Window tinting questions

So Ive done it myself, and Ive paid to have it done.

My question is to those of you that know how... When a pro tints a roll up window the film goes all the way to the top of the window...so when you roll it down or part way down it looks good. The film goes all the way to the edge of the window..

When I did my other van I just trimmed the film as far up as I could and it was ok but when you rolled down the window part way you could see maybe a 1/4" gap where the film was cut short.. How can you get it all the way up and get it trimmed?

Anybody?

tint the glass while its out of the van!

copenhagenfiend wrote:tint the glass while its out of the van!

Is this what the pro's do?

no, the vehicles i've had tinted they usually are able to tint about a 1/2" below the window seal on the bottom then roll it down a touch and end up with less than an eighth inch gap on top. i'm no window expert, but i'm sure i could get the glass in and out with fresh tint rather than try to manipulate the lower seal. i'm sure there's someone here with more experience than i.

you can always buy tinted glass. My friend sells tinted Econoline windows.

OK, Most tinters remove the inside felt strip, or rubber wiper. With the newer cars it comes off with the door panel, making it easier than on our vans. To do it right you will need to remove the felt strip and get the special rubber squeegees that the use. The tint is measured and rough trimmed on the outside of the glass. Clean the glass with ALOT of soapy water and a single edged razorblade, the glass has to be imaculate to get a good tint job. Roll the window down about 1/4 of the way, DRENCH the window with soapy water, peel the coating while setting the top of the tint. Drench the outside of the tint also, you can slip the tint around to get it lined up close. Work from the top down/inside out with the squeegee using plenty of soapy water. There is a "glue" on the tint that will adhere to the glass as you squeegee the water out. Get 90% of the window done and trim the edges with the razor blade, roll the window up and closed, tucking the glass/tintwith the squeegee into the rubber seat for the window. Finish the bottom of the glass and dont roll the window down for 24 to 48 hours depending on how hot and humid it is.

Its kinda an art doing tint, I am not very good at it, but I had a guy who was a tinting "god" on the payroll when I had my acc shop, and thats how he did it. I used to watch him and was amazed how fast he was at it. He could have done a panel van front doors and wings, rear door windows and a strip on the windshield in 40 minutes and it would be perfect.

Thanks guys...Wow I never considered there would be a "tint" forum! Im gonna tint mine someday and I just wanted some tips.