DIY Window Tinting: Is It Worth It?

AFT Blogger • April 2, 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.

car window tint health benefits
By AFT Blogger March 11, 2025
Protect your health with car window tinting! Block harmful UV rays, reduce skin cancer risk, and prevent premature aging while enhancing driving comfort.
What is home window tinting
By AFT Blogger February 18, 2025
Enhance comfort, privacy, and energy efficiency with professional home window tinting. Reduce glare, block UV rays, and protect your furniture while saving on energy bills. Explore the benefits of window tinting for a more sustainable and stylish home.
Professional office window tinting
By AFT Blogger February 7, 2025
Enhance your office’s aesthetics, comfort, and energy efficiency with professional window tinting. Reduce glare, improve privacy, boost security, and protect furniture from UV rays. Tinting regulates indoor temperatures, lowers energy costs, and creates a professional workspace.
DIY Tesla window tinting problems
By AFT Blogger January 30, 2025
Discover DIY Tesla window tinting challenges and why professional installation is better. Learn about poor materials, risks, and benefits like expert service, warranties, and time savings. Protect your Tesla with Applied Film Technology in Virginia Beach.
Car window tinting services
By AFT Blogger January 22, 2025
Discover how car window tinting can save you money year-round! Reduce fuel costs, protect your car’s interior, lower insurance premiums, and increase resale value. Enjoy a more comfortable, safer driving experience while saving on repairs and maintenance. Contact Applied Film Technology for expert window tinting services
Auto window tinting options
By AFT Blogger January 9, 2025
Explore auto window tinting options like dyed, metalized, hybrid, ceramic, and carbon films. Choose the best tint for UV protection, heat rejection, and style. Contact Applied Film Technology in Virginia Beach, VA, for premium LLumar films.
Virginia Beach auto window tinting
By AFT Blogger January 1, 2025
Boost your car’s privacy, security, and comfort with expert window tinting in Virginia Beach. Enjoy UV protection, heat reduction, and glare control. Applied Film Technology ensures quality, legal compliance, and a sleek look. Contact us today for a free estimate!
Car window tinting Virginia Beach
By AFT Blogger December 25, 2024
Car window tinting enhances privacy, reduces heat, and blocks UV rays. Learn the benefits, types, and laws to choose the perfect tint for your car, whether DIY or professional.
home window tinting for security
By AFT Blogger December 6, 2024
Discover the top benefits of safety and security window film for homes and businesses! Protect against glass injuries, reduce energy costs, deter break-ins, block harmful UV rays, and enhance privacy. Learn why this cost-effective upgrade is a smart investment for safety, comfort, and energy efficiency.
Decorative window films near me
By AFT Blogger November 21, 2024
Enhance your windows with decorative films that offer privacy, UV protection, and energy efficiency. Discover frosted, blackout, patterned, and stained glass options, along with tips for choosing and installing the perfect film for your home.
Show More
Share by: