We’ll discuss “how long does it take to tint car windows” in this section, as well as when the drying and curing process will be completed for normal use.
Tinting your car windows takes about 3-4 hours for the whole car. If you’re set on tinting your car windows yourself, cover every window but the rear windshield with pre-cut film from a window tint kit. A heat gun and a lot of perseverance are required.
Learn more about “how long does it take to tint car windows”, keep reading.
How Long Does It Take to Tint Car Windows?
How long does it take to tint car windows? Applying the tint material and allowing it to cure are the two steps in window tinting a car.
The actual application process can take 30 minutes to a few hours, but it depends on several factors, like the size of your vehicle. The curing process varies depending on the time of year but will take at minimum three to five days in optimal weather conditions. The kind of tint used will also affect how long things take to cure.
Window tint is usually a thin, polyester fiber sheet applied to your car’s windows. It is possible to purchase window tint made of ceramic material, which cures more slowly than polyester tint, for a higher price.
Read about
How Long Will the Application for Window Tinting Take for My Car?
The type of vehicle you drive and the installer you select will both affect how long it takes to apply window tint.
The Shape and Size of Your Car
Your car’s make and model, as well as the number of windows you want to be tinted, will also determine how long the job takes. Having several windows tinted, or windows with unusual or complex shapes, will take longer than just getting two standard front windows done in a sedan.
Some vehicles already have window tinting that needs to be replaced. If that is the case, the additional step of removing the old tint will also take some time.
Hand-cut Or Machine-cut
You also need to consider how the tint material will be cut before its application. Tint may come in pre-cut sheets, which can save time since the cutting process is already done. However, pre-cut sheets may not be as accurate as a tint sheet that’s cut just for your vehicle.
If you are using sheets cut to your vehicle, installers will carefully measure your windows, and then the tinting sheet will either be hand-cut or machine-cut. A skilled installer may be able to cut the material with precision by hand in addition to the computer precision offered by machine cutting.
DIY Or Professional
If you want to try installing your car’s window tint yourself, you can save time by purchasing pre-cut manufactured tinting sheets. However, a DIY job will probably take longer than a professional job when compared to an experienced installer. Tinting a car’s windows takes precise trimming and adhesive application. Although it can be completed at home, a professional will be more efficient because they have the right equipment, materials, and training.
How Long Will It Take for the Window Tinting to Cure?
Although the curing procedure takes much longer than applying the tint, it is a necessary step. In order for your tint to properly dry and adhere to the windows of your car, you must give it enough time to cure. Better-looking and more durable.
The amount of time it takes for a tint to cure generally depends on the type of tint used and the local weather.
Tint Windows in the Winter
In the winter, it may take between two to five weeks for the tint to dry. This is highly dependent on the temperature inside and outside your garage, the humidity level, and the number of sunny days you get. Cold temperatures can delay the drying time.
It might be impossible to complete the work properly in extremely humid conditions. The tinting process may also be hampered by rain. The window may develop bubbles and streaks during the winter.
Tint Windows in the Summer
Window tinting can block up to 99 percent of the sun’s UV rays and help your car stay up to 60% cooler. Window tint needs three to five days to fully dry during the summer. Drying time depends on the materials used and the outside temperature.
You must be wondering, “does tint cure faster in hot weather?”
Because the tint dries more quickly in hot, dry weather, spring and summer are the best seasons to tint windows. In order to prevent the bubbles from getting worse over time, try to fix any that you notice before the tint dries.
How Do You Know If the Window Tint is Dry?
Generally, as the haziness subsides, it indicates that the tint is drying, but give it another day. As water evaporates between the tint and the glass during the tinting process, cloudy and foggy windows are typical. The water evaporating through the window causes it to persist for one or two days before clearing up.
The drying process will take much longer if a metallic coating is used. The consensus is to wait until the bubbles have dissipated to be safe.
How to Accelerate the Drying Process of Your Tinted Window?
Several things can be done to expedite the drying process:
- Use a handled squeegee to remove extra moisture
- Tint your car in the garage during the winter
- Tint your car outdoor during the summer
You should refrain from washing your car excessively while it is being tinted. Water may increase the humidity and prolong the drying process.
What to Do After Tinting Car Windows
You need to wait a few days before cleaning your tinted windows. Risking pulling the color before it has fully dried is not something you want to do. It’s best to clean your freshly tinted car windows with soft paper towels and a non-ammonia cleaner.
Suggested reading: if you don’t like old window tint, how to remove tint from car windows?
Window Tinting Benefits
In addition to looking good, window tint has some useful advantages for your car. The tint will provide more comfort and privacy inside your car by blocking UV rays. Additionally, it improves the structural integrity of the windows and aids in preventing interior overheating in your car.
Window tints are available in a variety of tints and quality levels, depending on your needs and financial situation.
Is Tinting Your Own Car Windows Difficult?
Despite requiring some knowledge and research, it is not difficult to complete. Even though professional tinting is sometimes completed quickly, if this is your first time, it might take longer than four hours to complete it properly. You’ve already made a start toward doing a good job if you have the patience.
The second thing to do is research how to do it correctly, get the film to conform to the glass, ensure that you have quality film, and ways to prevent bubbles formation.
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Tint My Vehicle?
Depending on your type of vehicle, the time varies. A finished car can take two to four hours. It usually takes a full-sized truck an hour to an hour and a half. Typically, it takes 30-45 minutes to install a set of front doors. It may take an additional 30 minutes to an entire day to remove old aftermarket film.
How Long Should Tint Last on Car Windows?
A standard tint should last up to 5 years provided you continue with maintenance. Although films will eventually deteriorate with use, with proper care, they should last for a few years. A high-grade polyester might also last for up to ten years.
Does Tint Get Darker After a Few Days?
Window tint does not usually change much over time as long as it is properly installed and cared for. It’s not true that your recently installed car window tint is getting darker every week as you may have noticed; instead, the adhesive is changing.
Is a 70% Tint Worth It?
Getting a 70% tint on your windshield can help you to reduce the glare and temperature in your vehicle. Your windshield’s 70% tint can help you lower the temperature and glare inside your car.
How Long Should I Wait to Wash My Car After Tint?
You must refrain from washing your car for a few days following window car tinting. If you wash your car a few hours after the installation it will prolong the drying process. It is highly recommended to wait for one or two weeks before going to the car wash.
Summary: How Long Does It Take to Tint Car Windows?
Window tinting is one of the most popular modifications vehicle owners choose to make to their cars. Window tinting has many advantages, including UV protection, improved privacy, higher gas mileage, increased safety, and many more.
The process of tinting the windows of your car should typically take 3 to 4 hours. However, as mentioned, a variety of factors impact this time, including the size of the vehicle, the number of windows, the shape and size of the windows, and whether or not there is an old car window tint that needs to be removed.
Your car will look better with window tinting, no doubt about that. To find out the rules that are in place, you’ll want to check with the laws in your state before deciding that you want to have this done. The very last thing you need is to receive a ticket and then have to pay to have the tint taken off.
If you find the post helpful, please don’t forget to share the post. I really appreciate your reading.
