DIY Tesla Tint: Model 3 and Model Y Install Tips

Teslas are some of the most popular cars our customers tint, and they're a little different from most cars. The doors have frameless glass, much of the roof is glass, and the rear glass is large and strongly curved. This guide covers what's different on a Model 3 or Model Y. For the full step-by-step process, follow our DIY install guide.

Pick the right kit

Frameless door glass

Model 3 and Model Y door windows have no frame across the top. When you open a door, the glass drops slightly; when you close it, the glass rises back into the roof seal. That changes a few things:

  • The top edge is exposed. Clean the whole top edge of the glass. Set the film's top edge where the pattern puts it, with the small gap it was cut for, and don't push it higher: the seal can catch a film edge that sits too high.
  • Check before you close the door. Make sure the film's top edge is flat and fully squeegeed, then close the door gently. During the cure, avoid slamming the doors.
  • Skip the latch trick. Some installers trip the door latch by hand so the glass rises with the door open. If the door is closed in that state, the glass can hit the trim. A precut kit doesn't need it.
  • Protect the door electronics. Cover the speakers and window switches with a towel before you spray.
  • Leave the windows up during the cure. Don't use the window switches for the full cure period (cure and care).

The glass roof

The glass roof lets a lot of heat into the cabin. It's sold separately from the complete kit (Panoramic Roof Glass Only, difficulty 3 out of 5, on the Model Y kits and the 2024–2026 Model 3; Sunroof Glass Only, difficulty 2 out of 5, on the 2017–2023 Model 3), and our time estimate for an experienced installer is about 3 hours for a panoramic roof.

  • Bring a helper. The roof glass is large and overhead. One person holds the film so it can't fold while the other anchors the center and squeegees outward.
  • Heat-form from outside, safely. Shape the film on the outside of the roof with the liner on, working from a sturdy step ladder beside the car. Never kneel, sit or lean on the glass.
  • Cover the interior. Slip solution drips straight down onto the seats, console and touchscreen. Cover them with towels or plastic before you spray.
  • Use plenty of slip solution on the glass and the adhesive so the film glides into position after it lands, and spray less near the edges so it doesn't drip. Spray the film's outer face before you squeegee.
  • Never aim heat at film once it's inside. Shaping happens on the outside only.

Choosing a roof shade: you don't look through the roof to drive, so you can choose for heat. Darker shades of this film reject more total solar energy: 63.2% at 5%, 52.3% at 20% and 38.9% at 70%. If you like a bright, open-sky cabin, 35% or 50% keeps more light while still blocking 99%+ of UV. Check your state's tint laws before you install.

The rear glass

  • It's big and strongly curved, which is why Tesla back glass is rated 4 out of 5 on our kits. Do the doors first, and save the rear glass until you're comfortable with heat forming.
  • Heat-form it on the outside with the liner on, in the film's shrink direction, with low, moving heat. Expect more shaping than on a door window (heat forming).
  • Model 3: the rear glass is long and reaches over the back seat, so part of the job is overhead. A helper makes it much easier.
  • Model Y: the rear glass is in the liftgate. Fold the rear seats down for room to work inside, and cover the cargo area from runoff.
  • Defroster lines: if your rear glass has them, test the defroster before you start and wipe along the lines, never across (back glass steps).

Windshield strip and cameras

Tesla's forward cameras sit at the top center of the windshield, behind the mirror. The strip pattern is cut around that housing. If the strip would cover a camera, stop and email us; never trim it on the glass.

Shade picks for Teslas

  • Front doors: check your state's tint laws before you choose.
  • Rear doors and rear glass: 20% and 35% are common choices.
  • Roof: see above.

More detail in the shade guide.

Plan your time

From our time estimates for an experienced installer: about 45 minutes per door window, 30 minutes per quarter window, 1 hour for the rear glass and 3 hours for a panoramic roof. A first install takes longer, so consider doing the doors on one day and the rear glass or roof on another.

If something goes wrong

Never trim film on the car. If a piece doesn't seem to fit, stop and email tint@hmu4llc.com with photos before you continue. If you crease, contaminate or tear a piece, photograph it and check your free recut options.

Find your Tesla's kit: all Tesla kits · Model Y kits