How to Tint Frameless Windows: Porsche 911 Window Tint Tutorial (Video)

Frameless windows are some of the trickiest glass a new tinter will face. With no frame around the top of the door glass, every edge of the film is on show, the film has to tuck behind the seal, and the glass rubs against that seal each time the door opens. In this new tutorial, Tint Academy tints the frameless door glass on a Porsche 911 step by step using Scorpion 35 Carbon window film.

Watch the full video below, then use the step-by-step summary and tips to plan your next frameless install. If you'd rather learn it with an instructor beside you, see our 2-day window tint certification course.

Watch: How to Tint Frameless Windows on a Porsche 911

The video runs about 9 minutes and is split into chapters, so you can jump to the step you need: intro (0:00), why Scorpion film (0:14), tricking the door latch (0:32), prepping the glass (1:01), measuring and cutting (1:29), shrinking the film (3:15), installing behind the seal (6:54) and squeegeeing (8:10), followed by sealing the edges and closing the door safely.

What Makes Frameless Windows Different?

On a framed door, the top edge of the film usually sits under a rubber or metal frame that hides small imperfections. A frameless window has no frame, so:

• The top edge is visible. The film has to finish cleanly at the edge of the glass.
• The film must go behind the seal. The bottom of the film tucks down behind the door's beltline seal.
• The glass gets more wear. Frameless glass slides against the seals every time the door opens and closes. In the video, Tint Academy explains that this extra wear and tear is why it chose a film with a more aggressive adhesive, better tack and longer longevity.
• The door affects the glass. Many frameless doors drop the window slightly when the door is opened, which you have to manage while you work.

How to Tint Frameless Windows: Step by Step

Here is the process shown in the Porsche 911 tutorial, with general notes for new installers.

1. Trick the Door Latch So the Window Stays Up

The video starts by showing how to trick the door latch so the frameless window stays up while the door is open. That gives you full access to the glass without it dropping as you work. Be gentle, and never force the glass or the window regulator.

2. Prep the Glass

Clean glass is the foundation of every good install. Dust, hair and debris trapped under the film show up as specks and bubbles, and on a frameless window there's no frame to hide them. The tutorial covers how to prep the glass before any film goes on.

3. Measure and Cut, Using the Factory Edge as the Bottom Cut

The film used is Scorpion 35 Carbon. In the video, the factory edge of the film roll is used as the bottom cut. Because the factory edge is perfectly straight and clean, it's a reliable edge for the part of the film that tucks behind the seal.

4. Heat-Shrink the Film on the Outside of the Glass

Curved door glass means flat film won't lie down on its own. The film is laid on the outside of the glass and heat-shrunk so it takes on the shape of the window. This is the longest section of the video, starting at 3:15, and it's worth watching closely: heat shrinking is one of the skills new tinters find hardest to master.

5. Install the Tint Behind the Seal

Once the film is shaped, it goes on the inside of the glass and is worked down behind the seal. Take your time here. A creased or lifted bottom edge is hard to fix later.

6. Squeegee: Light Pass, Then Full Pressure

The tutorial shows a light first pass with the squeegee to position and anchor the film, followed by a full-pressure pass to push the solution out from under it.

7. Seal the Edges With a Hard Card and Microfiber

The edges are finished with a hard card wrapped in microfiber. On frameless glass, well-sealed edges matter even more, because the top of the film is exposed every time the door opens.

8. Close the Door Safely

The last chapter shows how to close the door without damaging the fresh film, as the glass has to slide back against the seals.

Tips for New Tinters Working on Frameless Glass

• Slow down on high-end vehicles. A Porsche, Corvette or other sports car owner will notice every edge. Practise frameless windows on less valuable glass before you take on premium work.
• Choose film for the job. Frameless windows see more wear, so think about adhesive and tack, not just shade.
• Know the law. Front side window tint limits vary by province and state, and the limit applies to the glass and film together. See window tint laws in Canada, province by province, and check local rules in the US.
• Watch more than one example. Our earlier video on how to tint a frameless Corvette window shows the same type of glass on a different car.

Want to know more about the film used in this video? Read why Tint Academy recommends Scorpion window film to our students.

Learn Frameless Window Tinting Hands-On

Videos are a great way to learn the steps, but nothing replaces doing it with an instructor beside you. Over 10 years, Tint Academy has trained more than 6,500 students. In our 2-day, hands-on window tint certification course:

• Day 1 covers tint theory, glass prep and film handling, framed roll-down windows using the two-stage method, quarter windows and frameless roll-down windows, tint removal, and sun strips.
• Day 2 covers rear window preparation and installation, including heat shrinking, plus trucks, SUVs and the business side of tinting.

No experience is needed. See the full roadmap in How to Become a Certified Window Tinter, learn what a certificate does and doesn't mean in Window Tint Certification Explained, and compare options in How Much Does Window Tint Training Cost?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a frameless window?

A frameless window is door glass with no metal or rubber frame around its top edge when the door is open. It's common on coupes, convertibles and many sports cars, including the Porsche 911. Because the top edge of the glass is exposed, the film has to finish cleanly right at that edge.

Why are frameless windows harder to tint?

There is no frame to hide the top edge of the film, so the cut and the finish have to be precise. The film also has to tuck behind the door seal, and the glass rubs against the seal every time the door opens and closes. That extra wear is why the tutorial explains its choice of a film with a more aggressive adhesive and better tack.

How do you keep a frameless window up while you tint it?

Many frameless doors drop the glass slightly when the door opens. In the Porsche 911 tutorial, Tint Academy shows how to trick the door latch so the window stays up while you work. Use the method for the vehicle you're working on and avoid forcing the glass or the regulator.

Do you heat-shrink film on frameless door glass?

Yes, when the glass is curved. In the video, the film is cut and then heat-shrunk on the outside of the glass so it matches the curve before it is installed on the inside. Heat shrinking is taught hands-on in Tint Academy's 2-day course.

What film is used in the Porsche 911 video?

The tutorial uses Scorpion 35 Carbon window film. Always check the tint laws where the vehicle is registered before choosing a shade for the front side windows.

Where can I learn to tint frameless windows hands-on?

Tint Academy's 2-day window tint certification course covers framed roll-down windows, quarter windows and frameless roll-down windows on Day 1, with heat shrinking on Day 2. Classes run in cities across Canada and the USA, and an online window tint course is also available.

Book an Upcoming Window Tint Course

Ready to tint frameless windows with confidence? See upcoming USA window tint course dates and book your seat, or browse classes across Canada and the USA on the window tint course page. Can't travel to a class? Start with the online window tint certification course.

Questions? Call or text the team: USA 321-364-9518 | Canada 289-201-2070. For more tutorials, subscribe to Tint Academy on YouTube.