How to shrink HARD Curve Back Window, by Tint Studio on YouTube. 4 min 20 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 20 s
- Time to do it
- 45 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Clean the outside of the back window with glass cleaner and a razor scraper, then wipe it dry with a lint-free cloth so no dust sits under the film.
Cut a piece of tint film about 2 inches larger than the glass on every side. You trim the excess off after shrinking.
Spray slip solution on the outside of the glass and lay the film on it with the liner side facing out.
Squeegee the film smooth from the centre outwards so it grips the glass and stays put while you work.
Spray a light coat of slip solution on top of the film, set the heat gun to medium and hold it about 12 inches away.
Heat one small section at a time, moving the gun in circles, until the fingers flatten and the film starts to pull tight.
Work from the centre of the window out towards the edges, chasing each finger down as it shrinks flat.
Press each shrunk section with a hard card wrapped in a cloth to set it, then move on to the next area.
Trim the film to the glass edge with a sharp knife, then fit it on the inside with slip solution and squeegee the water out.
Check the edges for lifting and run the heat gun briefly along the borders to seal them down.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep the heat gun moving at all times. Holding it still will melt or distort the film.
Wear a heat resistant glove and never touch freshly shrunk film with bare hands.
Heat cold glass slowly and evenly, because a sudden blast of heat can crack it.
Practise on scrap film or a spare window before you tackle a real back glass.
Questions
Can I shrink tint film with a hairdryer instead of a heat gun?
A hairdryer can handle mild curves but usually does not get hot enough for a hard curve. Use a heat gun on medium and keep it moving.
Do you shrink window tint on the outside or the inside of the glass?
Shrink it on the outside, where you can see the fingers and reach the film easily. Once it lies flat, move it inside for the final install.
How do I stop the film from burning or melting?
Hold the gun about 12 inches away, keep it moving and stop as soon as the film goes glossy or wrinkles sharply. Practise on scrap film first.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
