A rear curtain in a car is not just a tuning accessory, but a practical element that protects the interior from the sun, hides the contents of the trunk from prying eyes and even reduces air heating in the summer. Ready solutions from Heko, ClimAir or WeatherTech cost from 3 to 15 thousand rubles, but if you wish, you can save money and make the curtain yourself - with the same functions, but to the individual dimensions of your car.
In this article we will look at 5 proven methods making a curtain for the rear window with your own hands: from the simplest fabric design to an electrical system with a remote control. You will learn what materials are best to use for different types of glass (tinted, heated, with wipers), how to correctly take measurements and secure the curtain without damaging the trim. And also - why factory curtains with magnets can damage car electronics and how to avoid it.
Why do you need a curtain for the rear window: 7 practical reasons
Many car owners consider the rear curtain to be solely a tuning element, but in reality it solves much more important problems:
- 🔥 Overheat protection: The rear window allows up to 60% of solar heat to pass through, and the curtain reduces this figure by 30–50%. This is especially true for cars with dark interior trim.
- 👀 Privacy: hides things in the trunk from thieves (according to traffic police statistics, 40% of thefts from cars occur through a broken rear window).
- 👶 Child safety: Protects against direct sunlight that could hit the eyes of a child in the back seat.
- 🚗 Glare reduction: Improves visibility in the rear view mirror, especially in sunny weather.
- 💰 Saving on air conditioning: less heating of the cabin - climate control is turned on less often, which reduces fuel consumption.
- 🎨 Individual style: You can choose the material to match the interior color or apply a logo.
- 🛠️ Dust protection: When the trunk is open, the curtain reduces the entry of dirt into the interior.
At the same time, factory-made curtains do not always fit perfectly: they can dangle, not cover the corners of the glass, or interfere with the view through the mirror. A homemade solution allows you to take into account all the nuances of your car.
⚠️ Attention: If your car has a rear window with antenna for radio or GPS (for example, in Toyota RAV4 or Volkswagen Tiguan), metallic curtains can worsen signal reception. In this case, it is better to use fabric or mesh materials.
Curtain materials: what to choose for different tasks
Not only the appearance, but also the functionality of the curtain depends on the material. Let's look at the main options:
| Material | Pros | Cons | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabric (polyester, oxford) | Lightweight, breathable, does not interfere with antennas | Transmits up to 20% of light, may fade | A universal solution for any car |
| Net (mosquito, sun protection) | Does not impair visibility in the mirror, is well ventilated | Weak sun protection (blocks ~40% UV) | Cars with tinting where additional ventilation is needed |
| Film (tinting, mirror) | Maximum sun protection (up to 99% UV) | May peel off, difficult to glue without bubbles | Cars without factory tint |
| Plastic (ABS, acrylic) | Rigid construction, durability | Heavy, can rattle on uneven surfaces | SUVs and crossovers (eg. Nissan X-Trail) |
| Aluminium/metal (perforated) | Durable, stylish look | Can block antenna signals, gets hot in the sun | Tuned cars where design is important |
For most passenger cars (Kia Rio, Hyundai Solaris, Renault Duster) the optimal choice would be polyester fabric with UV protection or mesh. They are lightweight, do not load the mounting mechanism and do not interfere with the operation of the electronics. If you need maximum sun protection, take it tint film, but be prepared for installation difficulties.
Taking measurements: how not to make mistakes with sizes
An error in measurements is the most common reason why a homemade curtain does not fit. To avoid this, follow the algorithm:
- Use masking tape: stick it around the perimeter of the glass, retreating 5–10 mm from the edge (this is the margin for fastening).
- Remove the template: attach a large piece of paper (for example, wallpaper) to the tape and trace the outline with a pencil.
- Consider the curvature of the glass: if the glass is convex (as in Ford Focus or Skoda Octavia), measure the depth of the bend with a ruler.
- Check symmetry: Compare the right and left sides - often the glasses have slight differences.
For glasses with janitor (for example, in hatchbacks Volkswagen Golf or Opel Astra) make a cutout in the template for the brush. If the car has heated rear window, avoid metal fasteners - they can damage the heating filaments.
If you don't have a large sheet of paper for the template, use old newspapers or glue A4 paper together. The main thing is that the material does not wrinkle when tracing.
5 ways to make curtains with your own hands
The method you choose depends on your skills, budget and vehicle type. Let's consider the options from the simplest to the most complex.
1. Fabric curtain with Velcro (for beginners)
Materials: thick fabric (for example, Cordura), Velcro (width 20 mm), scissors, iron.
Process:
- Cut the fabric according to the template, adding 2 cm to the hem.
- Sew or glue the soft part of the Velcro around the perimeter of the glass (to the trunk trim).
- Attach the hard part of the Velcro to the fabric from the wrong side.
Pros: quickly removed, does not require drilling, suitable for rented cars.
Cons: may fall off over time, not suitable for glass with strong curvature.
2. Curtain with magnets (for glass with a metal frame)
Materials: metallized fabric, neodymium magnets (diameter 10–15 mm), glue "Moment".
Process:
- Glue the magnets to the fabric in the corners and middle (the distance between the magnets is 15–20 cm).
- Apply double-sided tape to the back of the magnets and attach to the metal parts of the body around the glass.
⚠️ Attention: Neodymium magnets may damage electronics (for example, parking sensors or rear view camera) in Toyota Camry, Honda CR-V and other models with advanced driver assistance systems. Before installation, check the location of the sensors in the instruction manual.
3. Roller blind on guides (for station wagons and hatchbacks)
Materials: roller blinds for windows (can be purchased at IKEA or Leroy Merlin), aluminum guides, self-tapping screws.
Process:
Secure the guides to the sides of the glass (use plastic clips to avoid drilling)
Thread the curtain into the guides and secure the top bracket
Adjust the spring tension so that the curtain does not sag
Check the operation of the mechanism in the closed and open position -->
4. Curtain made of tinting film (maximum sun protection)
Materials: tint film (for example, LLumar or SunTek), squeegee, hair dryer, soap solution.
Process:
- Cut the film according to the template with a margin of 2-3 cm.
- Apply soap solution to glass and film.
- Carefully glue the film, squeezing out bubbles with a squeegee.
- Trim off the excess with a utility knife.
This method requires skill - if you have never glued tint, practice on unnecessary glass.
5. Electric curtain with remote control (for advanced)
Materials: electric motor from a car window lifter, belt, plastic box, control panel.
Process:
- Assemble the frame from an aluminum profile to the size of the glass.
- Install the motor and belt drive to move the curtain.
- Connect the power to the cigarette lighter or on-board network (via a fuse!).
- Set up the remote control (you can use the control unit from Arduino).
Electric curtain connection diagram
For power supply, use a wire with a cross-section of at least 0.75 mm².
Connect to a circuit that only works when the ignition is on (for example, to the radio wires) to avoid draining the battery.
Install a 5-10 A fuse in the positive wire.
Attaching the curtain: 4 reliable ways without damaging the body
Improper fastening can lead to scratches on the plastic, peeling of the trim, or even corrosion (if you drill into the body). Let's consider safe methods:
- 🧲 Magnets: suitable for glass with a metal frame (e.g. Lada Vesta or Kia Sportage). Adhesion force - up to 5 kg.
- 🧩 Clips: Plastic car panel clips (available at auto parts stores). Leave no traces.
- 📎 Velcro: the soft side is attached to the trunk trim, the hard side is attached to the curtain. Lasts up to 3 years with proper use.
- 🔧 Self-tapping screws for standard holes: if there are technological hatches in the trunk (for example, for attaching a shelf), you can screw self-tapping screws into them.
For vehicles with panoramic roof (for example, Nissan Qashqai or Mazda CX-5) it is better to use a combined fastening: magnets on the sides and Velcro on top. This will prevent the curtain from sagging when moving.
Never drill into the body to attach the curtain! This compromises the anti-corrosion protection and can lead to rust. Use only standard holes or non-contact methods.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Even with careful preparation, you can make mistakes that ruin the result. Here are the most common:
- Unaccounted glass curvature: If the glass is convex and the curtain is flat, there will be gaps at the edges. The solution is to use elastic materials (for example, mesh) or make a curtain of several segments.
- Too tight fastening: If the curtain is stretched like a string, it can deform the trunk trim. Leave a small gap (1–2 cm).
- Ignoring the janitor: if you do not make a cutout for the brush, the curtain will cling and tear. B Renault Logan or Dacia Sandero The wiper is located in the center - this must be taken into account when cutting.
- Wrong choice of material: for example, a metallic curtain in a car with a rear antenna window (as in Ford Kuga) will degrade radio reception.
Another typical problem is the curtain interferes with the view in the rear view mirror. To avoid this, use mesh materials or make a cutout in the center of the curtain (if this does not conflict with privacy concerns).
Curtain care: how to extend its service life
A homemade curtain will last longer if you follow simple rules:
- 🧼 Cleaning: Wash fabric curtains by hand with a mild detergent (e.g. Vanish for delicate fabrics). Wipe plastic and metal with a damp microfiber.
- 🌡️ Temperature: do not leave the curtain in the sun - some materials (for example, film) can become deformed at +60°C.
- 🔧 Checking fasteners: Inspect magnets, Velcro or clips every 3 months. If necessary, clean them from dust and tighten them.
- 🚗 Operation: before washing the car, remove the curtain so as not to get the mechanisms wet (especially if it is electric).
If the curtain begins to sag, check:
- Tension the roll mechanism (if necessary, tighten the spring).
- Integrity of magnets (they may demagnetize over time).
- Velcro glue (if it's dry, apply a new layer).
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to make a curtain for a car with a tinted rear window?
Yes, but there are two things to consider:
- If the tinting is factory (in glass), the curtain will not impair visibility - you can use any material.
- If the tint is film, do not glue another film on top of it - this may lead to peeling. It is better to choose a fabric or mesh curtain.
How to make a curtain for a car with a rear wiper?
The template must include a cutout for the wiper blade. Cutout Dimensions:
- Width: 5 mm larger than the width of the brush.
- Length: from the base of the brush to the end of its stroke + 10 mm.
To be secure, overcast the edges of the cutout or seal them with hot-melt tape to prevent the fabric from unraveling.
Will the curtain interfere with the rear view camera?
Depends on camera location:
- If the camera is built into the trunk handle (as in Skoda Kodiaq or Volkswagen Passat), a curtain wouldn't hurt.
- If the camera is on glass (for example, in Toyota RAV4), make a cutout in the curtain or use mesh material.
Before installation, check the camera's visibility with the shutter closed.
Can the curtain be used in winter?
Yes, but:
- Fabric curtains are not afraid of frost, but they can freeze and become hard. Allow them to warm up in the interior before use.
- Plastic curtains become fragile in the cold - do not fold them abruptly.
- If the curtain has magnets, check their adhesion at low temperatures (some magnets lose their strength in the cold).
How to remove a curtain if it is glued with double-sided tape?
To avoid damaging the casing:
- Heat the tape with a hairdryer (temperature ~50°C).
- Gently pry up the curtain with a plastic spatula or credit card.
- Remove remaining adhesive with solvent White spirit or sticker remover.
Do not use acetone - it can damage the plastic of the casing!