Anyone have experience with DIY window tinting?

[jblair]

I'm wanting to get my windows tinted, but can't justify the $179 price tag. I'm not looking for anything perfect, so I was thinking about just doing it myself and saving about $100 or so. Does anyone have any experience with this? I found a write up on the DIY Network's Web site, and it doesn't sound too difficult. I know it will probably turn purple and bubble/peel eventually, but I'm sure it will last for a while.

[DLC]

I just pay the $180 and know that I have someone with 15 years experience (in my case) and a long warranty on the install and film. One less thing to worry about...

[Legacy777]

The wagon is definitely going to be easier then the sedan, but unless you know what you're doing, it probably won't turn out too good.

The rear window really needs to be cut in strips so it doesn't bubble up. Also, use the outside of the window for layout of the tint to get everything cut the way you want.

I learned a few tricks when watching the guy that did my car. But I'd still just take it to someone to be done.

[magicmike]

it doesn't sound too difficult.

give it a try and let me know how easy it was lol. I used to do window tinting for about 5 years. you get to learn the tricks on certain vehicles and you learn about how the tint reacts. it is definatley an art. The plus side to the subies is that the door windows are very flat in one direction. this makes it easy but the fact that we dont have window frames means that you have to trim the tint on 3 edges (left, right, and top). thats a little more tricky. The back window bends in two directions like a sphere. A wagon window will be slightly easier but you will still need to maybe do 2 pieces with a seam. you can only shrink the tint so much before it melts. if you have never tried it just pay to have it done. you will end up screwing up every window you try and spend twice as much on tint than you expected you would need to do the car.

[Bheinen74]

yeah have a professional do it, or you will end up with bubbles, scrathes, and holes.......on every window, and you will have lost that money you spent on the window film roll at wal mart.

[alcyone]

Thought I would provide some thoughts here. If you want to teach yourself how to apply tint, a legacy is a great place to start. They're about the easiest cars to tint. The side windows can be done without any shrinking at all. Just lay the tint out, trim, and apply. Once you have the door panels off, it's a 10 minute job per window at the max. The back window is tricky, and I've not yet mastered that art, but it's not the worst back window in the world.

Cheers,

Mike

[93Leg-c]

jblair, have you attempted tinting your windows yet? How did they turn out?