Window tint

DAISY BOYKIN · 03-19-2012, 07:30 AM

Just finished applying GILA Energy Saving window film to all my windows. I used the Platinum grade for the covering from Home Depot. What a difference in the temperature. It is hard to believe how much it has reduced the heat that comes in through the windows. The Mfg says it will reduce the heat by 50% and I now believe it.

I also replaced the glass in both doors with tempered Smoke Tinted glass. On the inside I also applied the film. You can see out , but it is hard for anyone to see in.

I removed the skylight in the shower (the one right above your head). I replaced the thin clear plastic with tempered smoke glass with the film applied to the inside.

All the tint materials including the applicator kit for less than $50.00.

The tempered Smoke Glass for each door and skylight was About $16.00
for each piece.

Yesterday it was 84° here in Florida, My thermostat was set in the Rockwood 8285WS at 71°. The AC cycled off and on all day long, keeping a constant 70°-71°.

**Herk7769** · 03-19-2012, 07:40 AM

I just did the big window in the L/R and it made a HUGE difference in Key West last year.

I bought enough to do the entire trailer; but I botched the install (lots of wrinkles as I was working alone at the time; so no photos) so I stopped.

I have the removal solution and will re-attack it this summer and do it right. I like the smoke glass idea as well.

Rugged Brown · 03-19-2012, 07:49 AM

This is something on my list to do as well. I would do it for privacy reason rather than keeping the camper cool. I was wondering DAISy BOYKIN, if this can be easily tackled by a novice, are there any application tricks and do you have pictures by chance to share.

capucine · 03-19-2012, 07:53 AM

Is the window gets hot when the sun shine on it? I wanted to do my house with some window tint film and the manufacturer of the window told me that my waranty will not be valid for the glass because it can break the glass if the film is installed. He said that the glass can get very hot!!!!

**Herk7769** · 03-19-2012, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capucine

Is the window gets hot when the sun shine on it? I wanted to do my house with some window tint film and the manufacturer of the window told me that my waranty will not be valid for the glass because it can break the glass if the film is installed. He said that the glass can get very hot!!!!

Well, to tell the truth, I did not ask. I guess it would depend on whether you have standard RV glass or the optional tempered and tinted glass.

Anyone have an answer here?

DAISY BOYKIN · 03-19-2012, 02:36 PM

All the windows have acid etched in them AUTO GLASS, TEMPERED. So Lou does that answer your question? I just looked!

The tint is very hard to install for it is metalized, will not turn blue/purple with age. It has a semi mirror finish on the out side. It will wrinkle very easy. (Like LOU said), "WE WASTED A LOT"

Lou I did the BIG rear window twice. The first time looked like my dog applied the stuff by mainly applying in a balled up mess.

My suggestion is look in the yellow pages for a 3M tinting company. A friend of mine had his "MINI-LITE done for $125.00 including material.

We really like the door glass that we installed with the GREY finish. You can see who is outside by looking through the door glass, but they can't see you.

On my Rockwood 8285WS door glass measurements is 12 3/8" X 21 1/2" X
1/8" thick grey tempered glass. The cost was $14.55 per door.

The glass in the door is very easy to change.

DAISY BOYKIN · 03-19-2012, 02:47 PM

You can try a easy window in the bedroom. I tried to apply the tint with out removing the blind, not possible, you have to remove the blind & decorative board from the window.

I purchased the kit that GILA makes for the tint which includes a special cutting tool, bottle of applicator fluid, a yellow squeegee for smoothing. The liquid in the bottle is nothing but distilled water with 4-5 drops of shampoo in it.

I set up a folding table inside my ROCKY with a large piece of cardboard
taped to the top of it to measure and cut on. Used the blue painters tape to assist in holding the tint material to the table and two pieces on one corner to separate the clear from the tinted sticky side.

Warrior · 03-19-2012, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAISY BOYKIN

All the windows have acid etched in them AUTO GLASS, TEMPERED. So Lou does that answer your question? I just looked!

The tint is very hard to install for it is metalized, will not turn blue/purple with age. It has a semi mirror finish on the out side. It will wrinkle very easy. (Like LOU said), "WE WASTED A LOT"

Lou I did the BIG rear window twice. The first time looked like my dog applied the stuff by mainly applying in a balled up mess.

My suggestion is look in the yellow pages for a 3M tinting company. A friend of mine had his "MINI-LITE done for $125.00 including material.

We really like the door glass that we installed with the GREY finish. You can see who is outside by looking through the door glass, but they can't see you.

On my Rockwood 8285WS door glass measurements is 12 3/8" X 21 1/2" X
1/8" thick grey tempered glass. The cost was $14.55 per door.

The glass in the door is very easy to change.

Where did you get the door glass, does it have radius corners?

DAISY BOYKIN · 03-19-2012, 05:29 PM

Check your local glass company, they may be able to supply you with the glass local.

I got the glass locally: Glass Specialists Inc.
1198 Mayport Road Ste. 11
Atlantic Beach, Florida 32233
904-242-8872 Fax: 904-242-8873
www.GlassSpecialistsInc.com

The glass for the Rockwood 8285WS doors are 12 3/8" X 21 1/2"X 1/8" Thick grey tempered glass.

They will ask if you want the tempered logo on it.

It comes with the edges sanded smooth, no rounded corners required.
If you are careful in removing the inner door ring, you can remove the old door glass and save the gasket. Once the inner ring is removed, simply push from the outside, the old glass will come out easy. Use Duck tape on the outer rim or ring to hold it in place while you are inserting the new glass. If you damage the gasket, use 3M thin double back tape (the grey stuff with the red vinyl peel off covering)

I installed the GILA platinum film on the inside of the glass before installing
the glass. Let film set up at least 24 hours before installing glass. Make sure when you install the glass, the film is on the inside. You can install the tint after you install the glass, it will be your call.

HRH could not believe that you could not see in during the day time through the door glass. She stood on the top step with her nose pressed against the glass trying to see in. She traded places with me (she was inside) could not believe she could see outside and not see inside!

I replace the plastic in the shower with the grey tempered glass.
the size is 12 3/8" X 21 1/2" X 1/8" thick. $14.55
I used silicone to glue the glass to the white rim in the shower. Remove the rim, just peel off the thin clear plastic. Put silicone on the white rim
where you peel the clear plastic off. Press the new glass to the rim, let set over night. Using a razor scraper remove any excess silacone from the new glass, apply tint to the new class from the bottom side.

I simply removed the shower rim, worked on my kitchen counter in the house. HRH had no idea what I was doing until she went into the RV bath and found it much cooler.

You will be really surprised how much heat this mod stops!

Warrior · 03-19-2012, 06:22 PM

Could you just go with a darker tint glass and eliminate the film process? I'm not fimiliar with the differant shades of tint. I think Limo is the darkest?

Makoto · 03-22-2012, 11:58 PM

Would there be any issues with using gray or smoked Lexan instead of tempered glass. The wife and I hate not being able to see out of the frosted door glass.

DAISY BOYKIN · 03-23-2012, 05:07 AM

I selected the tempered glass because it does not scratch. The glass I removed is (no see through) also tempered. And you can not apply the tint material to plastic or lexan. The tint material (GILA) instructions said not to use it on lexan or plastic for it will bubble. I didn't believe them, so I tried it anyway. Well they were right, it bubbled like crazy.

the.wilsons · 03-23-2012, 09:12 AM

To answer the question about the tint breaking the windows, I know on double pain windows putting tint can cause them to break because the heat is reflected from the inside glass and gets trapped between it and the outer pain.

Bruceh36 · 03-30-2012, 01:23 AM

Thanks for this info, I'm going to do this on my rig this summer.

Thank you
Bruce

DAISY BOYKIN · 03-30-2012, 03:25 AM

The tint I applied to the skylight in the bath causes the glass to get pretty hot. I guess you can consider it a double! The grey glass I installed is not far from the bubble dome on the top of the RV. The reflected heat, I guess is trapped between the tint and dome. I may have to remove the Tint in the bath.

**Herk7769** · 03-30-2012, 07:05 AM

Speaking of window glass, I got a real education on what is available from the industry here: GrayGlass - Home

While I think they are wholesalers only, a local glass shop should be able to order and cut what you need.

RonLynnJr · 03-30-2012, 07:36 AM

I have applied tint to cars before and the best thing I found was to use a hair dryer to remove any wrinkles. That and make sure to remove the backing of the tint...did that once and had it bubble like crazy, lesson learned. Man, the more I read this forum the larger my to-do-list gets.

**Herk7769** · 03-30-2012, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonLynnJr

Man, the more I read this forum the larger my to-do-list gets.

Welcome to my world, Ron...

Chewie · 03-30-2012, 08:26 AM

It is an "art" to install aftermarket window tint. I hate clear glass and have had my auto windows tinted on every car I've owned. I have it professionally done just because of the results. Curved and rounded glass are very difficult to put a flat sheet of tint on without bubbles and wrinkles. My TT has all flat glass so it's easier. The easiest ways to shrink tint and prefit it is to use a wet bounce dryer sheets to smooth and flatten bubbles while using a hair dryer. Do this on the outside of the window and leave the backing film on until your ready to install tint. Start from the inside and work out. This has yielded me the best results. Search YouTube for videos on how to.

trudinator · 03-30-2012, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DAISY BOYKIN

The tint I applied to the skylight in the bath causes the glass to get pretty hot. I guess you can consider it a double! The grey glass I installed is not far from the bubble dome on the top of the RV. The reflected heat, I guess is trapped between the tint and dome. I may have to remove the Tint in the bath.

When I mentioned your mod to my DH, he said the very same thing.

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