Tinting windows

[swool]

Anyone ever done this on their boat? Gotta be easier than a car or truck. Just thought it would look pretty slick and I'm not out at night too much. Is it even legal? Any advice on doin' it yourself or should I just go to the pros?

[Cableguy Greg]

I have seen it done before on cuddy's and bowriders. I have never heard of it being illegal. If it isn't mentioned in the PA F&BC book, then go for it.

[FlapJaw]

It is well worth the extra couple of dollars for a pro to do it. Belive me I do everything myself and I will not ever think about doing it again. I did mine 20% but left the driver window undone, and I love it. If you boat at night it is a must!

[swool]

Alright, you scared me flapjaw. Probably just pay someone else to suffer! What is the gist with the percentages? Higher %, the darker it is? Or the opposite? Thanks guys

[FlapJaw]

The Lower the % the darker the tint, When I get it done again I'll go with 5%. With 5% your windows will appear painted black instead of tinted. Even on my open bow the tint lowered the temp in the boat. Also looks good as well you'll be happy with the outcome. I have used Solar Control (412) 519-5053, I can't remember his name Toby I think. He has done 3 of my trucks and did a good job, in about 15 min your done. I don't know if he does boats worth a call.

[galleyslave]

great thread guys.....the "69 Queen" has really dark tinted windows, and some of the tinting is in need of replacement. I'm just gonna suck up ideas and information on this thread

[swool]

15 minutes??? HOLY!!!!!! that's pretty amazing. Would that be about normal, or is this guy just that good? I saw that team nutz on here, looks like they do boats as well, thought about giving them a call.

[JM_Excel]

I have tinted a few of my vehicles myself. its very simple to do.

Cut the tint to size or with a little extra if it’s your first time. Wet out the window with water and tiny bit of dish soap mixture. Peel the tint off the clear plastic and wet out the sticky side of the tint and put it on the window... the water dish soap mixture allows the tint to move around... use a squeegee (sold with the tint) to work all of the air bubbles out.. start at the middle of the window and work outwards. Trim the tint to fit the edges with a brand new razor blade.. a heat gun on low setting helps with stubborn bubbles or contoured areas.

Make sure you get the higher grade tint .. the lower grade stuff will turn purple and look bad.

I would say go to walmart and buy tint for 12 bucks and try it yourself.. if you are not happy then remove the tint and pay a professional. Worse case, you are only out a few bucks..

[swool]

Hey JM, do you think on a boat it would be cool to put the tint on the outside of the glass? only ask because it would obviously be easier especially the windshield. The way it's slanted back it would be pretty hard to reach the bottom. I guess it would be more exposed on the outside, but heck if I had to re-do it in a couple years, no biggie. It would probably look the same right? any other thoughts on this? Thanks

[JM_Excel]

Like you said, The tint would not last very long on the outside because the UV inhibitors would not be facing the right direction. I would try the inside first. If that doesnt work for you then try the outside and see what you think..