In essence, heat shrinking involves shrinking excess film down the grain or toward the manufacturing edge using a heat gun and smoothing it out with a hard card or microfiber cloth.
Here are the various methods on how to heat shrink window tint films:
Wet Method of Heat Shrinking
1. Begin by spraying both sides of an uncut piece of tint with soapy water and placing it on the exterior of the rear windshield liner-side up.
2. Then, using a horizontal anchor, squeegee all the extra film into “fingers” at the top and bottom of the window.
3. Following that, briefly run your heat gun over one of the fingers.
4. Once you feel the film respond to the heat, use your towel or microfiber cloth to smooth the heated finger area flat.
5. Then, in sequence, smooth each popped-up finger until the whole region has been decreased.
6. The procedure must be repeated using a hard card rather than a towel or cloth.
7. Trim the film to shape and use a firm card to flatten any freshly formed fingers since new ones may appear after slicing the film.
8. To apply the tint, roll the liner up onto a core or spindle, then reverse it and roll it out over the prepared inner surface.
To get the desired effects, you can use a heat gun since a blow dryer will not provide enough heat. However, you must be cautious not to stop too long over the finger since this can cause it to burn or shrink unevenly. The trick is to avoid creasing the film while smoothing it first; otherwise, bigger fingers will flex and wrinkle if you use a hard card first. Window film will shrink correctly only if the fingers are parallel to the film’s grain.
Dry Method of Heat Shrinking
1. In the palm of your hand, place a small amount of baby powder and blow it onto the rear windscreen; the baby powder allows the film to slide over the glass.
2. Wipe the paper towel horizontally across the window’s center and then vertically on either side to create an ‘H’ pattern.
3. Adhere the window film to the windshield with the release liner facing you and the factory edges at the top and bottom.
4. Wet the paper towel and repeat the ‘H’ pattern on top of the film using the soap or water solution.
5. Squeegee the film to the glass using the ‘H’ pattern.
6. Cut the film to size, leaving a 1/4 inch border on each side and a 1-inch border on the top and bottom.
7. Squeegee again. Lift and re-wet the ‘H’ pattern beneath the film. This will result in two ‘pockets’ on either side of the horizontal line.
8. Utilize a heat gun held approximately 6′′–10′′ away from the film.
9. For the top ‘pocket,’ begin at the center of the top edge of the central line and gradually move the heat gun up toward the top edge of the film.
10. Circularly move the heat gun and take care not to overheat any one area, as this will cause it to burn.
11. Repeat for the bottom ‘pocket,’ beginning at the bottom edge of the horizontal line and working your way down to the film’s bottom.
12. Using your hand, smooth out the film and repeat the previous two steps until the window film has taken on the shape of the window.
13. Remove one side of the film and spray the soap solution onto the glass.
14. Squeegee the film against the glass until it is entirely flat.
15. Repeat with the other side.
16. If any fingers remain, shrink them using the heat gun, start in the center of the film and work your way up/down.
17. The window film is now ready for installation.
While you can use a heat gun to decrease your tint, a hairdryer will also work. The more curves in your glass, the more probable it will need heat to shrink the tint. Applying window tint to side windows is a relatively simple process, for there is no need for heat shrinking; peel and paste after cutting to form. If the window’s shape presents a problem, just cut numerous pieces and fit them together.
You must use a heat gun on the highest setting; a hair drier will not reach the required temperature. Move the heat gun fast over it until it distorts slightly, then smoothens it out. If you hover the finger for an extended period, it may burn or shrink unevenly.
Installing window tints by yourself may sound easy and manageable to do. However, having experts do this is more convenient and secure for car owners. If you are not confident to apply window tint by yourself or just want to guarantee the quality of the outcome, having a professional window tinter is the recommended option. They will assist you in choosing the right tint that suits your vehicle. In addition, companies offering window tinting in Virginia Beach, VA, will also provide the best services they have and offer you warranties that will make you feel confident about their work.
If you have decided to invest in window tinting in Oakland, CA, for aesthetic, health, security, or safety reasons, investing in the highest-quality window tints is the best course of action. Additionally, you can be guaranteed that it will entirely fulfill the declared objective of these films as a consequence of this. Spending more money does not always suggest wasting it on frivolous hobbies. Perhaps you might see this as a long-term investment that will provide you with long-term advantages and pleasure. If you want to enjoy the benefits of these tints for an extended period, you must deal with reputable and skilled professionals in this field.
Get in touch with us today by filling out a contact form on our website. KEPLER Window Films and Coatings provide window films and coatings, a team of experts that are committed to providing you with high-quality service and high-standard goods wherever in the globe. Furthermore, whether you want to enhance the appearance of your vehicle, increase your privacy at home, or increase the degree of security in your work area, KEPLER offers a window film solution that will meet your requirements flawlessly!
Get in touch with us today by filling out a contact form on our website.
