Installation instructions for window tint

You may find it more convenient and efficient to have a 
partner or helper throughout the installation process. We also
highly recommend installing the film out of direct sunlight if possible.
You may need to print these instructions for later use.

See our Photos and Hints page for a brief overview of window film installation. Then use this instruction sheet as general guidelines to achieving a professional looking installation at a Do-It-Yourself price.

STEP ONE: Prepare Area

  1. Move all furnishings away from window area, creating a minimum of a 3 foot work space.
  2. Remove blinds or window treatments or tie back drapes away from window.
  3. Put down drop cloths to catch dirt and moisture coming from windows.

 

STEP TWO: Inspect Windows

  1. Visually inspect perimeter of window frame looking for any cracks or chips in the glass. If cracks or chips are present, you may want to have the glass replaced before installing film.
  2. Look for any loose glazing compound, caulk or paint that may need to be removed to prevent contamination of film.
  3. Inspect window frame for good condition. Rotten, rusted or scummy frames may hamper film installation and should be attended to before install.

 

STEP THREE: Wet Clean

  1. Spray sufficient amount of cleaner/mounting solution to wet glass.
  2. Scrape entire glass area with razor blade scraper, working from top to bottom.
  3. Spray glass again around perimeter of frame and wipe glass and frame with paper towels or lint-free cloth.
  4. Squeegee window, starting at top frame and working to bottom, using overlapping strokes.
  5. Wipe bottom of glass and frame and squeegee bottom again.

 

STEP FOUR: Peel Liner

There is a clear liner on the film that protects the adhesive. The liner must be removed to properly install film. This is where your partner can really help.

  1. First try just bending the corner of the film and picking to release the liner. Plan on cutting this edge when you apply the film since you have extra to trim to fit anyway If this does not work, go to b. Otherwise, skip to d.
  2. Make tape tabs from masking tape. Use two 3" strips of tape, folding 1" back over itself to use as tab.
  3. On top left or right corner of film, stick one tab on liner side and one tab on film side.
  4. Film installer should hold tab on film side and other corner of film with liner facing away from him/her.
  5. Have helper face installer and pull out and down on liner tab.
  6. Remove liner and spray adhesive side of film completely with mounting solution from top to bottom.
  7. Spray window with mounting solution, keeping top 2" as dry as possible.

 

STEP FIVE: Apply film 

  1. Holding film at top corners and level in both hands, move gently but deliberately to window.
  2. Start at top and allow film to touch glass and draw up to bottom.
  3. Position film allowing 1"-2" overlap around frame.
  4. Keep one hand on film to prevent sliding. Lightly spray room side of film to allow installation squeegee to glide over film.
  5. With installation squeegee tack film to glass 2" from top by using side to side squeegee motion . Do not push mounting fluid all the way to the edges.
  6. With installation squeegee, work top to bottom and side to side, alternating 6" strokes and overlapping by 50% of squeegee length, pushing mounting solution to side and toward bottom of window. Do not push fluid all the way to side or bottom edges of window frame. Stop squeeging approximately 2"- 4" from sides and bottom.
  7. Wipe bottom edge lightly with paper towels and soak up any moisture on sill.

 

STEP SIX: Cut Film

  1. With break-away knife start at top right or left corner, cutting out or away from corner. (make sure you are using a stainless steel blade)
  2. Use cutting guide to insure consistent gap on all cuts. Hold cutting guide perpendicular to glass, against and parallel to window frame, cut down or across out of top corners. Be careful not to bunch film in corner when using guide. (45o miter cuts out away from corner may help to stop bunching).
  3. Use moderate pressure with fresh cutting point, making smooth cutting motion down to bottom of window or across as close to next corner as possible.
  4. Reverse cutting motion to finish cut on each side and bottom to top.
  5. Snap new point on knife after each cut.
  6. Remove and discard excess film.

 

STEP SEVEN: Final Squeegee

  1. Lightly spray room side of film with mounting solution.
  2. Use smooth, firm overlapping strokes with installing squeegee, pushing remaining mounting solution out from film edges.
  3. Start at top and push top 2" up and out.
  4. From top center of window push mounting solution side to side to edge.
  5. Alternate 6" strokes downward top to bottom, with side to side 6" strokes working from middle of glass all the way to edge, overlapping strokes by 50% of squeegee length.
  6. Work all the way to bottom of window.
  7. Wipe bottom of edge lightly with paper towels and soak up any solution on sill.

 

STEP EIGHT: Bump Edges

  1. Wrap install squeegee with double layer of paper towels.
  2. Start 4-6" from frame and push residual moisture from window film to edge. Let paper towel absorb moisture, reposition paper towel on squeegee after each stroke to maximize absorption and prevent scratching film.
  3. Work around entire perimeter of window.

 

STEP NINE: Final Inspection

  1. Visually inspect around edges of film for water pockets or blisters. Push pockets or blisters out with paper towel covered squeegee or hard teflon card..
  2. View from different angles and step back from window to check for any water pockets or pools of moisture.
  3. View windows from outside if possible to inspect finished install.

To ease your mind with the installation, we are going to include a
small piece of film for you to practice this technique
when you purchase the film from our store pre-cut.


Back to Step-by-Step


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