I love the simplicity of this: tape, foil, scissors, 10/10 well done. ( Yes, they will just stay in place due to the nature of the foil material, but you can use suction cups in holes through them ).
That's a cool suggestion to use suction cups as additional stickiness against the window. I guess you would just need to poke/cut small holes in the Reflectix to attach the suction cups.
Nicely done. One thing, all that tape glue (usually a fairly loose regulation regarding VOC's) is just baking in the sun and heat. Spreading those wholesome chemicals and suspending their sweet fumes into the cabin space, regardless if you are able to smell it or not. It'll be like that song, "I'll be therrrrrrrre..." Alternative method, instead of tape apply a layer of fabric (whatever color you want) and use a low VOC adhesive like Super 77. Just as simple and might only take a few more minutes per shade. Great video.
I am not a fan of using Duck-Tape all the time on everything and anything, but in this case I am thrilled about the outcome. When you have tinted windows already, it does not really matter what you put behind it. Great idea, great execution, great outcome, and inexpensive but durable. Thumbs up.
I would recommend using metal tape or foil tape so it's the same color as the silver. You want the silver facing out to reflect the heat away from the vehicle instead of black to absorb it. You'll end up with a cooler interior by doing so
Black, facing outside, at night is imperative if the goal is stealthy camping in the city. However, anytime, you actually cover the reflectix, you lose the ability to keep the heat out, so, using it during the day on a hot day, is not advised, as you will actually be causing additional heat gain within the car!
Nope. They already have one silver side he can use for hot days. You want only one reflective side for hot days and a black side for cold days and when stealth camping. If he does it your way, you'd never be able to be stealth, so cops and everyone would be constantly bothering you and telling you to move on.
This video was fate. Been trying to find an affordable DIY way to cover the windows of my Tesla 'cause nothing fits, and this is in every way exactly what I needed. So thanks haha
I did this for a stint at an 8 week Renaissance festival so I could sleep in my car on the weekends and it worked great EXCEPT that the black duct tape really baked in the Texas heat. By the end of the 8 weeks it was really starting to degrade. If I made them again I would probably use some sort of cheap black fabric and some spray adhesive.
@wanderingronin305 yes, I know that. It doesn't matter. I had them facing the correct way (black side vs silver side). Nothing really matters when it's 110 degrees in the shade 🤣 regardless, I remade them using black fabric and spray adhesive. Worked like a charm. I've used them probably 5 or 6 trips and they are still in tip top shape.
Unfortunately, the black duct tape will not last long due to the sun exposure breaking down the adhesive, which will separate and crumble. But it should last a year or two. Maybe that's long enough. If you mostly keep it in the trunk but use it just for side windows on occasional super hot days then it should last a long time, but for a front windshield and year-round use, like in California, I don't think it will last longer than a year or two. Maybe having a seamstress sew a strip of black cloth around the edge would last longer. Might be worth the extra cost if not too much. Or maybe you don't really need anything along the edge.
Most people just do it for the privacy. If you are parked somewhere you don’t belong and they see the reflective on the windows, most likely indicating you are camping out there. So they end up kicking you out. No reflective no problem
This is a great video with clear, simple instructions. I bought a set off Amazon a few months ago. They don't fit my window very well, and one piece of the set was missing 😮. Ill see if i can reconfigure the purchased set to be more customized and effective. Thank you
I made mine using a yoga mat. Seriously. It completely blocks out the light, it's easy to cut, it's firm yet flexible, it's soft and insulated, it can be easily covered with reflective material on one side, and condensation doesn't wreck it because it's made to withstand sweat. Also maybe a thick tarp would be a good material to use too?
Great job! I like this black tape method over using spray adhesive & fabric because it looked easier. However, when I tried this method and put the reflectix side facing the window, the black side (inside) turned super hot. I ended up leaving both sides as reflectix and not cover one side with black tape. Update: when the car gets super hot inside, the tape weakens and starts to come off even if you use super duty duct tape or electrical tape. I’m about to throw my DIY reflectix car shades in the trash and just pay more for professionally made ones. Fun project to do during quarantine but the car shades are not holding up well.
Jonathan Alie Saputra If you cut the reflectix just a tiny bit larger than the windows, it will fit snug and hold up by itself without suction cups. I made tabs as little handles with duct tape as well. Over time with heat from the sun, the reflectix will shrink so don’t cut it smaller than the windows. Mine shrunk a little already and has fallen off several times.
@@onlyinparadise4613 If that starts to happen maybe you could use some clear vinyl tape on top of the black tape to reflect the heat ( because clear tape is a lot cheaper ) ? But I read this: Duct tape truly lives up to its name and is used for sealing air ducts to withstand heat and air pressure. Your duct-tape will do just fine under 140 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, your tape runs the risk of losing its adhesive.
@@zuziakras1632 Not the friction of your window. The door trim around your window has at least the depth of 1" If you make these to size or slightly larger you simply wedge them into place for a snug fit. I hope that explains it a little better.
great idea. suggestion if I may. Use the pieces with tape only when driving if you have passengers in the back and just use the plain reflective pieces when parked.
They sell a black out roll called Velimax static cling total blackout film.... I wonder if this would work better than the tape. Please if anyone knows if this works let us know. And if I try it ... I will post my results. Thank you! It seems if you seriously want the shdes in full time you need them to hold up really well.
Would there be any benefit to add a layer of fabric, and/or Fleece to the "Back Side" under the black tape for 'extra' insulation? I'm considering making some and a friend suggested it and wondered your thoughts?
Hey wongway, I have a question: Could I use this product to cover my windshield to prevent the inside of my car getting hot and also prevent car dashboard damage?
basically, the aluminum will reflect almost all radiant/infrared heat. This works both ways. Turn the aluminum side inward to keep a car warmer when its cold outside.
if using duct type tape the tape will heat up in blistering days in the summer and become sticky(even gorilla tape). I recommended sewing the edges of tape with a sewing machine & a HD needle
For all of you warning about losing the value of reflexiit all he has to do is take the drivers shade and put it on the passengers side so the reflex it works as needed. Change it up for nighttime black stealth windows.
I would assume the sun will heat the adhesive on the tape, and also release a chemical smell into the car, I would personally recommend sowing black fabric around the edges instead of duct tape, it will look cleaner and you don’t have to worry about the tape going bad and releasing a smell into the car. I have not done this yet but I plan on it.
Thanks for the question, they have not warped for me, but that being said I have not used them daily by any means. For me, they are used for camping or road trips. So for heavy use I'm not 100% sure. But they are flexible so I don't believe warping is a main concern.
Great observation! I thought of this to start but unfortunately on the Tesla model 3 it is a frame less window, so when you open the door the window automatically goes down a couple of inches, so the outside of the window is actually becomes smaller when the door is open. And when the door is closed it is not the true size to fit snug into the interior.
This black tape will not melt during high strong sun light?? I stay in Mumbai (India), last week I kept a hard plastic 1 litre water bottle inside my car (near rear mirror) and due to strong sun light it melted to 1/4 !!!
What was used for the rear window? I've had the most trouble keeping that one up. Mine is slanted at a deep angle, and there's nothing to really keep the reflectix in place.
I was wondering about that also. I had thought maybe using command strips velcro but this Texas heat might cause them to melt off so yeah, good question. Maybe something to prop against it? 🤔
So I cut out the reflective insulation to the window's size, even a little bit larger to be safe, but after taping the back side of it with a black duct tape, the insulation material shrunk significantly. Now there's about a 3 inch gap on the window. So much frustration + time and money wasted. Yours must be a different type of duct tape than the one have, because there's no way I can tear this one with my hands the way you do with yours. It's super sticky and elastic.
So I saw someone post and the black tape can be an issue. So does anyone know why we need the back on the opposite side??? Does the tape really matter???
Weathertech sells a full car kit like this. Silver for sun to keep car cool in summer Black on the other in the winter to keep windshield free of ice and snow
But you could buy the similar anti reflex which is silver from one side and BLACK from the other. This way you would have less to do. And the importamt question still is: How it is firmly enouch keppt on a glass of windows???? What keeps piece on place??
If you make these slightly larger you push them into the window. The plastic trim that surrounds the window will help hold the insert in place. The back window is trickier as its most likely curved and has a rounded plastic trim surrounding it.
@@HondaFit4Adventure Yes, thank you! But I have heard somwere here an opinion that black screen look from outside more naturally (are more unvisiable) when are put not by the glass of window, but in a distance from it by some 1-2 inches. What is your expierience about?
I love the simplicity of this: tape, foil, scissors, 10/10 well done. ( Yes, they will just stay in place due to the nature of the foil material, but you can use suction cups in holes through them ).
That's a cool suggestion to use suction cups as additional stickiness against the window. I guess you would just need to poke/cut small holes in the Reflectix to attach the suction cups.
Gdje si kupio alu foliju na metre?
@@skyyward111I guess u can also use velcro stick a few small pieces to the window and some on the reflector
And never be able to roll your window down?
Nicely done. One thing, all that tape glue (usually a fairly loose regulation regarding VOC's) is just baking in the sun and heat. Spreading those wholesome chemicals and suspending their sweet fumes into the cabin space, regardless if you are able to smell it or not. It'll be like that song, "I'll be therrrrrrrre..."
Alternative method, instead of tape apply a layer of fabric (whatever color you want) and use a low VOC adhesive like Super 77. Just as simple and might only take a few more minutes per shade.
Great video.
I also doubt thej duck tape is UV proof, 3 years in the sun it will turn to goo and you will need to do the whole job again
I am not a fan of using Duck-Tape all the time on everything and anything, but in this case I am thrilled about the outcome. When you have tinted windows already, it does not really matter what you put behind it. Great idea, great execution, great outcome, and inexpensive but durable. Thumbs up.
Duck tape??
I would recommend using metal tape or foil tape so it's the same color as the silver. You want the silver facing out to reflect the heat away from the vehicle instead of black to absorb it. You'll end up with a cooler interior by doing so
I think the black is to absorb it when facing out on colder days.
Black, facing outside, at night is imperative if the goal is stealthy camping in the city.
However, anytime, you actually cover the reflectix, you lose the ability to keep the heat out, so, using it during the day on a hot day, is not advised, as you will actually be causing additional heat gain within the car!
Nope. They already have one silver side he can use for hot days. You want only one reflective side for hot days and a black side for cold days and when stealth camping. If he does it your way, you'd never be able to be stealth, so cops and everyone would be constantly bothering you and telling you to move on.
For black, could also buy fabric and spray adhesive.
This is the perfect solution I was looking for to get my car ready for stealth camping. Thank you!
Same here, thanks, wongway
Me too! Ty
Is it stealth is you’re in a big car?
Great video. Used the technique to custom fit a store-bought windshield reflector. Worked great. Custom side-window covers are next.
Thanks!
I made a set a few years ago and they work much better than anything that's available on the market.
This video was fate. Been trying to find an affordable DIY way to cover the windows of my Tesla 'cause nothing fits, and this is in every way exactly what I needed. So thanks haha
BEST tutorial for making window covers. Thank you!!!
Pro tip, instead of using black DuckTape to black them out, use Black Fabric. Black DuckTape leaves a chemical smell.
How do you attach the fabric?
@@Asimo44spray adhesive, search for 3M 77 adhesive spray
Same question as above, how do you get it to adhere?
@@MichaelT-ft3cz Use 3M spray adhesive
@@Asimo44 Use 3M spray adhesive
I did this for a stint at an 8 week Renaissance festival so I could sleep in my car on the weekends and it worked great EXCEPT that the black duct tape really baked in the Texas heat. By the end of the 8 weeks it was really starting to degrade. If I made them again I would probably use some sort of cheap black fabric and some spray adhesive.
Black faceing out is for night only. Silver facing out for day heat
@wanderingronin305 yes, I know that. It doesn't matter. I had them facing the correct way (black side vs silver side). Nothing really matters when it's 110 degrees in the shade 🤣 regardless, I remade them using black fabric and spray adhesive. Worked like a charm. I've used them probably 5 or 6 trips and they are still in tip top shape.
@@sjferguson how Is black fabric less hot then black tape?
@@wanderingronin305 again, the GLUE ON THE DUCT TAPE was what started to degrade in the heat. I get it. Reading comprehension can be hard.
This is the easiest tutorial I have ever come a-crossed on TH-cam.
Nice and simple, I like that. I can't wait to try this... I've been very frustrated with this process, thank you! 😊❤
Unfortunately, the black duct tape will not last long due to the sun exposure breaking down the adhesive, which will separate and crumble. But it should last a year or two. Maybe that's long enough. If you mostly keep it in the trunk but use it just for side windows on occasional super hot days then it should last a long time, but for a front windshield and year-round use, like in California, I don't think it will last longer than a year or two.
Maybe having a seamstress sew a strip of black cloth around the edge would last longer. Might be worth the extra cost if not too much. Or maybe you don't really need anything along the edge.
This is the best tutorial I've seen on this DIY!!! THANK YOU 😊
Just finished making this for my car, great idea looks great!
DUDE!!!! hell yeah man! i was looking for a video with links on what to get and how to do it! Thank you so much!!!
Good stuff, thanks! You should make more videos. You're awesome at it!
I think leaving the reflective side facing outwards (rather than blacking it out) cools down the vehicle better
The black tape is meant to be for the inside.
Doesn’t matter you get both, just change the passenger one to the driver one and you can use either
Most people just do it for the privacy. If you are parked somewhere you don’t belong and they see the reflective on the windows, most likely indicating you are camping out there. So they end up kicking you out. No reflective no problem
Thanks bro you simplified this in the most perfect way
GREAT VIDEOS!!!!! I have been searching for a video as AWESOME as yours and SIMPLE THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
This is the video I needed! Excellent Job!
This is a great video with clear, simple instructions. I bought a set off Amazon a few months ago. They don't fit my window very well, and one piece of the set was missing 😮. Ill see if i can reconfigure the purchased set to be more customized and effective. Thank you
VERY COOL !!!! Excellent execution !!
I made mine using a yoga mat. Seriously. It completely blocks out the light, it's easy to cut, it's firm yet flexible, it's soft and insulated, it can be easily covered with reflective material on one side, and condensation doesn't wreck it because it's made to withstand sweat.
Also maybe a thick tarp would be a good material to use too?
Thank you. All I've seen is using cloth and cloth is so expensive for something I just want to try out.
Great job! I like this black tape method over using spray adhesive & fabric because it looked easier.
However, when I tried this method and put the reflectix side facing the window, the black side (inside) turned super hot. I ended up leaving both sides as reflectix and not cover one side with black tape.
Update: when the car gets super hot inside, the tape weakens and starts to come off even if you use super duty duct tape or electrical tape. I’m about to throw my DIY reflectix car shades in the trash and just pay more for professionally made ones. Fun project to do during quarantine but the car shades are not holding up well.
Helo, how does it stick on the window? Do you need additional tape or it will stick automatically on the windows?
Jonathan Alie Saputra If you cut the reflectix just a tiny bit larger than the windows, it will fit snug and hold up by itself without suction cups. I made tabs as little handles with duct tape as well. Over time with heat from the sun, the reflectix will shrink so don’t cut it smaller than the windows. Mine shrunk a little already and has fallen off several times.
Best to use vinyl tape as they are resistant to heat and cold.
@@onlyinparadise4613 If that starts to happen maybe you could use some clear vinyl tape on top of the black tape to reflect the heat ( because clear tape is a lot cheaper ) ? But I read this: Duct tape truly lives up to its name and is used for sealing air ducts to withstand heat and air pressure. Your duct-tape will do just fine under 140 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, your tape runs the risk of losing its adhesive.
@@emem1486 It’s better not to use tape (any kind) at all. I’ve been using only reflectix and there’s no issues whatsoever. Thanks for your input.
In the winter, flip these so black is on the outside so the car collects sunlight from outside and reflects heat inside (like a space blanket).
How do they stay in place tho? Great video!
Friction.
@@HondaFit4Adventure glass has no friction almost! Friction on a vertical glass? Forget!
@@zuziakras1632 Not the friction of your window.
The door trim around your window has at least the depth of 1"
If you make these to size or slightly larger you simply wedge them into place for a snug fit.
I hope that explains it a little better.
@@HondaFit4Adventure Thank you. It will help. :)
@Stacey Ledet but solarmovie is so much better.,
great idea. suggestion if I may. Use the pieces with tape only when driving if you have passengers in the back and just use the plain reflective pieces when parked.
The duct tape isnt stealth if your windows arent already super tinted. You have to use felt/fleece if you want them 100% undetectable.
Nice -- easy to follow! Bookmarking this one.
They sell a black out roll called Velimax static cling total blackout film.... I wonder if this would work better than the tape. Please if anyone knows if this works let us know. And if I try it ... I will post my results. Thank you! It seems if you seriously want the shdes in full time you need them to hold up really well.
That is LITERALLY SO SMART.
Common sense simple!! Well done. Thank You!!
Would there be any benefit to add a layer of fabric, and/or Fleece to the "Back Side" under the black tape for 'extra' insulation? I'm considering making some and a friend suggested it and wondered your thoughts?
Perfect for a quickie👍
Solid Video!
Hey wongway, I have a question: Could I use this product to cover my windshield to prevent the inside of my car getting hot and also prevent car dashboard damage?
Yes. It will cool your car by 30+ degrees. Crack your Windows about a 1/4 in. To prevent green house effect.
sellyourhomenowbook said It great. If you put the reflective side out it will aid in keeping the interior more cool!
@@sellyourhomenowbook what do you mean greenhouse effect?
@@AFreckledAngel the green house effect is when the sun hits a glass enclosed structure abd heats it up through induction I believe
basically, the aluminum will reflect almost all radiant/infrared heat. This works both ways. Turn the aluminum side inward to keep a car warmer when its cold outside.
Damm came out really good 👍
THAT IS SO GENIUS
Ductape under high heat of the sun, the glue will eventually melted/dried & not stick anymore. Matter of how long exposed to hot sunlight.
Aye music on point. love Dj Drez
Very helpful and inexpensive thank you 🙂
This is Not legal in many countries to completely hide inside/tint the windows.
Awesome thanks looks great!
if using duct type tape the tape will heat up in blistering days in the summer and become sticky(even gorilla tape). I recommended sewing the edges of tape with a sewing machine & a HD needle
Looks good. But how did u get it to stick on the window???
Excellent, I like it, will do.
Thanks for the tutorial 👍👍.
This is great! Thanks
Good idea bro 👌
great video
How do you prevent them to fall from the windows? Do you use sucking cups?
It looks good bro
ty bro, u save me 300 dollars on tints lol,know i could go camping sleep in my truck
Surprised there needs to be a video for this
WHta is used to make them stick to the glass or make them stay put? This ised may not work to weell for daily work.
Awesome 😮..thank you .
This is so cool 😎
For all of you warning about losing the value of reflexiit all he has to do is take the drivers shade and put it on the passengers side so the reflex it works as needed. Change it up for nighttime black stealth windows.
Thank you. This is the way.
Well done.
Does the sun hot heat 🔥 up the glue on the tape?
Also where do you store these when not in use?
I would assume the sun will heat the adhesive on the tape, and also release a chemical smell into the car, I would personally recommend sowing black fabric around the edges instead of duct tape, it will look cleaner and you don’t have to worry about the tape going bad and releasing a smell into the car. I have not done this yet but I plan on it.
@@Papa_Corgo yes, the chemical smell! I totally didn't think of it
I like you man 👍🏽
Reflect should be on the outside to reflect the sun rays not on the inside. Black attracts heat
Thanks for posting
Looks like the reflectix included in the link is no longer available at Home Depot. Any alternate ideas?
I just want everyone to know that I did this the most difficult way that took me a few hours to complete before finding this video.
How well are these holding up after some time has past? Did they warp?
Thanks for the question, they have not warped for me, but that being said I have not used them daily by any means. For me, they are used for camping or road trips. So for heavy use I'm not 100% sure. But they are flexible so I don't believe warping is a main concern.
I'm no genius but why not cut to the size of the outside of the window? Wouldn't that be easier and work great?
Great observation! I thought of this to start but unfortunately on the Tesla model 3 it is a frame less window, so when you open the door the window automatically goes down a couple of inches, so the outside of the window is actually becomes smaller when the door is open. And when the door is closed it is not the true size to fit snug into the interior.
Nice job.
This black tape will not melt during high strong sun light?? I stay in Mumbai (India), last week I kept a hard plastic 1 litre water bottle inside my car (near rear mirror) and due to strong sun light it melted to 1/4 !!!
good work
Thumbs up if you fast forwarded the HELL out of this video
Where did you get the reflectix from?
All that duct tape would be quite expensive for me having so many windows in my minivan. 💜
This is wizard.
What was used for the rear window? I've had the most trouble keeping that one up. Mine is slanted at a deep angle, and there's nothing to really keep the reflectix in place.
I was wondering about that also. I had thought maybe using command strips velcro but this Texas heat might cause them to melt off so yeah, good question. Maybe something to prop against it? 🤔
@@lesliebooth2833 Have you guys tried using suction cups? Seems like the best solution?
Tried suction cups?
More videos please!!
Genius!!!!
great video. going shopping now. Want to make the same for my car. Thank you
Looks like he wedged it in
Do you really need the tape?
But the question is where do I buy a roll of the foil I have looked everywhere
I bought it at Home Depot!
where's the led lights n disco cube?
how do they stay in place?
The tape unfortunately doesn’t last long during the summer in the heat.
Can u drive with this?
So I cut out the reflective insulation to the window's size, even a little bit larger to be safe, but after taping the back side of it with a black duct tape, the insulation material shrunk significantly. Now there's about a 3 inch gap on the window. So much frustration + time and money wasted. Yours must be a different type of duct tape than the one have, because there's no way I can tear this one with my hands the way you do with yours. It's super sticky and elastic.
And the duct tape rarely tears clean. Folds back onto itself...
So I saw someone post and the black tape can be an issue. So does anyone know why we need the back on the opposite side??? Does the tape really matter???
Weathertech sells a full car kit like this.
Silver for sun to keep car cool in summer
Black on the other in the winter to keep windshield free of ice and snow
The black tape looks better in that one doesn't see anything -- more like the window has a heavy tint.
Well why measure when I can just prop it up against my window like that
So you can waste as little material as possible
So much for avoiding a T-BONE hit if your vision is blocked.
Show to rear window
Nice Tesla!
How come you just dont use a box cutter?
it looses most the reflecting property's as soon as you put black duct tape on it.
but i guess there symmetrical to the other side so you could swap them over mattering on the scenario
Man your lucky your windows are rimless 😂, it was so much harder to trace around the frame
Just a couple of hours in 90 degree heat and that tape adhesive is going to melt.
Is your car still hot inside?
But you could buy the similar anti reflex which is silver from one side and BLACK from the other. This way you would have less to do. And the importamt question still is: How it is firmly enouch keppt on a glass of windows???? What keeps piece on place??
If you make these slightly larger you push them into the window. The plastic trim that surrounds the window will help hold the insert in place.
The back window is trickier as its most likely curved and has a rounded plastic trim surrounding it.
@@HondaFit4Adventure Yes, thank you! But I have heard somwere here an opinion that black screen look from outside more naturally (are more unvisiable) when are put not by the glass of window, but in a distance from it by some 1-2 inches. What is your expierience about?
@@zuziakras1632 th-cam.com/video/fMEtbwP3dxA/w-d-xo.html