Your Guide on How to Tint House Windows

Benefits of Tinting Home Windows 

People decide to tint their home windows for a number of excellent reasons. 

First and foremost, many people choose to tint their windows for safety reasons. Darkened windows keep passerby from looking inside which keeps the people and property inside safe and secure. Window tint can also block the sun's damaging UV rays which can protect not only your family members' skin but your home decor and furniture as well.

Increased energy efficiency is another reason that some homeowners decide to tint their windows. Home window tinting can conserve heat in the winter and keep cooling bills down in the summer, too.

Lastly, tinted home windows look classy. This style tweak can make your home look like it's the fanciest one on the block.

Types of Home Window Tint 

There are three main types of home window tint. The type of tint you choose depends on your primary reason for having your windows tinted.

Solar window tint is what you should use if you are tinting your windows in pursuit of better home energy efficiency. It is thicker than decorative tint but it is thinner than security tint. 

Security tint is the thickest type of window tint. It is thick so people cannot see inside from the outside so your family stays safe. These tints also prevent the window from shattering if it is ever broken.

Decorative window tint is not very effective when it comes to security or energy efficiency, but it will look great on your windows. Often, this type of tint includes patterns or motifs to add additional decorative flair.

How to Tint House Windows 

There are plenty of reasons to learn how to tint house windows yourself, but the biggest one is the money you will save. Cost to tint your windows yourself can be as little as $1 per square foot; if you hire a company to do it for you, the price can be as high as $35 per square foot or more.

However, tinting your own home windows is not as easy as it looks. There are many mistakes and errors that can occur along the way, and a short way into your project, you may find yourself wishing that you hired a professional.

If you are well-versed in DIY projects though and are looking for a challenge, tinting your own home windows might be a great project for you. Read the following steps before you begin and good luck.

Step 1: Cleaning 

The first thing you need to do before even unpacking the tint that you purchased is to clean your windows completely. Doing a thorough cleaning of each and every window you plan to tint is crucial. If any dust or streaks are captured under the tinting film, they will be there forever.

Step 2: Measure the Window and Cut the Film 

Your next step is to measure the window. Write down your findings and then measure a second time to make sure your measurements are correct.

Once you have exact measurements, it's time to carefully cut the tinting film. Add an inch to your measurements on all four sides so you have a little extra leeway. Do not remove the film from the backing yet. 

Step 3: Peeling Off the Backing 

It's best to approach step three with an assistant or helper. When you peel the backing off of the tint and expose the adhesive, it's easy for the tint to get stuck to itself. With a helper, you have a better chance of avoiding this. One person can peel the backing off while the other person holds the tinting film flat.

Step 4: Attaching the Tint 

Most adhesives on window tints are activated by water but read the instructions on your specific tint to make sure yours is, too.

In most cases, you will spray both the window and the film with water before joining the two. Then, set the tint on the window with care. Getting this right is, by far, the most difficult step of the window tinting process.

Step 5: Remove Bubbles 

Once you the film is affixed to the window, you will likely notice some bubbles and imperfections. These can be removed by pushing the air out to the edges. You can do this with your fingers to some extent, but it is much more effective to use a squeegee.

Step 6: Trim the Edges 

Because you added an inch all around in step two, you should end up with some extra tint hanging over the edges of the window. Once you have removed all of the air bubbles, you can carefully trim around the edges. Viola! Your job is complete.

Patience is a Virtue 

Putting window tint on home windows can be challenging and tedious. You will need to repeat the steps above for each window you wish to tint. This can be frustrating and time-consuming, which is why many people choose to hire someone to tint their windows instead of doing it themselves.

However, now that you know how to tint house windows, this can be a fun project to try at home. Don't try to tackle this job all at once; start with one small room and then go from there. Once it's complete, you'll love the way it looks.

If you are looking for someone to tint your home windows in the greater Jacksonville and Lake City area, please give us a call. We'd love to help you improve your home.