Driving Sports

Window tint doesn't only make a car look good, it also provides additional security and comfort to any car. In this, our first video of an ongoing RX-8 modification series, we get a pro tint job done at VTR Performance in Everett, Wash.

Transcript:

Window tinting is not just for pimps and rockstars. Darkening the glass on your favorite ride will improve security and help keep you cool on those hot summer months.

In today’s episode of Driving Sports TV we take the project RX-8 to the titans of tinting at VTR in Everett, Washington.

Mike is the guy who’s going to do all the work today.

To start, soapy water is sprayed and the film is applied to the exterior glass, where the tint will be rough-cut to fit. At this point, it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Using a heat gun, the film is molded to the shape of the exterior glass.  Once this is done, Mike sticks it out of way.

It is absolutely critical that the application area be meticulously cleaned. Use soap, razors and squeegees.

This is important, so we’ll mention it twice. The smallest piece of lint will make your otherwise awesome tint look decidedly lame.

Clean up your work. And, if you left handles, cut those off too. Peel off a portion of the backing, spray it down and get ready for the moment of truth.

Once it’s on, smooth it down with a scraper – all the way to the edges.  Use a heat gun to work out any lingering creases or bubbles. But, and this is important, only apply heat to the exterior of the glass… letting it radiate through to the tint. Otherwise, you will melt your film.

Finally, use a metal file to get a perfect edge.

The rear window can be intimidating. It doesn’t have to be. Basically, do the same steps as for the smaller windows, but when it comes time to apply the film, roll it up. The tighter the roll, easier it will go on.

Remember, this isn’t Mikes first rodeo, he makes it look easy.

Now that the tint’s applied. We can’t roll down the windows for a few days while we wait for the tint to cure.  Also, keep in mind that local state laws may be different for how dark you can tint your windows. So check with your tint agent or Google your local laws.

I’m Aaron Bartel, and I’ll see you next time on Driving Sports TV.