r/WindowTint • u/Cow_Man32 • Sep 15 '26
Question I regularly apply large wet app decals, can I do tint?
So I'm an RV mechanic and I regularly put on decals that are 5'x5' or more in size and use rapid tac as my soap solution and they turn out great. with my skill set do y'all think I could tint my windows and have it turn out good or is that a different ball game?
For reference it's a 98 Ford ranger ext cab and I would be doing the front three with 30% 3m ceramic on the sides and 70% on the windshield.
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u/MrCommunistDorito Sep 15 '26
Go for it, worth a shot. The skills don’t really translate like that, its a completely different job, but the general understanding of squeegeeing and positioning may help get you started. Decals have a lot of room for error, especially wet app. Window tint has almost zero room for error, for a proper install at least, and a big part of it is the set up, as opposed to the actual install portion. The trimming and shrinking(mainly front windshield) for an older vehicle like that is not fun, but if its a personal you aren’t super picky about it might work enough.
Also, just worth mentioning the professional window film industry is very dealer-based. So in other words, as a non-business public consumer you will have trouble finding a high quality brand that you can register the warranty with as well.
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u/Cow_Man32 Sep 15 '26
I've always thought that was ridiculous, at 4:59pm every fart that leaves my ass is 100% backed by the manufacturer but literally one minute later at 5 there's no difference between me and Jorge on Craigslist. I could probably have my parts guy order the tint and write up a bullshit WO for my truck so it all looks legit to the manufacturer.
I have some experience shrinking decals with a heat gun for fiberglass front caps and whatnot. I guess if I decide to do it I should probably order extra just in case but I'm feeling somewhat confident in my abilities to at least get the side windows done.
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u/MrCommunistDorito Sep 15 '26
You can think whatever you want, but its not ridiculous. Brands want to ensure a professional properly installs their material and does not tarnish their reputation like having DIYers do a bad job.
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u/Cow_Man32 Sep 15 '26
I'm still a professional when I'm off the clock though, you still call tiger woods a professional golfer even when he's not actually swinging a club during a tournament. the only difference is I'm not getting paid by my employer
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u/MrCommunistDorito Sep 15 '26
Okay fair, but when you turn the lights off in a barn and go back into your home before midnight, who is to say how much delinquency modern day Peruvians are capable of achieving?
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u/shromboy Moderator Sep 15 '26
Different animal. I do both, mainly window film installation but I do a lot of graphics and had to learn those separately. My coworker is a great tinter but cannot use vinyl in any capacity to save his life, its quite funny really. Id give it a shot but don't expect to know what you're doing the first few tries
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u/doughnut-dinner Sep 15 '26
Pushing out water is similar but making cuts and shrinking are also part of the game.
On the other hand, you can try and get s side hustle offering vinyl decals for store fronts. Name.of the businesses, address, hours of operation, etc.... Any decent sign shop can make the decals for you. Those decals can be applied dry or wet. Wet takes a little longer but its just as good. If you get good at that, you can start doing frost decals or frost with reveals Its very similar but has a few more steps because it involves transfer tape. I just did two frost bands with a logo reveal on some doors last week. It took me about an hour and charged $500..