray the inside of the glass generously with slip solution. The glass should be thoroughly wet — the solution allows you to position the film.

Step 4: Apply the film. Peel the clear liner from the film (use tape on a corner to separate the layers). Spray the adhesive side with slip solution immediately — do not let the adhesive dry. Carefully position the film on the inside of the wet glass. Slide it into alignment with the top edge tucked under the gasket.

Step 5: Squeegee. Using firm, overlapping strokes from the centre outward, push water and air bubbles out from under the film. Work from top to bottom. Use a heat gun on low to soften the film around curves if needed.

Step 6: Trim and finish. Roll the window up and trim any excess film along the edges. Squeegee again to push out remaining moisture. The film will look slightly hazy for 2–5 days as it cures — this is normal.