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Where to purchase window tint for DIY

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by DanielR, Jul 25, 2024.

  1. DanielR

    DanielR Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2023
    10
    2
    1
    Location:
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I am looking to tint my trusty 2010, but it seems that you can’t just outright purchase rolls of name-brand tint very easily. 3M, Llumar… they all require you to be an installer to make a purchase.

    I know this is probably a long shot, but does anyone have a good connection with a tinter/company that would sell me a roll of the good stuff? My brain won’t allow me to pay for something if I know can do it myself, and I’ve been known to spend more than it costs just to be able to DIY something.

    The tint on Amazon and walmart is garbage, and the listings on eBay are not guaranteed authentic, and from what I’m told, they are not authentic.

    This is frustrating and I don’t understand it, but if you know anyone who can help me, please reply. Thanks!
     
    #1 DanielR, Jul 25, 2024
    verlync likes this.
  2. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2018
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    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I bought window tint on ebay about 5 years ago. It was $25 for all for door windows, the little
    windows, and the rear window. I put it on myself. It's till on. The back door windows are scractched
    from the dogs, but still work. The back window is not bubbled because I cleaned really well as I learned
    from one of the video's I watched.
    I also purchased the windshield strip. That was fun to put on!
     
    #2 ASRDogman, Jul 25, 2024
  3. DanielR

    DanielR Junior Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2023
    10
    2
    1
    Location:
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    My understanding of the tint that is currently available on eBay is that it is all misrepresented, and I’m inclined to believe it. Several of the sellers are advertising VLT% on products that the companies don’t even manufacture it with. Sadly, there’s no way to verify that what you’re getting is what they’re advertising it as because there’s no manufacturer logos or labeling on the tint itself, only the boxes it comes in, and no one is offering it in the box. All the best tints are not allowed to legally be sold on places like eBay, so in order for someone to do it, they would be risking getting someone in big trouble.

    I’m just frustrated that I can’t get top quality tint without being an installer. I refuse to give up this search, though. Eventually, someone will help me out.

    I hope.
     
    #3 DanielR, Jul 25, 2024
  4. Priipriii

    Priipriii Member

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2022
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    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    So short answer, you really cant without paying outrageous prices. Maybe in your state you might be able to go to tint store and request to buy tint by itself, they might just sell it. Worth a call at least.

    But doesnt really matter if its cheap tint or not, difference isnt much. I bought the cheapest i can find off temu and it worked out for me. Just use soap and water and its not too bad.
     
    #4 Priipriii, Aug 5, 2024
  5. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2018
    6,419
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    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    All my tint was pre-cut.
    The most important part is to CLEAN the windows. Use a razor blade after cleaning, then
    clean again!
    I bought a window installation kit and used that spray to clean and install the tint.
    The rear window is what I was concerned about because of the defogger wires. I found a video
    of an installer that showed how to clean it and make it shiny. There are NO bubbles at all!
     
    #5 ASRDogman, Aug 5, 2024
    Grit likes this.
  6. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2017
    6,173
    4,077
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    Location:
    Wilkes Land
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Asrdogman and I are the only ones here bought eBay custom cut under $ 30 and self
    Tinted. Everyone else wanted to pay a few hundred to be tinted by a shop. ​
     
    #6 Grit, Aug 9, 2024
  7. Grit

    Grit Senior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 22, 2017
    6,173
    4,077
    1
    Location:
    Wilkes Land
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    Mine still looks good as the day it was installed, what about yours? The back window hAs taken the mist beating, looks like day one install. Took only 10 secs to get in position when applying the tint film, easiest of all windows all by myself.
     
    #7 Grit, Aug 9, 2024
  8. ASRDogman

    ASRDogman Senior Member

    Joined:
    May 29, 2018
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    Location:
    Florida
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    Mine is till good. Except for a few scratchs from the dogs on the back windows.
    A few spots with fur captured..... But if you don't know about it you won't see it.
    Back window is like factury installed.
     
    #8 ASRDogman, Aug 9, 2024
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