Tinted windows

[Backwash]

Did mine myself for $50 with auto zone limo tint. I'm happy with job but will pull off if decide to sell. Not the best but looks good for the funds invested . Not paying $500 for the next guy to enjoy when doesn't increase boat value.

 

[Ronnie]

I agree, there might be/will probably be some durability or longevity issues but for $40 and a little time, I'd bet it would look good for a least a season, more depending on how the boat is treated (covered, cleaned, etc.).
I don't remember if the guys that tinted on the outside of their boats ever posted their long term results.

I thought the tint was better protected from the inside. I was wrong, generally no-one sits on the windows but I often have female passengers who wear rings that sometimes brush up against the inside of the tinted glass. Yeah ....

 

[Jim Robeson]

I sure like the looks of that Ronnie! Looks like I have another new project to look forward to. Do you apply to the inside to protect the product better?? I could definitely see it being easier on the outside. Thanks for all the advice!!

 

[DCB-270]

won't last on the out side. The biggest thing with film is don't buy the cheap crap. All film manufactures make a 1 year, 5 year and lifetime film. Don't buy any thing but the Lifetime.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

While getting a Rolls Royce Ghost tinted a few months ago, I watched carefully how it was done because any "trade" intrigues me as I like to try everything myself. My tint guy has been tinting since the 80's so he is full of tips and tricks. The rear window in this car has an awkward angle and privacy curtains obstructing both sides. The tinter started by applying baby powder to the exterior of the rear window and then a couple narrow swipes around the window with a wet paper towel so that the tint stuck to the window. After laying the tint on the window he smoothed the tint out by hand and began heating the tint in the areas where it needed to be shrunk. After 10 minutes he was happy with the fit and began to trim the tint to the exact size by looking through the tint at the edges of the rear window (for lack of terminology) black border stuff and around the third brake light. Next he peeled the tint off of the window and began to do the install inside the car with the typical spray bottle and squeegee. Within minutes the tint was installed completely with no trimming and minimal heating. He used the same procedure for the front windshield with exception of waiting to trim the rear view mirror mount so that it was perfect.

So, why don't you suggest this method to your tinters for a boat windshield ? I'm sure this is an industry standard method, but you never know.

 

[Sotally Tober]

3 tint jobs on 3 different boats. $300.00 for my 2013 212SS. Did Limo for looks. My guy did a perfect job. If you find the right person pay to do it. You wont regret it.

 

[farrelltravis]

This thread has been really interesting. The pics of everyone's boat that has tint looks great!

@DCB-270 Definitely give me a shout when you hear something from your tinter. I don't know if I am ready to do it just yet but maybe later in the year. Doing dock calls is a great way to get paid to go to the lake! Love it!

 

[David Analog]

Window film is directional. You cannot place it on the outside. Imagine reversing limo tint and not being able to see out.
The procedure used on an auto is essentally the same as used on a boat.
The baby powder mentioned above is used as a slip agent when heat shrinking the film to conform to the curved glass.

 

[Ronnie]

Actually I think tint is not meant or designed to be used on the exterior of windows but people do it and some if not many successfully, at least for a little while. Ive seen pics and read posts about it (one from a guy who installs wraps on boats for a living) but I haven't seen the results in person yet.

I've watched car tinters use the exterior of windows to make the rough cut then do the fine trimming once the tint is installed inside the car. I hadn't heard about the use of baby powder until this string.

 

[DCB-270]

Baby powder and now dryer sheets.

 

[Ronnie]

Dryer sheets? I must have missed that, what are they for where tinting glass is concerned?

 

[David Analog]

Dryer sheets? I must have missed that, what are they for where tinting glass is concerned?

Scented dryer sheets make your window film smell better.

 

[David Analog]

Okay, maybe a better answer would be....anti-static and a slip agent for lubrication just like water, baby powder, or pure carnuba wax. Better smelling film may just be a byproduct.

 

[David Analog]

Back on the inside/outside application issue. Good film has another ply in the form of a scratch resistant layer which resists scratches. Cheap film may not.
Detergents attack the film bonding adhesives. So no strong cleaners or amonia-based glass cleaner unless you want fingers, bubbling and peeling. Pretty difficult to protect the film on the outside. It may be easier but its the wrong way.

 

[Ronnie]

I agree it is not the right way but its cheaper, faster and easier: $40 v. $300, 2 hours? v. All day and do it at home v. Hooking up & hauling your boat somewhere twice (if the tinter doesn't make dock/house calls).

I wouldn't do it first at this point in my life (now Id just pay) but if I hadn't tinted anything before and was unsuccessful at doing it the right way a few times, I could see saying screw it, put it on the outside and hit the water. When it fails peel and reassess.

This has me curious, I will login to yjb to ask the guy (the wrapper) about his long term results.

 

[Jim Robeson]

I think I will have to give it a shot just to see if I can do it. I will use Mr. Analog's advice and apply to the inside. Seeing how I am bald, shouldn't matter if I screw up and want to pull hair out seeing that I have none!!

 

[Ronnie]

Good luck! prep well, take your time maybe watch a how to or two on you tube and you should be fine. the other benefit of being bald in this situation is that there is less chance that any hair will get stuck between the window and the tint during installation.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I mainly install tint on building windows and get my supplies at the following but they do have some auto stuff. Word to the wise--make sure your tint is made for curves and can be heated.

Www.windowfilmsupplies.com
Www.44tools.com

 

[DCB-270]

Dryer sheets? I must have missed that, what are they for where tinting glass is concerned?

Same thing as baby powder without the mess. Lets the film slide while shrinking.

 

[David Analog]

Good luck! prep well, take your time maybe watch a how to or two on you tube and you should be fine. the other benefit of being bald in this situation is that there is less chance that any hair will get stuck between the window and the tint during installation.

Nothing worse than having a hair entombed behind the film.

Just make sure the wind isn't blowing when you release the liner.