If you’re looking to tint your property’s windows, but aren’t sure where to start – you’ve come to the right place.
In short, commercial window tint is a thin layer of laminate film applied to flat glass surfaces. The purpose of tinting your windows is to decrease sunlight transmittance and increase privacy (but the benefits don’t stop there!). Commercial window tint can be used for various types of properties – like apartment complexes, retail stores, restaurants, schools, office buildings, and the list goes on.
Keep reading to learn the step by step process on how to successfully tint your property’s windows.
Window tinting may only require a few steps, but it is an incredibly meticulous process that requires a significant amount of patience and attention to detail. Keep reading to learn the proper way to tint commercial windows.
Step 1: The first step (and arguably one of the most important) is to begin by thoroughly cleaning all of the windows and edges. This step will ensure that nothing (like any fingerprints, smudges, or dust) will prevent a clean and smooth application.
Opt for cleaning solutions such as Windex – don’t use any cleaning products containing vinegar or ammonia, as these ingredients can damage the film. Use a squeegee and microfiber towel for final touches.
Step 2: The second step will require a steady hand and attention to detail, as it is now time to measure and cut the film. Precise measurements are crucial to ensure an easy application – as you don’t want to cut too much or not enough.
Measure the windows and cut the film to fit those measurements – but (this is important!) make sure to leave about an inch on all sides of the film. The extra inch will make for an easy application process and will give you.
Step 3: Now that the windows are clean and the film is measured, it’s time to apply the tint onto the glass. This step requires a keen eye and a steady hand for it to properly align to each corner and edge. The extra inch on the film will provide a little wiggle room for imperfections (but not much).
Film is typically packaged with a backing, so as you remove the adhesive will be exposed (be careful not to get fingerprints onto the film). When you’re ready, place the adhesive at the top of the window and work your way down. The adhesive will directly stick to glass upon application.
Step 4: After the film is installed, perform a quality control inspection to check for imperfections. If you discover any bubbles, push them near the edges with your hand or a squeegee. Once you have a smooth surface, you can trim the edges using a utility knife.
Why Hiring a Professional is Beneficial
Save yourself the time and frustration by seeking the help of a certified window tint installer. A professional will have the necessary tools and experience to ensure a smooth and sleek application.
Each professional will have their own unique process when it comes to tinting windows. With that being said, at Tint Pros, we follow a process that we have developed and perfected over the course of our company’s 20-year history. With our years of hand-cutting experience, as well world-class computer cutting software to guarantee a successful installation.
Glass doors are their own job. They are tempered, they flex in the frame every time someone pushes through, and they get touched all day. The film that goes on a door needs a harder scratch coat than what goes on a fixed pane, and the edges are set slightly deeper into the gasket line so daily traffic cannot lift a corner. On storefronts we also check the door closer speed first — a door that slams shifts film before it cures.
Most commercial installs happen without the business shutting down. Work moves section by section, so one office or one run of glass is out of use at a time, and conference rooms get scheduled around. For storefronts and open floors, after-hours and weekend installs avoid customer traffic entirely. Interior commercial glass cures in roughly a week; nothing about the space needs to change while that happens — the film just should not be washed yet.
The right film depends on what the glass is doing wrong. West-facing offices that bake in the afternoon want ceramic film with high infrared rejection. Street-level glass where privacy matters takes a dual-reflective film that reads dark from outside and stays clear from inside. Ground-floor entries near a lock are candidates for thicker security film with an anchored edge. We are certified SunTek dealers and carry their commercial line in-house, so samples can go up against your actual glass before anything is committed.
From increased privacy and lower energy bills, window tint provides an array of benefits to commercial properties. Whichever type of commercial window tint you choose, it will surely increase your property’s value.
If you’re in Minnesota, we would be happy to answer any questions you may have about commercial and residential window tint. With over 20 years of experience, our team at Tint Pros Platinum Auto Wraps will guide you through the process and ensure all your goals are met. If you are interested in receiving a quote, contact us at 763-290-1242.
At Tint Pros, we want you to share the same confidence in our products and services that we have – which is we offer warranties on our window tint services. We have a lifetime warranty on residential properties and a 15 year warranty on commercial properties.
