Window Tinting DIY or Not

[88porsche911]

I am picking up my new Volkswagon Jetta GLI in about a week and want to tint the windows. I do not want to have it bubble in a year or two like I see some cars. Is this a job I can do myself or do you all think I should get it done? Thanks and no I would not tint my 911, just like it on the Jetta.

[fly944]

definitely not, average cost for diy is 45.00$+ 3hrs. as opposed to 100-150$ for pro and waranty.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

I would definitely not try it myself, even though I build engines and transmissions with confidence. It'll look like scheiss in a year or two.

Stephan

[Kurt B]

Definitely not. Have a pro do it.

[Joeaksa]

Paid a guy $120 in the DFW area to do my Targa. Cut the temps by 40 degrees in the summer inside... They took over an hour with two guys to do the Targa rear window, but 4 years later, not one bubble or issue with the tint.

Also, in Texas they put a sticker on somewhere that shows that the tint is regulation so that if a cop stops you they cannot say that its too dark and give you problems... not sure how your local guys are on this.

Joe

[Jim T]

Those that say not to try it yourself - have you every tried?!?!

Actually, it is quite easy. Side windows are a piece of cake, the rear window can be a little challenging. But, the film is cheap and you can always just start over if you mess up.

You just need to find some good instructions on how to do it (its no secret, its just a big sticker, you spray down the window and sticker with solution, which allows it to slide, position, cut and push out all the solution/bubbles).

I did my BMW many years ago. It still looks perfect (no bubbles, etc.)

That being said, I think I would agree with the others to let someone else do it, mainly because its not really that much fun, and the competition among tint shops is so great that the labor prices are really cheap. It does take a little while to get it just right, esp. if you are just learning.

(I did mine myself mainly to learn how to do it, not to save money).

[pbs911]

I've used professional tint on other cars with good success. The Targa rear window is a different story. I had my Targa done professionally. The rear window has just to big of curve and is very difficult to apply the film. As stated above, the costs are just to small to DIY.

If you decide to do it yourself, forget about getting the tint at Pep Boys of other auto parts stores. That stuff is junk. You will have purple windows with bubbles in after a hot summer.

[PDACPA]

I have done both and would recommend a pro doing it. The cost is not that much (usually just over $100) and the rear windows are always a challenge. Also, if you have a rear defroster, and you mess up it can make a mess trying to take the tint off to redo it.

[carnut169]

I have to agree w/ the majority & advise you to let a pro do it. Chances are you can do it yourself and get a decent looking job- but the pro's make it look sooo much better. Go to a place that offers a warranty and has been around for awhile.

[speeder]

If you, (or anyone else), are still considering DIY, don't do it! Even if you are unbelievably talented and can do it w/ no experience or training, job will not be perfect. And nothing looks schlockier than a half-assed tint job.

I have done it myself, even worked as a tinter, (residential), briefly, I'm pretty good, still I take my cars to the pros. And good tint film is NOT cheap, if you botch a couple of windows, you've almost paid for the pro. FWIW, the targa rear window is one of the, if not THE most difficult window to tint properly in the world because of complex curve. Cannot be done with one sheet, takes several strips expertly, (and invisably), seamed together.

[MBAtarga]

I have seen - possibly on this bbs - that the targa rear window requires 8 strips of tint for the compound curve. I have put tint on the windows (flat) of a CJ7 hardtop years ago, but I wouldn't try in on the porsche. Pay the pros the few extra bucks and get the warranty.