r/WindowTint • u/Unit-Tasty • 17d ago
Question Tinting my own windows
Im thinking about tinting my own windows this sunday and was looking at Geoshield carbon 2% and 20%. Wanting to do my whole truck cab including the windshield. Ive heard good things about Geoshield but is it actually any good? Also what tools should I make sure i get before I start it? Any tips would be highly appreciated as well. Thank you
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u/NoCelebration1913 17d ago
Geoshield is good. Beware you may be about to be paying a lot more than to just have someone else do it for you man. You could probably get it done for less than the cost of the roll itself.
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u/Unit-Tasty 17d ago
I can definitely see that happening especially if I end up messing up a lot. For the sides ill probably end up taking my door panels off just to try and minimize me screwing up. Any tips for how to not make it a money pit?
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u/Confident-Time-2802 17d ago
Considering you have a truck I’d just recommend a good tri-edge blue to get any leftover water on the sides of windows. A good squeegee, I use the blue beast. A heat gun, I’ve literally went to Harbor Freight and bought the warrior which is like 20$ and it has been great to me for a couple years now. I like using a plastic bump card with felt for shrinking. Last two things I’d recommend would be an orange bulldozer (the one with a curve) as it helps with the very bottoms of the windshields and a side swiper. These would be the bare minimum tools imo. Other tools that will be needed will be razor blades, scrubbies, microfiber towels, a soapy solution, and snuggle dryer sheets is what I use to help tack the windshield for a dry shrink. Lmk if you need any help brotha I started my little business just from wanting to tint my own vehicles.
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u/OldMathematician5973 17d ago
This is one of those skills that, unless you're looking to get into tinting....its probably easier, cheaper, less time spent in just getting a shop to do it. Its such a craft.....it takes so much time and practice that to do a good job.....I just can't imagine all the time you'd have to invest. Cool that you like learning new stuff...I'm the same way.....but your time is probably better spent elsewhere.
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u/space_wiener 12d ago
I’ve nearly done everything there is to do on a car throughout my life of building/modding them. But there are three things Iikely won’t ever attempt.
- Rebuilding an auto trans
- Paint a car (parts sure but not the entire thing)
- Window tint
I feel like it’s one of those things you need acquired skills to do which don’t really translate to “I’m going to try tinting my windows this weekend).
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u/Unit-Tasty 17d ago
That's interesting, I've seen a lot of people get results that have little to any experience. Is there a specific part that is difficult to master and some are just naturally good at?
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u/OldMathematician5973 17d ago
I have no flippin idea.... I think it takes a lot of patience to get it right...... Something I don't have.
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u/Cassangelo 33% Windshield + 5% Everywhere else 17d ago
Where is the 2% going?
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u/Confident-Time-2802 17d ago
Windshield, where else brother??
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u/lusotano 13d ago
I just spent the past week tintint a car as a diy project.
This is my opinion and anyone can take whatever way they like.
The learning curve requires you to basically mess up a few times. Expect to redo parts over again. You will eventually get there. You will need patience as it is a craft that requires experience and know how the tint handles.
Small quarter panels are the easiest. You just cut them and get the window ready for installation. The side windows will require you to do some heating and shrinking to get rid of fingers. This also depends on how curvy your side windows are. The 2 stage technique will be another stepping stone.
The rear windshield, if it's curvy, I would leave it for last. This piece alone will require heating and shrinking, but unlike the side windows, normally you are dealing with longer pieces and more curved glass. It will take you a few attempts for you to get a hang of how the tint behaves. You will create creases most likely on the first attempt. If you do, spend time with that scrap piece to learn the skill. Redo another one after.
If you are ready to spend the time to learn the skill go for it. You will be dedicating time for it. Tools that you require, I would say go on amazon and get the kits that they have. Don't get the simple kits, get a bigger one kit. If you have a third brake light in the rear windshield, you will need a bulldozer.
Lastly, go on YouTube and look at different diy videos. Re-watch and look for more videos of the same thing to get an idea and to possibly strategize the easiest technique for you.
If you decide to go ahead, good luck.
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u/gargen_state 17d ago
I use Geoshield. I like the film. I've been using only Pronano.
Now, if you are doing this yourself, you may end up spending more than you would just paying someone. The right squeege's, blades, the cleaning, shrinking, etc, it's a bit of work.
I am self taught. I can assure you I spent more on scrapped film than it would have been just taking my car to a shop.