Vehicle Side Window Installation

How to apply window film to vehicle side windows

Beat the Heat (and the Cold) with DIY installation for your Vehicle.

Did you know that tinting your Car windows keeps you cooler in summer and also warmer in winter? Protect both your Skin and your Car Interior from UV damage in Summer and help your cabin stay cosy in Winter. Increase security and safety as any shattered pieces of glass remain on the film.

So get tinting with PolyFilm.

  1. Pre-clean vehicle window glass thoroughly
    • Thoroughly clean both sides of the windows with a soapy water solution.
    • Be sure to wipe away all dirt and grime from the surfaces.
    • DO NOT use household cleaners or ammonia based cleaners.
    • Use a lint free cloth to completely dry the surface prior to applying the film.
    • NOTE: The clear backing liner (covering the adhesive) of the film is slick and the tint film side is slightly tacky.
  2. Trim film to a rough size using the exterior of side window as template
    • Unroll the window film identifying the backing liner from the tint film side.
    • Place the film on the exterior side window surface with the backing liner side facing you and trim leaving an additional film border of 10mm-25mm (1" inch).
    • You may lightly wet the exterior side window surface to hold the film in place while trimming.
    • Using a sharp safety knife, trim the vertical edges of the film first (leaving the additional border of 10mm-25mm or 1" inch) and pull any excess window film away slowly as you go.
    • To trim the top of the vehicle side window, roll the side window down slightly and use the natural curve as a guide, also leaving the additional border to be trimmed for fit later.
    • NOTE: Be careful not to cut or damage the vehicle while trimming the film.
  3. Remove the Backing Liner while the film is still on the exterior of window
    • Carefully remove the backing liner of the film while still in place on the outside of the side window.
    • TIP: To avoid damaging the film edge place a piece of adhesive tape on both the backing liner side and the tint side to help peel off the backing liner.
    • Lightly spray the now exposed adhesive side of the film. You should also wet your fingers to prevent leaving fingerprints during handling.
    • Handle carefully to avoid creasing, crimping or getting dirt on to the exposed adhesive.
    • If you can remove the interior door panel in advance it will allow for a more professional finish. It is also possible to install with panel fitted.
    • Prepare the side window inside surface by spraying thoroughly with a soapy solution.
    • Also spray the exposed adhesive side with a soapy solution.
  4. Applying the film and final trimming
    • Now to apply to the inside window surface, remove the film from the exterior and place it directly on the inside of the side window with the wet adhesive side against the wet inside window surface.
    • Lift up the excess window film at the bottom of the window so it will not pick up any dirt or grime.
    • Position and trim the window film to final size so that there is approximately 3mm gap at the top of the side window to accommodate winding up the side window and tuck film edges under the window rubber if possible.
    • Spray the film surface with soapy solution and squeegee the top section firmly into place starting from the center out. (NOTE: Only squeegee the top at this stage.)
    • Wind up the vehicle window. DO NOT wind down vehicle windows until film cures (3 to 4 days).
    • Respray the lower section of the window and place the film to cover the bottom of the side window.
    • To ensure best fit and finish pull back the rubber seals as you trim so the film edge goes under the rubber.
    • Firmly squeegee the window film in place always working from the center out. Take care to push all air bubbles towards the nearest edge. This will also allow you to push any excess soapy solution from the surface of the film to the edge so it can be wiped away with the lint free cloth.
IMPORTANT: Window tint can appear cloudy when first installed; exposure to warmth and sun will clear the window film and eliminate any cloudy appearance. After installation, pools of any excess soapy solution sitting under the film can be removed with the help of a hard card pushing towards the edges.

Download PDF Manual here