Should You Wash the Car Before Applying Window Tint?
2 Answers
Before applying window tint, it is necessary to wash the car. The steps for applying window tint are as follows: 1. Use a specialized glass cleaner to remove dust as well as any dirt adhering to the glass; 2. Cover areas such as the hood and doors that may get dirty during the tinting process; 3. Measure the dimensions of the glass to be tinted and cut the film accordingly; 4. Apply the cut film to the wet glass and trim it to fit the shape of the glass; 5. Use a heat gun to warm the film while simultaneously pressing it with a plastic squeegee until it fully conforms to the curvature of the glass; 6. Clean the interior glass thoroughly; 7. Spray installation solution on both the film and the inner surface of the glass, then apply the film; 8. Spray installation solution again on the surface of the film and use a squeegee to smooth it from the center to the edges, following the sequence from top to bottom and then to the bottom edge; 9. Finally, clean both the inner and outer surfaces of all window glass.
Having driven for so many years and applied film several times, my experience tells me that washing the car is an essential step before applying the film. Dust, grease, and road stains can make the film stick poorly, leading to bubbles or peeling. Before applying the film, it's best to take the car to a professional car wash or thoroughly clean it yourself using a neutral car wash detergent, focusing on the areas to be covered. After washing, ensure the car body is completely dry, and it's advisable to wipe it with a clean cloth to avoid water stains. Although the process is tedious, it protects the car paint and extends the film's lifespan. Remember to choose a shady environment for the operation and avoid doing it under direct sunlight. Applying film is a delicate task, and cleanliness is fundamental—skipping this step may lead to rework later.
