Got a roll of window tinting film from my s/i/l for the bus, anybody know what the glue consists of

No, Not I but I could google "glue for tinting film" I guess. I know ammonia is the solvent so I'd suspect some sort of latex.

as far as I'm aware there is no actual glue to be applied, it's a simple matter of misting water on to the clean window and applying the film and pressing any bubbles out with a squeejie, working from the middle out the glue is already on the window film, any bubbles that are left in the film after application can be removed by "pricking" with a pin and applying the squeejie again

The glue is water soluble and is on one side of the tint film.  Genuine quality tint has a clear backing (locate by nibbling with your teeth and you will feel it seperate).which you leave on while cutting film to approximate size and easier to manage.

Most important..do this in an environment without wind or dust or sun on glass.

Wash window (inside & out) thoroughly with a mixture of clean water and most importantly Baby Shampoo (weak diluted solution). Is non acid and pH neutral...won't hurt paint, vinyl, textiles etc.

On the outside of window, spray solution..place tint film (surface which will be on inside of vehicle) onto glass, use a squeegy to remove air bubbles and excess liquid and also stretches it slightly. Use a Hot Air blower to gently heat film so it will stretch and form to window surface.

A NEW & Sharp Stanley type knife to trim around edge of glass.

Next, wet inside of window to be tinted with solution.

Do Not allow the film to fold as it will stick together and create a crease.
Ever so carefully, place the once clear plastic side of film onto inside glass surface.
It is easy to slide the film on glass to fit all around correctly.
Then carefully squeegy all bubbles and solution out.

Requires 24-48 hours depending on air moisture and temperature to become stable enough to use window winder. (Up or Down)

Be prepared to make a mess the first time...just like a marriage, Practise makes Perfect.

Good Luck.

Removal is much harder..use hot airblower to soften glue and start slowly in one corner to lift film .
*Careful as you heat glass..can shatter if too hot in one area.*
Peel back film ever so slowly and assist with a new razor blade scraper occassionally.
Any glue left adhered to glass is a pain in the butt...more shampoo solution and razor blading.
Replace blade often.

Wow!!!

An excellent response Dennis.

Have copied & saved it.



-- Edited by Cupie on Tuesday 28th of April 2009 08:12:00 PM

Also when trimming the film use a straight edge,this will give you a small gap between the film and the window frame/edge.This gap can then be painted with a clear varnish to seal the film to the edge.Good luck with the application,may help if you buy a tube of PATIENCE.Cheers.Ibbo.

So I've learnt something, I tried to replace tint on a broken side window in the Jack when I owned it and could not get it to confirm to the compound curve - never thought of using hot air....

oh Basil, and such a ready supply HAH!! HAH!!! HAH!!!!

I have watched our local window tinter a bit. He does much as Grizzly says , he uses a 4 litre garden sprayer to apply water. Sometimes he will trim it on the outside of the window (with jus****er holding it on) before removing the backing then peal it off and remove the backing and transfer it to the inside of the window. Sometimes he trims it up on a wet whiteboard Hope this may help

Yep, tinting is easy, after you get used to it.

I do not believe there is a glue at all, just sometimes a backing to make sure there is no dust.

As has been said, clean windows, final clean with metho, stay out of sun and wind (dust). Use water with a LITTLE detergent in it, by applying it with a mist sprayer. Place tint on window, cut roughly to size and shape. Working from middle out, or one edge to the other, with a squeegie, while applying more water to outside, wipe airbubbles and water out. Do not get over concerned about tiny bubbles left, as they will come out in the sun. Trim edges with a very sharp knife, and wollar - done

What holds it there if there is no glue?, air pressure, yep thats it. The water and squeegie have removed the air from between the film and glass, forming a vaccuum (if you like). Same as trying to lift a flat plate out of water, without tilting it, it is sucked on.

I have never tried to remove it, but it occurs to me, it may be worthwhile using the old rego sticker way. Just keep something wet against it for an hour, and when it starts to slide, lift one edge and work away, till it comes off.