My $25 tint

SoCalChris · September 3, 2006

I decided to try tiniting my own windows, instead of paying the $175 that the local tint shop quoted me. I used the Axius film that is available at Wal-Mart and Checker Auto. For the front windows, I used 20% VLT, and for the rear I used 2.5% The total for the film was about $20. I also bought a $4 rubber squeegee that is used specifically for window tint. I highly recommend spending the few dollars on this squeegee, instead of using a credit card or regular squeegee, they don't work nearly as well.

Surprisingly, the two front windows were by far the easiest to do. I was able to do them by myself. I had to use my wife's help to get the rear piece in, since it was so much bigger than the other two. Each window took about an hour each. That includes the time to clean the windows, trim the film, lay the film on the window, trim the film, and smooth it out with the squeegee.

So far, I'm very happy with the results. The front two windows have been on for about 3 days, so they've had a chance to dry. They came out very clear, and not blurry or full of bubbles like a lot of the older DIY tints that I've seen. I did the rear window last night, so it isn't dry yet. It isn't bubbling, and so far looks like it came out even better than the passenger windows.

The tint film seems like it is pretty good quality. It comes in three versions, "Good", "Better", and "Best". The "Best" is totally metallized, and doesn't use dye, so I won't have to worry about it turning purple as it gets older.

Wingnut · September 3, 2006

Good job man!

Tintin' aint easy.

Dana_15 · September 3, 2006

Looks great. I did mine by myself also, just the front doors, but I bought them pre-cut off EBay....yours look good!

pwall · September 3, 2006

Looks good!

different_seasons · September 3, 2006

I bought some pre cut on ebay too but only used the back. My vent visers were in the way to do the sides.

asilverblazer · September 3, 2006

I'm impressed...

A) with your tint job.

B) with Wal-Mart tint.

Might have to pick some up the next time I'm in there.

SoCalChris · September 4, 2006

I was surprised with how easy the film from WalMart was to work with, and I was definately surpised with how good it came out, considering I've never touched window tint before.

If you're wanting your windows tinted, and have a few hours to spare, I recommend doing it yourself. It was surprisingly easy, and it's nice knowing that you did it yourself.

Thanks for the compliments!

KJsDenali · September 4, 2006

Looks good! Hope it lasts for you.

Mighty HD · September 5, 2006

Looks good..

WOW look at the dust on the door panels. Get that baby cleaned man!!!!

curly · September 6, 2006

Looks good ! Tinted windows make a vehicle and make driving so much nicer (less glare, etc.).

Tinting is not hard as long as you take your time and keep it wet. For what I paid to have the front windows on the HD tinted (and the crappy job they did IMO), I'll do my own from now on. Let us know how your tint hold up (some brands seem like they scratch worse than others).

mmartinez40 · August 3, 2007

I decided to try tiniting my own windows, instead of paying the $175 that the local tint shop quoted me. I used the Axius film that is available at Wal-Mart and Checker Auto. For the front windows, I used 20% VLT, and for the rear I used 2.5% The total for the film was about $20. I also bought a $4 rubber squeegee that is used specifically for window tint. I highly recommend spending the few dollars on this squeegee, instead of using a credit card or regular squeegee, they don't work nearly as well.

Surprisingly, the two front windows were by far the easiest to do. I was able to do them by myself. I had to use my wife's help to get the rear piece in, since it was so much bigger than the other two. Each window took about an hour each. That includes the time to clean the windows, trim the film, lay the film on the window, trim the film, and smooth it out with the squeegee.

So far, I'm very happy with the results. The front two windows have been on for about 3 days, so they've had a chance to dry. They came out very clear, and not blurry or full of bubbles like a lot of the older DIY tints that I've seen. I did the rear window last night, so it isn't dry yet. It isn't bubbling, and so far looks like it came out even better than the passenger windows.

The tint film seems like it is pretty good quality. It comes in three versions, "Good", "Better", and "Best". The "Best" is totally metallized, and doesn't use dye, so I won't have to worry about it turning purple as it gets older.

I can't see the image posted. I am thinking about tinting my owe 2 front windows on a 2005 Silverado Crew Cab. I have a question, is it a good idea to remove the front door panels to tint the windows?

04z71steve · August 15, 2007

I decided to try tiniting my own windows, instead of paying the $175 that the local tint shop quoted me. I used the Axius film that is available at Wal-Mart and Checker Auto. For the front windows, I used 20% VLT, and for the rear I used 2.5% The total for the film was about $20. I also bought a $4 rubber squeegee that is used specifically for window tint. I highly recommend spending the few dollars on this squeegee, instead of using a credit card or regular squeegee, they don't work nearly as well.

Surprisingly, the two front windows were by far the easiest to do. I was able to do them by myself. I had to use my wife's help to get the rear piece in, since it was so much bigger than the other two. Each window took about an hour each. That includes the time to clean the windows, trim the film, lay the film on the window, trim the film, and smooth it out with the squeegee.

So far, I'm very happy with the results. The front two windows have been on for about 3 days, so they've had a chance to dry. They came out very clear, and not blurry or full of bubbles like a lot of the older DIY tints that I've seen. I did the rear window last night, so it isn't dry yet. It isn't bubbling, and so far looks like it came out even better than the passenger windows.

The tint film seems like it is pretty good quality. It comes in three versions, "Good", "Better", and "Best". The "Best" is totally metallized, and doesn't use dye, so I won't have to worry about it turning purple as it gets older.

I can't see the image posted. I am thinking about tinting my owe 2 front windows on a 2005 Silverado Crew Cab. I have a question, is it a good idea to remove the front door panels to tint the windows?

when i tinted my grand prix gtp it was MUCH easier with the door panels off!! with them off you can get the tint all the way down on the bottom so it doesnt hook up on the rubber part when you roll your window up and down!!

steve