Keep Your House Cooler This Summer : Tint Your South Facing Patio Door

If your house faces the sun and you are tired of the heat coming through your windows, consider installing window tint film on your south facing windows. Available in auto part stores, home improvement centers and on-line, window tinting can save on your summer cooling costs and prevent damage from the sun’s rays to your carpets and furniture. Larger pieces of window tint and decorative film may need to be ordered on-line.

Things you’ll need for this project are: Very sharp Scissors, Tape Measure, Very sharp Razor Knife, 12 inch ruler or yard stick, Plastic Card Squeegee, 32 ounce Spray Bottle, and Lint-free paper towels.

Step1: Thoroughly clean the window removing all traces of dirt, grime, grease, etc. Rinse the window well. Make sure your window is cool to the touch before start – the film will not adhere right to a hot window so wait until the sun sets, if you are doing a window facing the sun.  

Step 2: Fill the clean 32 ounce spray bottle with clean water and 8 drops (a one second short squeeze) of very mild detergent such a “Joy” dishwashing soap or baby shampoo; do not use liquid hand soap.

Step 3: Read the directions that came with the window film kit. Especially read the hints and tips part of the instructions. Window tint film should be applied on the INSIDE surface of a very clean window.

Step 4: Carefully measure the height and width of the glass surface of the window, then measure the film and add 1" extra material on each side. Carefully cut the film to the larger measured size.

Step 5: Lay the cut window film flat on a very clean and flat surface, with the release liner side up, or have someone hold the piece to be applied for you. If you are doing a large window, it will be a lot easier to have a helper

Step 6: Remove the release liner and spray the now exposed adhesive surface and the surface of the window thoroughly with the wetting solution. Apply a generous amount of the wetting solution to the glass. This will help prevent the film from sticking to the window immediately, allowing you more time in which to properly position the film.

Step 7: Place the now wet film onto the clean glass surface. If you sprayed enough water, the film should slide all over the window without sticking. Position the film on the window, paying careful attention to the edges and corners. Again, a helper is recommended for a large widow.

Step 8: Wet the face of the film and use the plastic card squeegee to smooth the film from the center out towards the edges of the window, removing any air bubbles and excess wetting solution. Make sure and double check that the film is flat and smooth with no remaining air bubbles and water. If any bubbles are stuck under the film, use the card squeegee and press them out towards the closest edge.

Step 9: Trim the excess film from the edges of the surface. It is best if you cut the edge in one continuous movement, using the ruler and very sharp razor knife. Use the paper towels for cleaning the glass surface and for the absorption of excess wetting solution around the edges.

Tips & Warnings:

The film may take a few days to dry in order for it to completely adhere to the glass surface. If you feel it is necessary, use removable tape to secure the edges of the film to the window until the film is secure. The surface to which the film will be applied should be very clean, free of dirt, dust particles and silicone. Make sure there are no dry spots on the film prior to placing it onto the glass. Take care that when removing the release liner the film does not roll over onto itself. It will stick together and is difficult to pull apart. Wet the film section by section as the liner is removed! Though slippery, the film is must more manageable when it is wet.