Do You Need to Wash the Car Before Applying Window Tint?
2 Answers
It is necessary to wash the car before applying window tint. If the car body is not clean, bumps may appear after tinting, affecting the car's appearance, and the raised areas are also prone to damage. The functions of car window tint include: 1. Providing heat insulation in summer, saving air conditioning energy; 2. Reducing energy loss in winter, maintaining the interior temperature; 3. Blocking ultraviolet rays, extending the lifespan and quality of interior furnishings; 4. Reducing glare, ensuring safe and comfortable driving. The steps for applying car window tint are: 1. Lay large bath towels on the front hood and dashboard; 2. Cover the seats with seat covers and wrap them tightly with plastic wrap; 3. Thoroughly clean the car windows; 4. Spray a small amount of window tint installation liquid on the outer surface of the window glass; 5. Carefully position the soft template over the glass; 6. Cut the window tint according to the template; 7. Apply the window tint and use a squeegee to remove any bubbles between the tint and the glass.
I messed up when I first applied the car wrap without washing the car beforehand. The dust and dirt on the surface made the wrap stick poorly, causing immediate bubbles and wrinkles after application. It took me hours to redo it, and I almost ruined the wrap. Now I've learned my lesson—before applying the wrap, the car must be thoroughly cleaned, especially areas like the roof and door panels, dried with a soft cloth to avoid water stains, or the adhesive won't work properly. After washing, check for any residual grease; if you're DIY-ing, get a dedicated cleaner to handle it. Remember, this step is foundational—skipping it can lead to premature peeling and a short lifespan for the wrap, wasting money and ruining the car's overall looks.