DIY Window Tint

Window Measurement (please read all the following instructions first)

The first thing that you must do is measure the windows that you intend to tint.

Note: All window tinting is measured and installed on the inside surface of the window, it is not applied to the outside.

Download Printable (PDF) version of measuring instructions   |   (Requires Acrobat Reader)

What you will need - You will need a pen or pencil, some sheets of paper or notebook and a calculator.

You will also need a tape measure -

Imperial - preferably marked in linear inches ie 12", 13", 14" etc. Measurements are easiest in linear inches ie 33", not 2' 9". If not then you will have to convert your measurements to linear inches. ( ' is notation for feet, " is for inches.)

Metric - measurements should be taken in linear millimetres (mm) not metres, cm & mm.

Information note only: It will not be necessary to know the area of film needed. However, the formula is as follows - Multiply the total length (in inches) of film required by the roll width (in inches), this will give you square inches. Next divide by 144 to obtain square footage. Measurement is usually done in Imperial. This is because virtually all window film is manufactured in the USA and the unit of measurement is linear inches and calculations are carried out in square feet.

Imperial/Metric Conversion - there are 10.7639 sq ft per sq metre (ie 1 square foot is 0.092903 square metres) & 25.4mm to 1 inch.

Window tint film is manufactured in 36" (914mm), 48" (1219mm) and 60" (1524mm) wide rolls.

Measurement

1. Using a sheet of paper, do a rough sketch of the window layout as in example diagram (item 4 - example is in Imperial, but the method is same for Metric) .

2. Measure each pane of glass (only the glass area, do not include the window frame) and write the figure down next to the top, side or bottom that was measured. Do not use fractions, use the next whole number and this will insure that the piece of film you cut is not too small for the window. (I always add 1 inch to the measurement to allow that little extra room for correct trimming to size).

3. Label each pane of glass on your diagram with a letter of the alphabet (see item 4), this will help you work out how much film you need to purchase. Keep the diagram, as it will be helpful when cutting and installing the film.

4. Windowpane sketch.

5. Next you will need to decide which type of film you want to install on the window or windows. Visit the webpage http://www.aussietint.com/films.htm and read the specifications on each of the films available and decide which film/s will be the most suitable for your needs. Write the film code next to the windowpane on the sketch. You can have different films on windows that receive different amounts of sun. Keep in mind that it is best not to install dark films on windows that only get winter sun and to use stronger heat control films on windows that get the full summer sun. Use hi-performance films if you wish to retain good light levels with reasonable heat control (note: Hi Tech Charcoal is only available in 60" width rolls).

6. The next bit will require you to overlay each of the sketched windowpanes onto a sketch representing the roll widths of film. This will become your cutting plan.

7. Using another piece of paper draw 3 long vertical boxes, these represent lengths of film and label the head of each as 36", 48" or 60" (or use metric equivalent). Next arrange the windowpanes so as to make the best use of film width and to minimise film wastage. Use separate sheets of paper for each type of window film (if using more than one type) and write the code on it.

8. Film cutting plan

At the bottom of each "roll", total up the linear measurement - ie 36" roll has a total length of 156" - the 48" roll totals 75" length and the 60" roll totals 69" length.

9. As the film kits have been calculated in multiple lengths of 12" (1 foot), divide the total length of each roll by 12 and this will give you the number of film length units you will need to purchase. ie - 156" divided by 12 = 13 - therefore you will need to purchase 13 units of the 36" roll - Note: the film will be cut in one continuous length so that you will receive 156" x 36".

Note: - If working in metric you will need to divide the linear mm by 305mm to calculate the number of film length units required.

10. So the total you would need for the above example would be - 13 units of 36", 7 units of 48" and 6 units of 60".

11. With careful arrangement of the windowpanes (item 4) onto the film cutting plan (item 8), you may be able to minimise the amount of film needed. Any surplus film you have after cutting film to plan can be used to practice installation on a small window or piece of glass. (tip - it's a good idea to order a little more film than you need to use for practice if installing tint for the first time)

12. Take your time and work out how much film you really need. When the film arrives and you are ready to install, follow the installation instructions and practice with some film off-cuts. Most importantly just take your time.

13. Before ordering your film, you will also need to decide which tools you need to have for installation. There are 2 installation tool kits available;

The Basic Kit is more cost effective if you are intending to only tint a few windows. You will have all the tools necessary to complete the installation in a satisfactory manner without undue expense.

The Advanced Kit will give you some more professional equipment that will make a larger job easier to complete. Ideal if you are going to be tinting a whole house or office.

Caution & Disclaimer - both toolkits contain a variety of razor/surgical sharp blades and knives, absolutely no responsibility will be taken by Joraen - ABN 62 642 913 061- (joraen.com.au) for any injury or damage caused, either to person or property, by the use or misuse of any of the blades, knives or other tools. Use of any of the tools constitutes acceptance of these conditions. Neither shall responsibility be taken for the suitability of any window film used, user shall accept all responsibility for the suitability and application of the window film/s. Neither shall any warranty or guarantee apply to either the film or installation. Glass that is damaged, cracked or chipped should be replaced prior to installation of film. Applying film to damaged glass may result in further cracking or heat/stress fractures and no liability shall be accepted for damage or injury, either direct or consequential, to any person or property resulting from the installation of window film.

© Joraen 2001