Guide 07 · Glass
Window tint: what the % means and whether to DIY it
Tint percentage is how much light gets through (lower = darker); flat side windows are DIY-able with practice, but curved rear glass is where most DIY jobs go wrong.
Hard 3–4 hours for a full car Expect to waste film on your first try
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Tools I used
| Tool | Why you need it | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Tint film (ceramic or carbon) | Ceramic blocks the most heat | Check price → |
| Tint tool kit (squeegees, hard card, blade) | Pushes out water and air | Check price → |
| Heat gun | Shrinks film to curved glass | Check price → |
| Slip solution sprayer (water + baby shampoo) | Lets you position the film | Check price → |
| Snap-off blades | A fresh blade for every window | Check price → |
Shop the whole kit
5 tools, one click, straight into your Amazon cart.
Add all 5 to cart →5 tools, one click, straight into your Amazon cart.
What the tint % means
| Shade | Looks like | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 70% | Barely there | Heat and UV cut with no look change |
| 50% | Light smoke | Subtle, often legal in more places |
| 35% | Classic tint | The most popular all-rounder |
| 20% | Dark | Privacy, rear windows |
| 5% | Limo | Rear only, usually restricted |
Rules on how dark you can go, especially on front side windows, vary by province and state. Check yours before you buy film.
Steps
- Clean the inside of the glass obsessively. Any speck of dust shows as a bubble.
- Rough-cut the film on the outside of the glass, liner side out, about 2 cm oversize.
- On curved glass, heat-shrink the film on the outside until it lies flat.
- Trim to the exact edge, then roll the top edge down and trim the bottom.
- Spray the inside glass and the film's adhesive side well. Peel the liner and lay the film on.
- Squeegee from the centre outward. Tuck the bottom edge under the seal.
- Don't roll the windows down for 3–5 days while it cures.
Pro tips
- Practise on a small side window first, never the rear window.
- Small hazy spots are normal for a few days; they disappear as the water dries.
- Ceramic film costs more but cuts heat without blocking phone or GPS signal.
Find a pro near you
When to call a pro
Honestly, most people should. Pros have dust-free bays, computer-cut film and warranties, and a bubbled DIY job costs time and film to strip off.
Rather not DIY it? Tell us where you are and local shops will send you a quote.