How To Tint Windows of the Subaru Outback?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: November 19, 2023

Subaru Outback window tinting isn't just about adding a touch of mystery; it's a clever move with a parade of perks. First off, it keeps your Outback cooler than a cucumber in a fridge on scorching days, ensuring your ride is as comfortable as an armchair.

Besides, it's a knight in shining armor against the sun's glare. Every motorist knows the blinding terror of sunlight turning you momentarily blind, a recipe for motoring mayhem. Tinting is like sunglasses for your Subaru, cutting down the solar onslaught and beefing up safety and visibility.

Not just about practicality, mind you. Quality window tinting gussies up your Subaru Outback like a bespoke suit, adding a dash of elegance. Plus, it's a privacy shield, keeping nosy parkers from ogling into your wagon.

Stick around to unearth more about tinting your trusty steed.

Key Insights:

• Window tinting for the Subaru Outback offers a cooler interior, reduced sun glare, enhanced aesthetics, and privacy.
• The cost of tinting varies with the vehicle model. For SUVs like the Outback, it might reach up to $900.
• Tinting costs are swayed by factors like film type, the chosen workshop, and the unique shape and window type of the Outback.
• Before tinting, mull over legal rules, pick the right film for light transmission and quality, and prep your car for the process.

How much does it cost to tint Subaru Outback's windows?

Handing over your Subaru Outback to pros is the smart move. They know their tinting tricks and will sort you out swiftly: drive in, and a few hours later, drive out with your windows looking sharp.

But, brace yourself for the bill. Quality tinting by experts isn’t cheap.

The cost is tailor-made for each Subaru model, depending on window count, location, and shape. Roughly, Subaru tinting goes like this:

4-Door Cars (Sedan, Hatchback, Wagon)

Typically, tinting one window on such a Subaru model costs about $70, so for a full set of 5 windows (excluding the windshield), you're looking at around $350.

Tint fewer windows, pay less - simple.

Coupes

Got a coupe with steep rear or curvy windows? That’ll cost you more.

These tricky windows mean more effort, bumping up the price. A two-door Subaru with 5 windows might set you back around $450.

Trucks

The cost varies based on your truck's doors and windows. For a standard 2-door pickup, expect to shell out $350-400.

SUVs

Big SUVs like the Outback need extra care for tinting. Those larger windows mean full SUV tinting can reach $900.

Van / Minivan

More windows, more money. Tinting a passenger van can run up to $1,500, depending on its size and window count.

What Influences Subaru Outback's Window Tinting Cost?

Keep in mind, the tinting cost hinges on the Outback's model year and trim, among other factors:

• The film you pick. Its composition, brand, and light transmission all play a part in the final price.
• Don’t skimp on film quality; your visibility and safety depend on it;
• Your chosen workshop. Rates vary based on their expertise and reputation.
• But remember, pricier doesn’t always mean better, and cheaper isn’t necessarily worse;
• The unique window design of the Subaru Outback. Complex shapes or segmented windows might bump up the cost due to increased labor and time.

DIY tinting can save a packet. You'll just pay for materials. Doing it yourself could cost around $100.

But, patience is key. It's a meticulous process that might take several attempts to perfect.

Is it legal to tint windows of the Subaru Outback?

Before diving into tinting, ensure you're not on the wrong side of the law. Tinting laws vary by state, with differing permissible tint levels. Some states ban it outright, others give you free rein.

Almost everywhere, tinting the windshield is a no-go, as it hampers visibility. Stay within legal bounds.

Allowed Window Tint In Different States

State	Front Sides	Rear Sides	Rear Window	Windshield
AL	32%	32%	32%	6"
AK	70%	40%	30%	5"
AZ	33%	ANY	ANY	AS1
AR	25%	25%	10%	5"
CA	70%	ANY	ANY	4"
CO	27%	27%	27%	4"
CT	35%	35%	ANY	AS1
DE	70%	ANY	ANY	AS1
DC	70%	50%	50%	5"/AS1
FL	28%	15%	15%	AS1
GA	32%	32%	32%	6"
HI	32%	35%	35%	70% light
ID	35%	20%	35%	AS1
IL	35%	35%	35%	6"
IN	30%	30%	30%	AS1
IA	70%	ANY	ANY	AS1
KS	35%	35%	35%	AS1
KY	35%	18%	18%	AS1
LA	40%	25%	12%	AS1
ME	35%	ANY	ANY	4"
MD	35%	35%	35%	5"
MA	35%	35%	35%	6"
MI	4"	ANY	ANY	4"
MN	50%	50%	50%	NONE
MS	28%	28%	28%	AS1
MO	35%	ANY	ANY	AS1
MT	24%	14%	14%	AS1
NE	35%	20%	20%	5"/AS1
NV	35%	ANY	ANY	AS1
NH	NONE	35%	35%	6"
NJ	NONE	ANY	ANY	NONE
NM	20%	20%	20%	5"/AS1
NY	70%	70%	ANY	6"
NC	35%	35%	35%	AS1
ND	50%	ANY	ANY	<70%
OH	50%	ANY	ANY	<70%
OK	25%	25%	25%	5"/AS1
OR	35%	35%	35%	6"
PA	70%	70%	70%	NONE
RI	70%	70%

How do you choose a window tint for the Subaru Outback?

If you decide to tint the Subaru Outback, you can choose which film to use. When selecting a product, consider several factors:

- Light transmission capacity. The tinting film keeps the sun's rays out of the Outback's interior, with each film having its level of light transmission, where 100% is the maximum transmission (almost invisible film), and 0% is the darkest film.

Choose the film that suits your needs. It should maintain visibility; you must see the road. Test the film on the windows to ensure you can see your surroundings clearly. Remember, you'll be driving not only in sunny weather but also at night in rain, fog, and other challenging conditions.

Therefore, if the film reduces visibility during the day, it's not a good choice. Poor visibility affects your reaction time. Select a level of light transmission that shields you from the sun but doesn't put you in danger.

- Manufacturer and price. Avoid buying the cheapest film. It might spoil visibility and have other disadvantages: fading in the sun, peeling off, and tearing easily during application.
Choose an option that offers a good price-quality ratio. Also, consult with friends or experienced individuals and read reviews.

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How do you tint the Subaru Outback?

Window tinting is a straightforward process. However, several things must be considered for a successful result. Read this article to learn how to do it correctly.

What do you need to tint the Subaru Outback’s windows?

• Window cleaner;
• Microfiber cloth;
• Blade for cleaning windows;
• Sprayer (pulverizer);
• Soap solution;
• The blade is a small but sharp knife;
• Toning film;
• Plastic spatula;
• Heat gun (option).

Wash your Outback’s windows

Before starting the tinting, it's highly recommended to wash your Outback’s windows. Clean off the dirt and contaminants with a window cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Rinse and wipe your windows to make them transparent.

Remove the old tint film

If your Outback already has tinting, remove the old film first. Don't apply the new film over the old one as it affects the result and adherence.

To remove the old film, you can:

• Heat the film using a heat gun. Gently pull the tint film from the edges after heating. Avoid overheating one section to prevent glass damage. Heat the entire surface evenly;
• Alternatively, peel off the old film with a blade. Use special glass cleaning tools to lift and scrape the film. Be gentle to avoid scratching the glass.

Glue will remain on the glass after removing the film. It must be removed. You can scrape it off with a metal scraper, but be cautious not to damage the glass.

Alternatively, use chemicals like anti-silicone or carburetor cleaner. Apply it on the glass, let it sit for a while, then wipe the window with a rag. These reagents dissolve the glue effectively, making it easy to remove.

Caution: These products can be smelly and toxic! Always work in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions.

Prepare the tinting film

Handle the film carefully. It consists of a dark tint layer and a protective transparent layer. Determine which side the protective layer is on – this side should face you during application.

Identifying this layer is easy: lift the edge of the film with the blade. The film will separate into two parts: dark and transparent. The transparent layer should be facing you.

Prepare a soap solution

Prepare a soapy solution. Fill a container with water and add liquid soap or shampoo (5-6 drops for a small container, more for larger ones).

Mix thoroughly and pour the solution into a sprayer for convenience during application.

Cut out the necessary shape from the toning film

Before embarking on this adventure, remember one crucial thing. The tinting film is applied to the inside of the glass, but it is measured and cut from the outside.

So, when you cut the film, it'll end up being a mirror image of what you need.

Let’s jump into tinting the Subaru Outback.

Apply a soapy solution to the outside of the window where you plan to apply the tint

Prepping the surface is key before you slap on the tint to your Subaru Outback’s window. Start by lavishing a soapy solution on the outside of the window where the tint will go.

This step is vital for proper adhesion and helps dodge those pesky air bubbles during placement, leading to a smooth and envy-inducing result.

Place the toning film on the glass. Smooth it out with a plastic spatula or card

Remember our earlier tip: Ensure that the transparent layer of the tinting film faces you! Otherwise, you're back to square one.

Use a knife to trim the tint to the shape of the glass

With a blade in hand, trim away the excess bits of toning film. Cut the film to match the glass's shape, but leave a generous 1-inch margin around each edge (top, bottom, and sides).

Adapt the film to the shape of your glass

Shift the film an inch towards the left edge. Move it towards the edge you just cut. This ensures you have enough tint to cover every nook and cranny of the window, including the part hidden by the seal;

Trim the right edge, then shimmy the tint halfway back to the center. Once you've snipped the right edge, nudge the tint back so there's a 1/2-inch surplus on each side of the window;

Drag the film down about an inch so the bottom edge dips below the window. This extra bit will eventually overlap the door, ensuring a top-notch light seal;

Push it down, then level it again with the spatula. Repeat the same process you did with the right and left edges on the top and bottom;

Lower the window a tad, then use the top of the window to guide your cut. Once the window is down, the top edge becomes your cutting guide. Slice straight to the top of the window with your knife. When done, slide the film back to the center, leaving about 1/2-inch excess on each side;

Chop off any excess film at the corners of the window - round them off so they no longer brush against the window when closing.

Prepare the inside of the window glass

Give the inside of the glass another once-over - it should be spotless. Spritz a generous amount of soapy solution on it. The more, the merrier.

Peel off the protective (transparent) layer from the toning film

Carefully separate the transparent layer from the tint. Take care! There’s adhesive under the protective layer.

The moment you peel off the transparent layer, the sticky part becomes a magnet for trouble. Even a slight misstep can spoil the film. So, be cautious and focused.

Once you remove the protective layer, immediately dampen the adhesive side with a soapy solution. This wards off dirt and dust.

Place the toning film on the inner surface of the glass

Apply the film, adhesive side down, to the inner glass. Smooth it out so it snugly fits without any gaps. Don’t rush - the film and glass are wet, so the glue won’t set immediately. This gives you time to adjust the film perfectly on the glass.

Pro tip: Leave a tiny gap at the top. If you slap the tint right up to the very top, it’ll eventually snag on the rubber seal and peel off. So, give it a few millimeters of breathing room to ensure longevity.

Smooth out the toning film on the glass, expelling excess water

Once the film is evenly applied with no bumps or creases, and you're chuffed with how it looks, get cracking on the most crucial part: getting rid of the excess water from underneath the film.

There's a fair bit of water trapped between the layers. Squeeze it out using a plastic spatula or card.

Work the spatula downwards and outwards, banishing the water from under the film. If left unchecked, the water will eventually dry up, leaving unsightly air bubbles. And nobody wants their Subaru Outback looking like a bubble wrap on wheels.

So, make sure you've banished every last drop of water. Inspect it from various angles, maybe use a light to spot any lingering bubbles.

Repeat these steps for all windows

To snag that top-drawer result, repeat all these steps with the same care and precision on the other windows of your Subaru Outback. Done right, the final outcome will leave you grinning like a Cheshire cat.