DIY Window Tinting: Is It Worth It?

AFT Blogger • Apr 02, 2021

Trying to decide between DIY window tinting and hiring a professional? Click here to learn the pros and cons of each and decide which you should do!

diy window tinting

Are you wanting to finally install those tinted windows on your car? Are you interested in getting auto window tinting to improve the privacy and climate in your vehicle? If so, then you might consider performing DIY window tinting to shave a few bucks off.


But is it really worth it? Experts would say no, but only you can really decide. While you could perform a DIY window tint, many owners become frustrated with the results of it.


See below for an in-depth list of reasons why you might be better served by hiring a professional auto window tinting company, rather than doing it yourself.

1. Higher Return on Your Investment

First, let's tackle the 800-pound gorilla in the room: the price. Most people that end up trying to pull off DIY window tinting are doing so because they think it will help them lower the cost.


What those people don't realize is that the labor costs are a miniscule percentage of the overall price. Even if you perform a DIY auto window tinting and do it well, you're only saving a small percentage.


Let's take a look at the big picture: auto window tinting can last 5 years or longer when installed by a professional. You'd be lucky if your windows last 3 years when you perform a DIY window tint job. 


Too many people focus on the upfront price, going for the cheaper option. But if you purchase the cheapest window film out there and try to do it yourself, you'll likely get what you paid for: cheap results.


The truth is that installing window tint on your car is an investment. If you look at it that way, then hiring a professional makes much more since than DIY. Be sure to find a trusted window tinting service that can deliver the results you're looking for.

2. Serves Its Purpose

Contrary to popular belief, tinted car windows aren't just used to enhance the aesthetics of your car. 


While they certainly do that, they are also used to enhance your car's privacy, security, temperature control, and UV protection. Without installing them the right way, your window film might not be able to perform all these functions properly.


Let's take a deeper dive into how auto window tinting can help your car:


  • Privacy-- People won't be able to see inside your car as you drive. It can also help protect you from burglars, who tend to only break into cars when they can see valuable items in the windows.
  • UV Protection-- High-quality window film can block up to 99-percent of the ultraviolet rays that are trying to seep their way into your car. This can help keep your cabin at a manageable temperature, even during those hot summer months.
  • Security-- When burglars try to break into your car, they often go for the windows. A car with tinted window film can prevent the window from shattering, which will often scare the burglar away out of surprise.


If you have your windows installed by a professional, all of this will be taken care of. You can have more peace of mind whenever you walk away from the car.

3. Access to the Best Brands

For those of you that choose to go the DIY route, your windows won't just suffer from lack of experience on installation. They'll also suffer due to you purchasing a less-than-ideal window brand. 


If you go through a professional auto window tint company, then you'll gain access to the best window film manufacturer in the industry: LLumar. 


LLumar takes tremendous pride in every aspect of their window film. It blocks harmful UV rays that will help you reduce your risk of cancer. It can also reduce the glare as you drive and enhance your entire driving experience.


Most importantly, LLumar window film is proven to last. It's the most durable window film on the market. Pair that with a professional installation and you've got the highest return on your investment possible.

4. Saves Time 

At first glance, doing the window film installation yourself might save you some time. But as most DIYers will tell you, a DIY project, if it goes south, can quickly take double the time of a professional.


Make no mistake about it, the window film installation process is tedious. It takes a professional with years of experience to avoid any bubbles or creases between the film and the window.



We recommend investing in professional installation from the start. That way, you'll have the results you want that much faster.

5. Helps You Avoid Frustration

As we just pointed out, window film installation is tedious. It can become frustrating rather quickly, especially when you invest in a lesser brand. 


Think about it this way: if you invest in a professional service, then you can drop off your car and pick it up the same day, but with tinted windows!



If you're disappointed with the results of your DIY project-gone-wrong, then you'll have to either peel them off or look at those bubbles and creases for years to come, frustrating yourself each time that you do. Learn from those that have tried before, invest in a professional installation instead.

Invest in DIY Window Tinting for Your Car Today

Now that you have seen several reasons why you should avoid DIY window tinting and opt for a professional installation instead, it's time to reach out!


Be sure to read this article for more information on how you can find the best auto window tint for your vehicle.


For more inquiries, please be sure to reach out via our contact us page and Applied Film Technology will be happy to assist you further.

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