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DIY vs. Professional Car Window Tinting: Pros, Cons, and Expert Advice

DIY vs Professional Car Tinting - The Basics

  • DIY car window tinting kits are cheap and readily available
  • Many DIY car tint jobs go wrong
  • Professionally applied tint is faster, looks better, and lasts longer
  • In the long run, professionally applied car window tint saves money and is more effective

How long does it really take to tint a car?

If you are considering expert car window tinting, you’re probably wondering how long it takes. You may have heard that most cars take about 1-2 hours to tint.

In reality, it depends on the number of windows you need to tint on your car.

For example, tinting two car windows typically takes around 1 hour, whereas a full tint (four car windows plus the rear window) can take between 1.5 to 3 hours.

The most popular car window tint options are carbon tint and ceramic tint: both reject 99.9% of UV Rays.

The major difference is that Ceramic window tint also rejects 87% of the infrared heat as opposed to little to none with Carbon-based window tint.

Different types of car window tint have almost no impact on the time it takes to tint your car windows. 

The benefits of DIY car window tinting

Like almost any DIY-project, installing window tint yourself can save you on upfront costs, you can avoid waiting for a professional to be available, and if you are happy with the results, it can be satisfying.

  1. Cost-effective
  2. Convenient
  3. Personal satisfaction

#1 DIY car window tinting seems cheaper

Let’s be honest. Most DIYers are trying to save a few bucks. And in Australia, you get your hands on a car window tinting kit and basic tools fairly cheaply. You can probably get away with spending as little as $75 or so depending on area of windows you need to cover, and the grade of film.

#2 Adding car window tint yourself may be quicker

The best car window tinting companies are in high demand, so you are likely to have to wait a few days or a couple of weeks. If you are in a rush this can be an option. It is also possible that you are deep inland and there are no suitable companies nearby.

#3 Personal Satisfaction

Completing a successful DIY tint job can be personally rewarding, instilling a sense of pride and ownership in your car’s appearance. However, the positive feeling of “Yes! I did that!”, will be undermined if you end up with bubbles, poorly trimmed film edges and an otherwise poor appearance.

So why not tint my car Windows myself?

Before you jump online and order a kit, ask yourself the following questions. If the answer is no, you are probably better off with a professionally installed window tint on your car.

Do You have A Clean Installation Environment For Car Window Tinting?

Tinting your car windows yourself is a risky proposition.

One, because the tools and materials involved require years of expertise to use effectively; and two, the typical at-home (or in the driveway!) environment can play havoc with the installation.

Why risk investing in the materials and time, just to end up with bubbles, and dirt showing between the tint film and your car windows?

(And that is assuming you manage to cut and align the film perfectly!)

Do You have A Clean Installation Environment For Car Window Tinting?

Before you even think about DIY window tinting, consider the environment where you plan to apply the tint to your car windows.

At home, even if installed in your garage – dust particles and dirt will interfere with the fit and finish. (Attempting and installing car window tint outside on your driveway, lawn or backyard should not even be contemplated!)

There is an excellent reason why expert car window tinters work out of dedicated studios with tightly controlled clean rooms – like we do at Tint Haus.

This is the only way to provide a high-quality car window tint finish every time.

So, if you have a car you actually care about your car’s appearance, think twice (at least!) before attempting DIY Car Window tinting.

Do You Have the Expertise to tint your Car Windows Effectively?

Professional car window tinting technicians require several years of training and practice to become accomplished tinters.

In contrast, amateur car window tint fitment is more likely to end in disaster than success, especially if you don’t have a sufficient amount of experience working with tools and adhesives.

Even if it looks like it went well at first, poorly installed car window tint that hasn’t been installed correctly can start to peel and blister.

In addition, automated car washes, power window regulators and other car features may not work correctly if the tint isn’t installed correctly on your car windows.

DIY window tinting disasters

Top 3 DIY Car Window Tinting Dangers

In our experience, window tint DIY botch jobs fall into three categories: visibility issues, bubbles and incorrect application.

#1 - Poor Visibility

When tinting your own car windows, it is very easy to make them too dark. This can severely impair your ability to see out of your car windows, which can be extremely dangerous – especially when driving at night.

It is vital that your side and rear windows maintain a VLT (Vehicle Light Transmission) of at least 35%. This can be complex to manage when some of your windows already have privacy tint installed by the car manufacturer.

#2 - Bubbles in the Window Tint

Air bubbles are another big problem with DIY car window tinting. These can make your windows look unsightly and can also interfere with your vision.

This typically happens when improper tools have been used to smooth and fit the tint to the car windows. It is also the result of inexperience.

#3 - Poor Window Tint Application

If you do not apply the window tint film correctly, it can peel off prematurely or start to bubble and wrinkle. This can not only ruin the look of your car windows but can also be dangerous if the tinting film obscures your vision.

This is often the result of imperfectly cleaned and prepared car windows, which is almost guaranteed when attempted outside of a clean room.

In our experience, poor car window tint installation can negate all the positive properties of even the highest-quality car window tinting film.

To achieve an exceptional outcome, every step of the process is crucial. That’s why at Tint Haus, we’re dedicated to making every detail count.

Professional Car Window Tint Installation

Any car window tinting project consists of three main elements: selection, pre-installation, and installation. 

We place equal importance on each step. Here’s a closer look at the Tint Haus difference:

#1 - Selecting the perfect tint type and level for your car

There’s a lot to consider when choosing car window tints, and product quality is just one aspect. 

With years of experience and access to the newest technologies, we can recommend the tint product that will work best for your car windows and your specific needs. 

Our team will sit down with you and ask some key questions in order to identify your needs and understand any concerns you might have. 

We take a consultative approach; this means we’ll make recommendations based on what will create the look, function and privacy you want, with the added benefit of protecting your investment. 

Once we’ve landed on the right product, we’ll know the ideal method for application, the tools we’ll need and the policies that will guide our work.

In short, selecting the right window tint product from the start helps ensure a cleaner and easier process during tint installation and prior-tint removal (if required).

#2 - Preparing Your Car Windows for Tint Installation

Before applying any car window tint, our team spends time preparing your vehicle, truck or SUV to ensure there are no contaminants or imperfections on the windows that would compromise your window tint. 

Car tint application problems arise when there is anything between the film and the glass. This is why we painstakingly remove any particles that could mar a pristine result. 

Our installation process is time-tested, eliminating the risk of any bubbles, streaks or imperfections and carried out by our trained and certified installers in our bespoke installation studio.

#3. Installing Window Tint on Your Car

Delicate work requires delicate tools, which is why we use only the most advanced window tint installation equipment. The products we offer require meticulous attention to detail and exceptional craftsmanship and years of experience to master.

Without proper installation procedures and the right tools, your car window tint won’t provide you with the benefits you’re looking for. We pay attention to every car window as we work, making sure that the installation is perfect.

Finally, after the job is done, our team works diligently to clean every square inch of your newly-tinted windows. 

We use microfibre towels to remove any residue created by the installation procedure. 

This way you know you can enjoy your window tint for years to come.

Our high-quality service has generated thousands of happy customers and hundreds 5/5 Reviews on Google & Facebook.

Learn more about our car window tinting services

Professionally installed car window tint

What type of window tint is right for my car?

We will advise you on the best type of tint for your car and the level of tinting that is right for you. This depends on the model of you car, whether or not it already has factory-installed privacy glass, heat and other factors.

How long does car window tinting take?

It can often be unclear how long it will take to have your car windows professionally tinted. At Tint Haus, we aim to make the process as quick and easy as possible for our customers. 

Depending on the size and make of your car, it can take anywhere from 1-3 hours to tint your car’s windows. At the time of booking, our consultants will advise on exactly how long it will take to tint your vehicle.

While we are carefully applying tint to your car windows, relax in our comfortable waiting lounge with wifi, free drinks, and all amenities: get work done, chat with other car owners, or just chill!

Tint Haus Car Window Tint

Does your Window Tinting come with a warranty?

Yes, our XPEL window tint comes provided with a lifetime warranty offering coverage against bubbling, peeling, lifting and discolouration.

The Tint Haus Difference

We pride ourselves on delivering the care and attention to detail our customers rightly expect with precision installation by qualified technicians with years of experience.

In addition, our state-of-the-art installation studios are equipped with industry-leading lighting and infrared curing lamps to guarantee an unsurpassed quality finish – every time.

Contact Tint Haus for the right tint options for you and your vehicle.

OVER 30 YEARS
EXPERIENCE IN
CAR PROTECTION
& PERFECTION!

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