Do It Yourself Window Tinting Project

Have you ever considering window tinting for your home? There are a lot of people that think you can only tint your car windows. But this is not true and there is a lot you can gain from tinting the windows in your home too. We are talking about improving energy efficiency to giving you and your family privacy.

Window tinting involves adding film to existing windows in your home. Window film first emerged on the market in the 1960s and it has been popular with homeowners ever since. But before you think you have to pay a company a fortune, know that you can do start a do it yourself window tinting project. That is right; you can do this all on your own.

Let’s find out more about the advantages of do it yourself window tinting and what you are going to need to get started.

The Benefits of Tinting Home Windows

You may be wondering; is there really any point in tinting the windows in my home? Well, this do it yourself project has a lot of advantages to offer you as the homeowner. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Boost Energy Efficiency

We are all aware that energy bills are increasing. This is particularly true if you spend a lot of time at home, as well as if you live somewhere with extreme climates. But you can save money on your energy bills with do it yourself window tinting.

During the warm summers, you want to make sure that you keep as much of the sunlight out of your home. This is going to keep it cool. This is what tinted windows can help you do. As a result, you will not have to spend so much money on air-conditioning since the temperature inside can stay low and comfortable for the family. This is particularly true if you have older-style windows. They tend not to have a low-emissivity coating on them.

Enjoy Privacy

Your house is your private space. It is where you go home to at the end of the day and where you spend time with your family. Depending on the design of your home, your windows might face a busy street and allow people to see in. This can make you feel like you do not have a lot of privacy.

The great thing about window tinting is that you are going to be able to enjoy the privacy you long for. Instead of having to purchase blinds and other options for your windows, you can tint them. This is going to make sure that you do not lose any natural light but people cannot see into your home.

Add Curb Appeal

Some people will choose window tinting because it can make their house look good. Do not forget that your property is an investment. You want to take care of it and make improvements. This is not just to make your life more enjoyable, it is also to increase the value of your home. Do it yourself window tinting, when it is done correctly, it able to do this. It is relatively easy, quick and will last for years.

Allow Security

Unfortunately, break-ins happen far too often. You have to do everything you can to deter people from breaking into your home. It is recommended that you do not have any valuable items on display. This is particularly true if you have a lot of windows in your home. By tinting your windows, you can stop potential break-ins. Since nobody will be able to see into your home, they will not be able to spot any valuables.

A broken window

What’s more, there are some types of window tinting that are actually going to make it more difficult for anybody to break the glass. This means that an intruder will have to work harder and this can increase the chance of them getting caught.

Benefit from Solar Protection

We always hear about how the sun gives off ultraviolet rays that can be harmful to our skin. Not only can we get burnt but we can also increase the risk of developing skin cancer. So, what do we do? We wear sunscreen to protect our skin.  Well, not a lot of people realize that ultraviolet rays can actually damage things in your home. For example, it can cause damage to the electronics you have and lead to fading fabrics and discolored furnishings.

In order to prevent the damage from ultraviolet rays, try do it yourself window tinting. In particular, solar window films are going to help block up to 99.9 percent of UV rays from the sun. This is going to stop your home furnishings and possessions from being damaged and you can expand their lifespan.

Reduce Glare

There is nothing worse than sitting down to watch television or working at your computer during the day and the sun is shining in. Sunshine is known to create a glare when it bounces off screens. This can make it difficult to concentrate on a movie or television series, as well as stop you from being able to read on your computer. The only way to stop this is to close the curtains. But nobody wants to do this in the middle of the day.

Glare coming through window

The good news is that you can use window tint in order to enjoy your favorite activities. This project is going to help to reduce the glare that is being created by the sun. You can still enjoy natural light in your home during the day but it is going to stop reflecting off your electronic screens and devices.

Types of Do It Yourself Window Tinting

When you are shopping for window films, you have to be aware that there are different types you can purchase. Of course, there are different styles and colors. But there are also various types that are available for different uses. Namely, there are three different categories you should know about.

Solar Window Tinting

If you are interested in energy efficiency, you are going to want to choose solar window tinting. This is going to be a film that is thinner than security window tinting, but it will be thicker than decorative varieties. Its main purpose is to reflect heat and help you control the temperature inside your home. Solar window tinting will help reduce glare, as well as protect furnishings from harmful UV rays.

Security Window Tinting

Is security a priority for your home? Then you are going to want to choose security window tinting. This type of window film is often available in a clear or silver design. Of course, the purpose is to strengthen the glass and mean that it is not able to shatter so easily. Therefore, it is the thickest choice of window tinting you can choose from.

Decorative Window Tinting

Just as the name suggests, decorative window tinting is all about aesthetics. This film is supposed to make the windows of your home look good. It is not really going to help with energy efficiency and it will provide little practical security. But the good thing about decorative window tinting is that there are a lot of colors and patterns available. This can provide you with privacy in your home, as well as adding curb appeal.

Should I Do Window Tinting Myself?

There are many companies out there that are going to do window tinting for you. But the problem is, they are going to cost a lot of money. This is particularly true if you have a lot of windows in your home and they are big sizes. If you have a limitless budget, this is going to be fine for you. But if you are like the majority of homeowners, you are looking for ways to save money. A do it yourself window tinting project is the way to do this.

You may be surprised by just how much money you can save by tinting your own windows. You are looking at spending around $35 per square foot for a company to tint your windows. However, if you try this project by yourself, it can cost as low as $1 per square foot. So, there are dramatic savings you can make.

What’s more, let’s not forget that do it yourself projects can be a lot of fun. This is a project that is more about patience than skill. So, be aware that it is a simple project that you can do but you have to be patient and do a lot of measuring. So, it is less about practical skills and more about accuracy and composure.

What to Know Before Buying Window Film

Are you exciting to start this do it yourself window tinting project? This can be a very rewarding improvement you can make on your home windows. But we have a few tips you should know about before you purchase window film.

Know Your Window Measurements

Make sure that you take a look at the width and length of the window film. Of course, the best thing to do first is to measure your own windows. Then, you are going to know exactly what you need for your project. It is best to choose a size larger than what you need. The last thing you want is to do is be caught short and for the film not to fit your window. When you buy a larger size, at least you can cut the film and adjust it for your home.

In addition, always purchase more than you need to. This means that if you make any mistakes, you are going to have more film that you can use.

Know What Your Windows Can Handle

As you have read, there are different types of window film you can purchase. But you also have to be aware that not all windows are going to be compatible with some films you can choose.

For example, most decorative window tints are going to be safe on all types of glass. After all, it is more for aesthetics than absorbing UV rays or helping with energy efficiency. However, if you have older insulated glass windows, it is recommended not to apply solar film, as this might increase the risk of glass cracking due to thermal stress.

Therefore, do your research before trying window tinting. Know what type of windows you have, whether this is annealed, heat-treated or insulating glass. Then, find out if you are able to place window films over them. This is something you can find out from the manufacturer or you may be able to find the answer online. After all, the last thing you want to do is damage the windows in your home.

The Tools You Are Going to Need for Do It Yourself Window Tinting

Once you have chosen the window film that you like, it will be time to see if you have the other tools you need to get started. There are a few basic ones that you are going to need. If you are a home improvement enthusiast, you are likely to have some of these already.

A Measuring Tape

Measuring tape for measuring the window

A very important tool you are going to need for this project is a measuring tape. This is going to be your best friend when you are measuring out the film you need for your windows. You will also need to measure your windows too.

A Pair of Sharp Scissors

You are also going to need a pair of sharp scissors for this do it yourself window tinting project. These are going to be used to cut the window film. Since there can be varying thicknesses to choose from, make sure that the scissors are sharp and up for the job.

A Vinyl Squeegee Applicator

It does not matter how hard you try when you are applying the window tint, air bubbles are going to appear. But this is not the end of the world. They can easily be removed when you have a vinyl squeegee applicator. This small tool should be dragged over the surface of the window tint and it will remove the air bubbles out.

Retractable Blade Knife

Retractable blade knife for cutting film

For the finishing steps of this do it yourself window tinting project, you are going to need a retractable blade knife. This is going to allow you to cut away any excess film you have on the window. This small blade will make it easy to cut away, allowing you to get into any narrow spaces.

How to Get Started on Do It Yourself Window Tinting

Would you like to start on window tinting? You are probably wondering what the steps are to do it successfully. If you like to work on home improvement this is going to be a fun task for you. While it can sound easy, it does require patience and for you to follow certain steps. Let’s take a look at what you will have to do to tint your home windows.

Step 1: Clean the Windows

A lot of people get excited and what to get to the part where they are applying the window film. But it is important that you do not skip this first step. We are talking about cleaning the windows. This is a very essential part of the process that is going to ensure that the windows look good and you do not have to take off the film. If there are any specks, streaks or dust on your window, this is going to get trapped under the film and it will affect the final product.

Step 2: Measure Your Windows

You have probably already measured your windows before you purchased the film. But it never hurts to measure them again so that you do not make any mistakes with the next step. Measure the length and width of the window you are going to work on. Make sure that you measure all of the windows. While you might think that all of the windows are the same size in your home, there can be very small differences.

Step 3: Cut the Do It Yourself Window Tinting Film

Next, it is time to cut your window film. Since you already know the measurements of your window, this is going to make it easy to get the right length and width for the film. But what we would advise you to do is cut it slightly larger than the window. This can be by a few inches. This is going to allow you some room to adjust the film and ensure that you are not going to be short.

Step 4: Remove the Film Backing

Now, in this step, you have to be careful. It is essential to take your time and not get overly confident. You may think it is easy to remove the film backing. Indeed, the concept is simple. But you have to be careful and remember that it is going to expose the side that is adhesive and that sticks to your window. You want to ensure that nothing is stuck and the adhesiveness remains.

Therefore, this step might be done better when you have another person to help you. This way, one person can hold the film and the other can peel off the backing. This is going to stop any creases from developing and it will lead to a better result.

Step 5: Attach the Do It Yourself Window Tinting

The step you have all been waiting for. We are talking about attaching the window film. Make sure that you read the instructions included with the product you have purchased. They will all be slightly different for this step. For example, it may already have an adhesive that is going to stick to your windows. Others might mean you have to apply water to the window first.

Take care when you are setting the tint onto the window. Be slow and accurate, as this is a difficult step that is more about patience.

Step 6: Get Rid of Air Bubbles

It is likely that some air bubbles will pop up underneath your window tinting film. But before you panic and try to remove it all, know that you can get rid of air bubbles using a vinyl squeegee applicator. Run this over the film in order to move the air bubbles to the edges and they will go away. You can do this step with your handles manually, but it is a lot easier when you use a squeegee.

Step 7: Trim Off the Excess

The last step is here. Remember how we told you to add a few inches to the window measurements? Well, now is the time to cut them off. Once you have laid your window tint onto the glass, you will be left with some material on a few sides. You can use a retractable blade knife to cut all of the excess away. There you have it; do it yourself window tinting!

Want to try do it yourself plumbing next? Take a look at this article we have.

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