Residential and Commercial Glass Installation

Matt Leitholt • November 4, 2024

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

A window in a living room looking out to a patio with a table and chairs.

Installing window tint enhances privacy, reduces glare, and improves energy efficiency in both residential and commercial settings. Follow this comprehensive guide to achieve a professional and clean installation. If you’re located in the North Idaho, Spokane, WA area, schedule your complimentary consultation with us to get a quote. Follow this step by step process that we did alongside Northwest Film LLC


A man is installing window film on a sliding glass door.

Materials Needed:

  • Window tint film with factory edges - Geoshield is a great supplier for those with a dealer account.
  • Razor blade (with fresh blades)
  • Tape measure
  • White Scrub pad
  • Squeegee
  • Spray bottle filled with application solution (soapy water)
  • Square or tri-edge tool
  • Hard card (like a tri-edge)
  • Blue paper towels
  • Microfiber cloths or towels
  • Blower (optional, for drying edges)

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.
Window Tinting Installer

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.

Finished Window Tint Example

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.

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