After having cast vinyl explained, you’ve finally got your window tint decals ready. Now, the only thing to do is to apply it to your surface. While you can leave this step to the pros, you can also easily do it on your own with steady hands, a few tools, and some window tint application fluid that you can get from sign supply distributors like AirMark.
Benefits of Window Tinting
Tinting windows isn’t mandatory, but many people do it for privacy, safety, protection, and energy-saving purposes. Here are some advantages of tinting your windows:
Privacy
Having untinted windows lets you see everything outside, but it also means that everything outside can also see you. When you’re in the car on the road, people around you can see everything you do, and when you’ve parked, any belongings you leave inside are vulnerable to theft from curious eyes. Tinting gives you some privacy. While it does darken your view a bit, it also means that anyone hoping to get a peek into the inside of your car, home, shop, etc. needs to get suspiciously close—which they probably won’t risk doing.
Window tinting comes in a wide range of shading. You can get a complete blackout tint or opt for lighter shades, allowing you to customize the level of privacy based on your needs.
Safety
Tinted windows keep you safe as they protect you from the effects of the sun. When you’re driving, the sun’s glare can get in your face and force you to look away, which can put you, your passengers, and anyone else on the road in danger. Tinted windows can reduce the entry of glares, keeping them at a minimum that will let you drive safely even if the sun’s high up.
Window tinting can also block up to 99% of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are known to cause skin damage such as burns, darkening, premature aging, and cancer. Windows with tint, even just clear window film or light shades, can block out these harmful rays, safeguarding you from their risks.
Protection
Tinted windows protect indoor upholstery and technology from being damaged by heat. For example, they help maintain car upholstery, preventing them from fading and discoloration and prolonging its life. This is important if you’re a vehicle aficionado who plans on selling your car in the future since you’ll want to keep it as pristine as possible to keep the resale value high.
Tinted car windows also help in shatter protection. The film is designed to keep the glass from fragmenting if an object hits it, keeping you safe from flying glass shards in the event of an accident and safeguarding your vehicle from possible break-ins.
Energy-Saving
Window tint can help you save up on your electricity bills at home and ensure that your car works efficiently. In both cases, tinted windows work to combat the effects of the sun that stress internal technology, particularly air conditioners. They keep the heat of the sun from permeating your home or your car, which keeps your AC from working overtime just to keep you cool.
Style
Aside from its practicality, many people apply window tint because of its style. You can use the different available shades to customize your home, shop, or vehicle to your preference.
How to Apply Window Tint
When you have the right tools, applying window tint is an easy job to DIY—not to mention the fact that it saves you some coin versus hiring someone else to do it. To apply window tint, you’ll need the following:
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber towels
- Window tint application fluid, application tape, or transfer tape
- Squeegee
The latter two aren’t something that most households would have at the ready, but you can get them from a premium sign supplier like AirMark, where you can also find the materials to create your window tint or decals.
Before applying your window tint, ensure that the surface is free from any dirt or grease. Spray some cleaning solution (which you mix with some water, dish soap, and rubbing alcohol) on the surface and wipe it off with microfiber towels. Make sure that it’s completely spotless and dry.
Next, ready your window tint by positioning it properly. Some tints come with sticker backing that you simply peel off, and others will require window tint application fluid or application tape to put on. Check what you need and proceed accordingly. Smooth over the window tint after applying it so that it’s free from any bubbles, and you’re done!
All the Supplies You Need From AirMark
From the materials for a window tint to the supplies you need to apply it, including window tint application fluid, AirMark can supply you with everything you need!