Window Tinting
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Tuscaloosa, AL
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Anyone ever had luck tinting their own windows? I'm just looking into doing it myself. Apparently a whole lot cheaper. Just seeing if anyone has any ideas, thoughts, or experience.
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 8
From: IE (SoCal)
Year: 1994 SE
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Tint is one of the few things I'd gladly pay to have a pro do. A DIY job can go downhill quickly, and cause more work to remove, then end up paying anyway. YRMV.
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
The side windows are very easy on these jeeps. Cut out a paper template leaving 1/4 from the top lip of the window so it doesn't get ripped by the window seal, the rear glass however needs to be taken to a shop, it's a double concave glass making it almost impossible without the right tools
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Tuscaloosa, AL
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
Thanks for the input guys! I was quoted $270.00 for everything including labor. Then i saw the rolls of tint at Autozone for $13.99 and my jaw dropped. What tool would make doing the back glass easier MOAB?
If that's for all the windows, then that's a good deal. In window tint material, you get what you pay for. That Autozone stuff won't stretch and shape to the back window or lay over the defroster lines nice.
If you don't mind bubbles then you can try it yourself. I would pay $270 and get a warrantee
If you don't mind bubbles then you can try it yourself. I would pay $270 and get a warrantee
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CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 7
From: Minnesota
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
I wouldn't say that's completely true, I've had tint on Windows as well as friends and my father in law for years. Used the film from walmart. Looks great. We just had someone do the rear glass being that's double concave. I paid about $100!total for my labor and the rear glass to be done. It's not hard to do at all, just take your time and do it right
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Tuscaloosa, AL
Year: 1989
Model: Cherokee
I wouldn't say that's completely true, I've had tint on Windows as well as friends and my father in law for years. Used the film from walmart. Looks great. We just had someone do the rear glass being that's double concave. I paid about $100!total for my labor and the rear glass to be done. It's not hard to do at all, just take your time and do it right
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 5,924
Likes: 203
From: Greenville, SC
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee(XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I'll never try tint myself. Professionals have a lot better tint than what I could buy. It doesn't fade, actually black and not purple, red or brown. And it matched the factory rear tint color and darkness. My sister, myself, and many friends have all had professional tint and that's the only way I'll ever go.
If that's for all the windows, then that's a good deal. In window tint material, you get what you pay for. That Autozone stuff won't stretch and shape to the back window or lay over the defroster lines nice.
If you don't mind bubbles then you can try it yourself. I would pay $270 and get a warrantee
If you don't mind bubbles then you can try it yourself. I would pay $270 and get a warrantee
Last edited by Ralph77; Mar 22, 2016 at 02:59 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 596
Likes: 7
From: Tallahassee, FL
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Its not the $13 that would be a waste, its removing it after you installed it, ever remove old Window Tint? do it once and you won't want to do it again.
I have done it myself, and paid the pro's, I will not do it myself again.
Window Tint is one thing I will leave to the Pro's
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 12
From: Tarpon Springs, FL / Denver, CO
Year: '98
Engine: 4.0 I6
Don't buy crappy tint!!! You will absolutely regret it.
It is horrible to cut, doesn't shrink easily or evenly, and fades in about 3 years.
I only use Llumar, 3M, and I would consider using Huper Optik but have not yet had the chance.
Getting a clean tint job is really difficult. It really does take experience for it to look perfect after its all dried.
I won't even attempt to tint my own cars because I am too much of a perfectionist.
It is horrible to cut, doesn't shrink easily or evenly, and fades in about 3 years.
I only use Llumar, 3M, and I would consider using Huper Optik but have not yet had the chance.
Getting a clean tint job is really difficult. It really does take experience for it to look perfect after its all dried.
I won't even attempt to tint my own cars because I am too much of a perfectionist.




