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How Long Does It Take To Tint a Car?

how long does it take to tint a car

Tinting your windows is one of the ways to maximize your driving comfort.

So, how long does it take to tint a car?

The average time spent tinting a car is about 1.5 hours. However, to tint a car within such a timeframe, you need to know what you are doing. You should also expect to spend more time tinting a bigger vehicle, such as an SUV.

Also, note that the tinting process does not end with the tint application.

This guide will help you tint your vehicle by answering pertinent questions.

How Long Does It Take To Tint a Window?

The timeframe required to tint a window depends on the surface area of your window, the number of windows being tinted, how complex the window’s shape is, whether you need to remove prior tint or adhesive, the season, and how experienced you are.

It takes 15 to 20 minutes to tint a single window, and tinting two front windows takes between 30 and 40 minutes.

how long does it take to tint a car?

Factors Affecting Tinting Times

Preparation

The process becomes more cumbersome if you have to remove an existing tint. This process can take as long as two to four hours, depending on your level of expertise.

After releasing the current tints, you will have to complete the cleaning process to remove any adhesives or stickers from your car window. You will also remove dust from your car by vacuuming its interior.

Clean your windows with a one-inch razor and soapy water that does not contain ammonia. This substance will give your windows a purple hue.

Also, if you have windshield haze, make sure to first fix this problem.

Types of Tints: Pre-cut Tint Films or Bespoke Films

Although pre-cut films ease the tinting procedure, complex windows and windshields that need specialized cutting will take more time to tint. It is important to note that OEM tints are less likely to fit than those cut by professionals at a tint shop.

Bespoke tints are tailored to meet the exact size of your car’s windows.

Seasons

The season is a clear determinant of how long the drying time will be. The drying time in the summer is usually two to three days. In winter, drying can take several weeks.

Therefore, most tinting companies will often recommend that you tint your windshield & windows in the summer or warmer seasons to hasten the drying process.

Experience

The person’s level of experience performing the tint will determine the job’s speed and quality. If you are doing the process yourself for the first time, avoid rushing and use suitable materials and equipment. Having a great result should be paramount.

Tinting Material

Regardless of the process, the quality of the tint can also affect how long it will take for the windows to dry. Ceramic tints are the most expensive films you can find, costing up to $600.

Ceramics has proven more effective at preventing the entry of heat into the vehicle than other materials. This comes at a cost; ceramic tints take four to ten weeks to dry.

How Long Does It Take To Tint a Whole Car?

Expect to spend between two and four hours tinting the windshield and all the windows in your car. Pre-cut films from tinting kits will make the process faster.

However, you can use a machine to cut the film to get the exact measurement for your car windows. Note that the time spent tinting your windows may be longer if this is your first time.

Where Can I Tint My Car’s Windows?

Although you can tint your car almost anywhere, tinting windows should take place in a controlled environment for the best results.

Ideal locations include a car repair shop or a garage. Doing so reduces the possibility of dust particles getting trapped between the tint and the window.

tinting car windows in a garage

How Long Do You Wait to Roll Down Windows After Tinting Them?

Generally, a yardstick to determine whether it is time to roll down your window is to check if all the bubbles have disappeared.

The weather determines the timeframe for the dissipation of bubbles. Expect the bubbles to clear within two to four days in sunny conditions. In winter, this will take longer, extending up to four weeks.

The tint is likely to fold over if you roll down your windows before the bubbles have gone – proof that the water has dried. The result will likely be a cluster of tiny bubbles on your car window.

How to Know if the Tint Is Dry?

You will know that your tint is dry when the haziness and bubbles disappear. Once you start noticing the haziness subsiding, it is a clear sign that your tint will dry in a day or two.

Because water evaporates between the glass and the film, windows tend to get hazy and foggy. Once the water evaporates, the haziness clears from the window.

How long this process takes depends on the nature of the film, and metallic windows take longer to dry than others.

What to Do After Tinting?

After tinting, you first need to wait for the film to dry, which takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Weather conditions and the tint type will determine how long the drying process will last. For example, due to the heavy coating, ceramic tints may take up to ten weeks to dry.

You can also hasten the drying process in three ways:

  • Removing the extra moisture with a handled squeegee.
  • Tinting in a controlled environment like a garage during winter
  • Performing the tinting outside in the summer

Also, don’t wash your car too much when you’re tinting your windows, because water makes your windows more humid and makes it take longer for them to dry.

After the tinting is complete, please wait a few days before cleaning them. Failure to do so puts you at risk of harming your tint by altering the color or destroying the film.

The window must be completely dry before you commence cleaning. Avoid any cleaning agents that contain ammonia when cleaning your tinted windows. They will turn your windows purple.

Conclusion

Depending on various factors, the length of time required to tint a car window ranges from days to weeks. These include the weather, the window features, the type of film used, and the level of experience of the winter.

Although it takes an average of 1.5 hours to tint your car windows, the time frame can be much longer.

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