Residential and Commercial Glass Installation

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Window Tint on Residential and Commercial Windows

Step 1: Prepare Your Tools and Workspace

• Set Up Your Razor Blade:
• Place your razor blade on the tint box for easy access.
• Cut a slit in the box to securely hold your tape measure.
• Measure and Cut the Tint:
• Leaving 1.5” extra for each dimension, place a razor blade on the box sticking up then pull the tint through it so it cuts at that dimension.
• Ensure a factory edge is in place for each pattern of tint when possible.
• Split the tint if necessary, maintaining factory edges on each piece.

Step 2: Clean the Window Thoroughly

• Scrub the Window:
• Use a white scrub pad to remove dirt, grease, and debris from the glass surface. Use a razor blade with a new stainless steel blade if required.
• Squeegee the Window:
• Remove any remaining residue and moisture with a squeegee and clean microfiber around the edges.
• Ensure the window is completely clean and dry before proceeding.
• Address the Corners and Tight Spots:
• Check for Plastic Welds:
• Some windows may have plastic welds or tight corners that impede the film.
• Trim as Necessary:
• Use your knife to carefully cut out any obstructions.
• Test Fit:
• Ensure your knife can slip behind the corner; if it can, there's enough space for the film.

Step 3: Position the Tint on the Window

• Place the Tint:
• Position the tint on the window with the adhesive side facing the glass (liner touching the window, tint side out).
• Align the Tint:
• Align the factory edge of the tint with one edge of the window.
• Check for any light gaps; if present, you may need to trim the edge.

Step 4: Cut the Tint Film

• Prepare to Cut:
• Tack film at top and down the middle once factory edge is aligned.
• Hold the tint firmly against the window using your pinky finger.
• Run your collapsed knife along the edge of the film to tuck it into the corner. Then extend your freshly snapped knife blade by one click to ensure a sharp cut.
• Cut the Sides and Top:
• Run your knife along the middle section to push the film into the corner.
• Angle your knife towards the window at a 45-degree angle for the sides and top.
• Cut the Bottom Edge:
• Hold the knife perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the window for the bottom edge.
• This creates a slight gap at the bottom to allow water to drain and prevent contamination.
• Cut Near the Corners:
• Begin cuts a few inches away from each corner.
• Stop cutting when the film starts to bunch up to avoid wrinkles.
• Tear away excess film carefully to prevent creasing.

Step 5: Trim and Finalize Edges

• Slip the Film Back Slightly:
• Gently pull the film back along the edges without creating creases.
• Trim Remaining Edges:
• Roll the film back slightly without creasing it (like a two-stage process).
• Use a square or tri-edge tool to cut any remaining excess film for straight edges.
• Repeat for All Edges:
• Ensure all four edges are neatly trimmed and fit perfectly on the glass. Light gaps should be within 1/16”.

Step 6: Prepare for Reverse Rolling (For Larger Windows)

• Flip the Film:
• Turn the film around so the liner faces you.
• Use a Larger Window (Optional):
• If available, place the film on a larger window like a slider to make handling easier.
• Soak and Clean the Surface:
• Spray the window generously with application solution.
• Ensure the surface is clean to prevent contamination.

Step 7: Peel and Spray the Liner

• Peel Back the Liner:
• Starting from the top, peel back the liner about three-quarters of the way down.
• Spray the adhesive side of the film as you peel to keep it wet.
• Reapply the Liner:
• Place the liner back up temporarily to protect the adhesive.
• Peel Up the Bottom Third:
• Peel the bottom third of the liner and spray the adhesive side.

Step 8: Start the Reverse Roll

• Begin Rolling from the Bottom:
• Start rolling the film from the bottom edge upward.
• Ensure the liner ends up on the inside of the roll.
• Create Initial Roll:
• Pull tension evenly on both sides.
• Roll your fingers to start forming the roll.
• Tighten the Roll:
• Continue rolling tightly, leaving about a foot of film on the glass.
• Complete the Roll:
• Flip the roll off the glass.
• Finish rolling up the remaining film. Place roll on window sill and put something in front of it so it doesn’t unroll.

Step 9: Final Window Preparation

• Spray the Window Again or Leave Dry:
• Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the edges of the window frame.
• Squeegee a final time using techniques in earlier steps.
• Apply a final spray of application solution to the window.
• Focus on the center of the glass to avoid excess moisture at the edges.
• For some windows, one may opt to leave it dry when reverse rolling.
• Avoid Contamination:
• Spray away from painted walls or surfaces to reduce the risk of contamination.
• Temperature Considerations:
• Adjust the amount of solution based on the temperature; warmer conditions may require more solution.

Step 10: Install the Tint Film

• Peel Back the Liner Edge:
• At the edge of the roll, peel back about three inches of the liner.
• Spray the Adhesive Side:
• Spray the exposed adhesive side of the film thoroughly.
• Position the Film:
• Place the roll at the top of the window.
• Begin unrolling the film down the window, ensuring it stays aligned.
• All gaps should be within 1/16th”
• Align the Top Edge:
• Leave a small gap at the top initially.
• Once unrolled, slide the film up until it just contacts the top frame, then pull back just a hair.
• Create a Bottom Gap:
• Ensure there's a small gap at the bottom for water drainage without pulling in contamination. It should be flush with the bottom of the frame.

Step 11: Tack the Film into Place

• Secure the Top Edge:
• Gently tack the film across the top using your squeegee.
• Initial Squeegee Stroke:
• Make one swipe down the center to adhere the film and remove large air bubbles.

Step 12: Squeegee Out the Water and Air

• Work from Top to Bottom:
• Starting on one side (e.g., left side), squeegee from top to bottom.
• Push the water toward the edges, stopping about one inch from the edge to prevent shifting and pulling contamination in.
• Monitor Alignment:
• Continuously check to ensure the film remains aligned correctly.
• Use a Towel:
• Place a towel behind your squeegee to catch excess water for the final swipe down the sides and bottom. When working the bottom, start in the middle and work towards the sides.
• This helps prevent water from seeping back under the film.



Step 12a: Squeegee the Bottom Edge

• Start from the Middle:
• Squeegee from the center toward the sides at the bottom of the window.
• Use a Wrapped Squeegee:
• Wrap a towel around your squeegee to absorb excess water and prevent "fingers" (small air pockets).
• Ensure Complete Adhesion:
• Make sure the film is fully adhered with no bubbles or wrinkles.

Step 13: Clean the Edges and Frame

• Wipe Excess Water:
• Remove any moisture to prevent contamination and ensure good adhesion.
• Final Cleaning:
• If needed, perform a final spray and wipe down to ensure cleanliness.

Step 14: Final Squeegee and Edge Work

• Spritz the Film Again:
• Lightly spray the film to lubricate the surface for the final squeegee pass.
• Use a Harder Squeegee:
• Perform a firmer squeegee from top to bottom to extract any remaining water.
• Follow with a Towel:
• Use a towel to absorb water as you squeegee to keep the edges dry.

Step 15: Secure the Edges

• Chase the Edges:
• Wrap a hard card or tri-edge tool with a blue paper towel.
• Dry the Edges:
• Run the wrapped tool along the edges to remove moisture and ensure they lay flat.
• Use a Blower if Needed:
• If excess water remains, use a blower to dry the edges thoroughly.

Final Checks

• Inspect the Installation:
• Look over the entire window to ensure there are no bubbles, creases, or misalignments.
• Some contamination is expected with any tint installation. When contamination is concentrated to one area and there are many specs, or items larger than 1/16” a re-do should be considered.
• Clean Up:
• Remove any debris from the workspace.
• Dispose of used liners and excess film properly.

Congratulations! You've successfully installed window tint on your window. Following these detailed steps will help ensure a professional-looking finish with long-lasting results.

Additional Tips:

• Always Use Fresh Blades: Dull blades can tear the film and cause jagged cuts.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Keep your hands and tools clean to avoid transferring dirt to the adhesive side of the film.
• Temperature Awareness: Hot conditions may cause the film to dry too quickly; adjust your workflow accordingly.
• Practice Patience: Take your time with each step to avoid mistakes and ensure the best outcome.

By adhering to this guide, you can achieve high-quality window tint installations for both residential and commercial applications.

Prefer the professionals do it? Check out our residential and commercial window tinting page to lean more and submit a quote request.