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How long does it take to tint windows?
If you need an answer to the question of how long does it take to tint windows, then you would have to go through this article until the end. There is no definite answer for this question, as it all depends on the process of tinting and the process of drying up altogether. The process may also vary, depending on the size of your vehicle and the number of windows you choose to install.
The duration of how long does it take to tint a car depends mainly on these factors. But still, having a good idea about the procedure of tinting windows is necessary for you to get a basic idea of this.
Understand the Window Tinting Process
Generally, this process would take less than a day. The basic process starts from cleaning both sides of the windows. Then the film is cut into shape and then installed on the glass with proper care and wiped out with a squeegee. Even though this may seem a very simple and easy task, it is more complicated in reality. In order to get a better idea of this topic, you would need to read our article on How to Tint Car Windows.
The window tint cure time is a major period of time that requires proper attention so as not to damage or disfigure the installation. If you do not let it dry up well and damage the film, you would even have to remove the tint and tint your windows again. So, to get more information and tips on how to care for your newly tinted car windows, refer to the article on Window Tinting Aftercare.
When considering the total process of window tinting, the main factors that would determine the time of tinting would be as follows.
- With the increase in the number of windows, the time consumed would be high.
- If the surface area of a window is larger, then the time taken for installation would also be longer.
- High complexity in the shape of the window would also increase the time used for alignment,
- Pre-cut tint would take lesser time for installation while manually cutting the film of tint when installing would be more time-consuming.
- If you go for professional work and let an experienced technician handle the process, then it can be done quickly. If you are planning to do it yourself, you might take more time as you are inexperienced in the task.
- If there are any pre-arrangements to be done such as removal of older tint or residues of adhesives, then it might lengthen the process of tinting.
If you are planning to remove the existing window tint on your own, then you might find interest in the article How to Remove Window Tint.
Furthermore, if you need to do the tinting work yourself and save some dollars, then you are most welcome to read our article on How to Tint Car Windows that includes fascinatingly useful tips and guidance on DIY methods.
Window Tint Cure Time
The tinting procedure is not complete without the drying up of the newly installed window tint. You should be patient during this time and make sure to let the tint cure slowly. The time consumed for this cannot be specified and might vary depending on the condition. But on average, the fresh tint must be protected and cared for, at least for four weeks.
The window tint cure time depends on few main factors, which are:
- Type of film
- Tint manufacturer
- Weather conditions
- Climate and temperature
When considering the type of film, there would be wide variations on the time taken for drying up. The less-dense films such as the regular dyed film would cure easily within a shorter period of time, while much denser films such as metalized tint, carbon tint, and ceramic tint would require longer durations for complete drying. If you are wondering what these types of car window tints are, refer to the article on Types of Window Tint.
If you need to find more details about the tint percentage, refer to our article on window tint percentages.
Spring and Fall
The ideal time to tint your car windows is the slightly warmer season. Due to the mild temperatures, the adhesive would not get heated up rapidly. The low humidity of this time would ensure that the tint has adhered properly to the window glass. Even though this is a perfect time, there may be some negative instances, such as the humidity and rain can cause disturbances during spring. Hot temperatures might continue even in the fall due to extended summer in certain years.
Summer and Winter
Even though hot air can make the window tint cure faster in summer, it would also contain high humidity levels. Therefore, the installation process of the film of tint might be difficult. Window tint installation during the winter might be extremely difficult because the drying up takes a lot more time due to the cold weather. In certain shops that do not have interior facilities for window tinting might not even be able to do installations during this time. Another factor is that if you install new tints during winter, the recommended time for curing would be much longer than expected. This does not mean that you cannot install window tints during summer and winter. If you have an interior environment where the temperatures can be controlled, and if you are willing to let the tint cure freely by taking a longer time, then you can definitely tint your windows in both summer and winter.
Window Tint Drying Time in Winter
The average drying time in winter would be from two to five weeks. During the process of curing, bubbles and streaks might occur during cold weather tinting. This can be got over easily with a little heat from the sun. So, the best option for you during such a situation is to take out your car into the sunlight on a clear day so that the moisture can be evaporated through the porous film. Some people might choose to heat the film using a hairdryer which might not be suitable. In any case, this method is used; the dryer must be held at least eight away from the glass. Overheating should be avoided at all times. The most recommended method would still be to let the window tint dry naturally with time.
Window Tint Drying Time in Summer
The window tint drying time in warm temperatures would be roughly around three to five days. Fresh window tint would be mildly dry, roughly after about four days. But if the humidity is high, this time might be more. This time would be more than even five days if the temperature is low and the climate is damp.
An Exception for Ceramic Tint
Ceramic tint is an exceptional case as it takes a longer time to dry. It is because the film is denser than regular tints. This drying-up process might be about four to ten weeks. Ceramic tint is considered the ideal type of car window tint and is the most expensive type. For more details on the differences and the advantages of ceramic tint, refer to the article on Regular vs. Ceramic Window Tint.
Speed Up Window Tint Drying
Here are some useful tips to help you make your fresh window tint dry up faster.
- Remove water as much as possible during the process of installation.
- Keep your garage at a warm temperature if you tint your car windows in winter.
- Keep the windows out of shade if the weather is cloudy.
- Reduce the time of washing, even if you wash your windows after the recommended time.
- Park out in the sunlight on clear days during cold seasons.
- Park in the mild shade during very hot seasons.
- Park your car inside during rainy days and at night.
- Always keep your windows pulled up
- Do not wet the glasses or wash until completely cured.
- Avoid unnecessary moisture
- Do not overheat
- Always follow professional advice.
How to Know if Window Tint is Dry?
There would be a haziness appearing on the freshly tinted car windows, which is completely normal. The time when this haziness disappears is a sign that the adhesive has functioned well. But for better results, do not consider it as dry yet. Let it rest for another day or two before you are on the safe side. There may also be bubbles and water pockets in between the film and the glass. This is a normal occurrence, and it would be evaporated across the porous film with time. You can know that the tint has dried up when these bubbles disappear completely.
After the complete cure, the glass might look as if it has been factory tinted. The window might look perfect and shiny. So you know that the fresh tint is completely cured when the imperfections will disappear completely.
Which Option Does not Need Time to Dry?
If you are reluctant to wait for days and weeks until the tint dries up and still need your car windows to look dark and stylish, then there is a great option for you. You can install privacy glass for your vehicle. Check out more about this in our article Privacy Glass.
