Anyone ever tint their own windows before?

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Malibulx3

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I'm looking to tint the windows in my Volvo 240, and like most things, I like to do it myself. However, everything I read says "leave it to the professionals".

Well if I left everything to the professionals, I wouldn't have wound up here learning how to properly detail my car, which not only saved me money doing it myself, but gave me the satisfaction of learning a new skill while also achieving very near to professional results.

I've watched a couple of videos, and honestly it doesn't seem that complicated. Especially considering my Volvo station wagon, which has all flat windows with 100% easy access. But maybe I'm missing something. The hardest part to me seems like properly cutting the film for a nice edge. Much like detailing, working carefully in a clean environment, with a great attention to detail, and patience seems key, all factors I currently exhibit.

So, anybody tint their own windows? Did it turn purple and bubble in the first year? Or did it turn out great, and you saved money while learning a new skill?
 
Yes I have tinted windows on several personal vehicles over the years. Never had them to purple up or bubble up. Like anything else there is a learning curve. If I had to do it again I would have them professionally installed simply because of the convience.
 
Tint prices have come way down. I can get a real nice job for 100$. Not worth the time and trouble.
 
inyadreems said:
Tint prices have come way down. I can get a real nice job for 100$. Not worth the time and trouble.
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I'm going to take my car around to a couple of shops and see what they say. Looking once website for one shop around here, they want over $300, and that wouldn't even include my front windows!
 
Got mine done for 200 including strip on windshield on an impreza wagon with all windows done. More easy for the professionals and some shops will give lifetime warranty on bubbles and fade etc.
 
Mr. T said:
Got mine done for 200 including strip on windshield on an impreza wagon with all windows done. More easy for the professionals and some shops will give lifetime warranty on bubbles and fade etc.
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I'd be willing to pay $200, but really can't warrant any more. I'm going to check out some shops and see what they say. I figure quality tint film would cost me at least $50, and then I would need an assortment of squeegees, which I would probably never use again.
 
Yeah. I did both my mini coopers.
Check out the forums over at tintdude.
Invest in a good roll of tint that will last.
Just like detailing you can learn to do it well it's going to take practice.
Having the right tools makes it easier.
 
Bubbling up or turning purple is a function of the quality of the tint itself. This doesn't happen with higher quality tint.

Still, tinting is a big project and there is a learning curve. I say pay someone unless you have several other cars to tint and want to learn how.
 
Vegas Transplant said:
Yes I have tinted windows on several personal vehicles over the years. Never had them to purple up or bubble up. Like anything else there is a learning curve. If I had to do it again I would have them professionally installed simply because of the convience.
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inyadreems said:
Tint prices have come way down. I can get a real nice job for 100$. Not worth the time and trouble.
Click to expand...

I agree with these guys.^

By the time you get the hang of it, you will have already spent $100.00 in tint and supplies.

It is best to let the professionals take care of this one, imo.
 
rfinkle2 said:
I agree with these guys.^

By the time you get the hang of it, you will have already spent $100.00 in tint and supplies.

.
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:iagree:

Think that those swirls aggravate you, Willing to bet on the first time that you will have finger prints and or 1-2 very small bubbles or air pockets. Just enough to drive you mad if you have ocd like I do. Actually I can live with that now.
 
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