Window Tinting a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan: Step-by-Step Guide

Jack Meng • January 22, 2024

Hey, it’s Andy with Mid-MO Dents! Today, we’re tinting a 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan. Follow along as we take you through the process of applying high-quality ceramic film to this vehicle. Let’s jump right in!

Getting Started: Prepping the Windows

This Tiguan has felt moldings around the windows, so the first step was to remove those to prevent the felt from getting into the film. We loaded some high-tech ceramic 35% film into the plotter and got the cutting process going. After pulling the patterns up on the computer, we were ready to start tinting.

Door Windows Tinting

We didn’t have to take out any screws for the door panels on this car. Instead, we just popped the panels back slightly to remove the rubber sweep, which gave us easy access to install the tint cleanly.



Kyle prepped the window by only wetting the bottom couple of inches before carefully aligning the tint at the top. Once lined up, we started squeegeeing from the top down, rolling the window up to work out the remaining water and air bubbles toward the sides and bottom. The process was quick and smooth.

Tinting the Front Quarter Windows

Next, we tackled the small front quarter windows. These were a bit easier because they had a black border around them, which meant we didn’t have to worry about any visible gaps. Kyle trimmed a little excess film for a perfect fit and squeegeed out the water.

The Back Window: Shrinking and Application

Now onto the part everyone waits for—the back window. After cleaning the outside of the window with soapy water to remove any dirt, we laid out the pre-cut pattern on the board and trimmed it up. Shrinking the back window is always a bit tricky, so here’s how we did it:



We started by creating an H-pattern on the window using a heat gun. This helps tack the film to the window and brings the "fingers" (or wrinkles) to the middle. From there, we used the heat gun to shrink the film, forming it to the curve of the window. We prefer a wet shrink technique, which allows the film to slide easily and keeps things neat without any mess to clean up afterward.

Cleaning and Final Application

For the final clean-up, we used a heavy white scrub pad to clean the defroster lines. Since you can’t use a razor blade on the defrosters, this ensures that any dirt or debris gets scrubbed out before applying the tint.



After carefully lining up the film with no light gaps, we squeegeed out the soapy water, making sure the film was perfectly adhered to the glass. Once applied, we gently heated the inside to dry out any remaining moisture without shrinking the tint.

Wrapping Up

That’s a wrap! The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is now fully tinted with high-tech ceramic film, and it looks fantastic. We hope you enjoyed following along with this process.

October 16, 2025
Why Your Car’s Exterior Needs More Love Than Ever The engine may outlive the paint—but only if you let it. In the golden age of American muscle—think 1960s and ’70s—cars were built like tanks. Their engines were temperamental, but their exteriors? Solid steel, thick chrome, and paint that could take a beating. Fast forward to today, and we’re living in a golden age of mechanical reliability. Modern vehicles routinely surpass 200,000 miles, some even pushing 300,000 with ease. But while the engines have evolved, the exteriors have quietly regressed. 🧩 The Paradox of Progress Today’s cars are engineered to last longer, drive farther, and sip less fuel. But to achieve that, manufacturers have made trade-offs: • Plastic replaces metal in bumpers, grilles, and trim—not just for weight savings, but cost. • Thinner paint layers and water-based formulas meet environmental standards but sacrifice durability. • Aerodynamic designs often expose more surface area to road debris, salt, and UV damage. So while your engine might be marathon-ready, your paint and panels are sprinting toward premature aging. 🛣️ More Miles, More Exposure Older vehicles might have seen 100,000 miles in their lifetime. Today’s daily drivers often double or triple that. That means: • More gravel, salt, and bugs hitting the front end. • More sun exposure, especially on horizontal surfaces like hoods and roofs. • More wear from automatic car washes, which brings us to the next point… 🧼 The Car Wash Myth Many well-meaning owners believe frequent car washes are the key to a clean, well-maintained vehicle. But here’s the catch: • Brush-style automatic washes can leave micro-scratches that dull paint over time. • High-pressure touchless washes often rely on harsh chemicals that strip protective coatings. • Quick-dry cycles can bake contaminants into the surface if not properly rinsed. In short, what feels like care can actually be slow erosion—especially without follow-up protection like wax or ceramic coatings. 🌤️ The Exterior Is a Canvas—Treat It Like One Your vehicle’s exterior isn’t just a shell—it’s a story. A reflection of care, pride, and longevity. And in today’s landscape, preserving that story requires more than soap and water. 🧴 Why Professional Detailing Beats the Tunnel Professional detailing isn’t just about making a car shiny—it’s about preserving its integrity: • Paint correction removes years of wear, not just surface grime. • Ceramic coatings create a sacrificial layer that resists UV, chemicals, and abrasion. • Trim and glass treatments restore clarity and prevent fading. • Tailored product systems ensure compatibility and long-term performance. Unlike generic car wash soaps and waxes that often clash or cancel each other out, high-quality detailing products are designed to work together—layer by layer, purposefully. They don’t just clean; they protect, enhance, and extend the life of your finish. 🛠️ The Synergy of Smart Products Think of your detailing regimen like a well-tuned engine: • Decontamination clears the way. • Correction refines the surface. • Protection locks in clarity. • Maintenance keeps the system balanced. When each step is intentional and each product is chosen for its role, the result isn’t just visual—it’s structural. Your paint lasts longer. Your trim stays rich. Your glass stays clear. And your vehicle tells a different story: one of care, not compromise. 🪞 Final Reflection We’re in an era where vehicles can live long lives—but only if we treat their exteriors with the same reverence we give their engines. Maintenance isn’t just mechanical. It’s visual. It’s tactile. It’s poetic. So next time you think about preserving your ride, skip the tunnel. Choose the hands that know the surface. Choose products that speak the same language. And let your vehicle wear its miles like a badge—not a burden.
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