Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by Alex Koch
Curious to learn how long automobile window tinting may take?
If you are about to tint your windows for the first time, you will want to have an idea of how long it could take to tint your windows.
How Long Does it Take to Tint Windows?
The short answer is that on average a typical four-door sedan takes around 2 hours to tint all four windows. The tinting procedure for large cars, such as SUVs or minivans, might take anywhere from four to six hours.
It is also worth mentioning that some smaller vehicles may need even more time than SUVs.
This happens because they may have larger windows or the vehicle itself is so compact that it leaves little room for the tinting professional/installer to complete the job.
The time it takes to tint windows can vary, and if you want to forecast the length of a tint job, you need to understand the elements that play a role:
Factors Influencing How Long It Takes To Tint Windows:
Each of the variables listed below can either speed up or slow down the window tinting process.
The Amount of Window Surface Area
As a rule of thumb, the more surface area you need to cover (tint) means more time is needed to complete a job. Simply said, if you have wider/larger windows to tint, you should expect the tinting process to take longer.
For example, a truck or van window is usually larger, taking longer to tint. When it comes to residential or commercial business building windows, this is also true.
The Number of Windows
The number of windows that need tinting is another obvious variable that can increase or decrease the tinting time.
So, if you have more windows to tint, the entire project will likely take longer. In the case of a 6-window suburban SUV, tinting takes longer than if the car has only two windows needing tint (think mini-cooper coupe).
Type of Film
The type of tint film being used will also determine how long it may take to tint your windows.
Some high-quality tint films are easier to handle, for example, pre-cut films will go on much quicker than tint rolls that need to be cut & trimmed to the size of the individual window.
So if you plan to tint your car windows yourself, it is suggested to use pre-cut films. This will help in two ways: completing the job correctly and in a shorter amount of time.
The Uniqueness of Window Shape
Vehicles come in different sizes, shapes, and styles. Any window with complex curves and shapes is going to take longer to complete since it can be more challenging to handle.
If you think that your automobile windows are odd-shaped or have a unique style, you should add more time than usual.
The Need to Remove the Old Tint
Unless it is a factory window tint, you will need to remove the old window tint before applying any new tint. This extra step can take anywhere between 1- 4 hours depending on the experience level of the person removing the tint.
So if you already have tinted your windows, expect that the professional will be spending some time peeling tint away, before applying the new film.
DIY or Professional
Professionals are more skilled in their field and are better equipped to complete the task. They will often be quicker to finish a typical window tinting job than someone handling it as a DIY job.
Because you’re a Do-It-Yourselfer, you may end up reviewing each step two or three times before attempting to complete it.
How Long Does it Take to Tint 2 Windows?
On average, most people just tint the back two windows and have two front windows left at factory settings. If this is the case for you, you can expect the project to take about thirty to forty-five minutes via a professional tint installer. But again, if these are non-traditional windows, it can take longer.
How Long Does It Take a Professional to Tint a full Car Window?
Most professional window tinting takes around two hours for a sedan. You might need to allocate more time if you have a minivan or SUV.
It can vary a bit depending on the number of windows you are opting to tint.
Professionals are constantly tinting windows and are experienced in doing so swiftly and effectively. The chances for mistakes are reduced compared to a DIYer project.
Professionals also understand the technicalities of working with specific window types and materials, which is why they can complete projects faster.
How Long Does it Take to D-I-Y Tint Car Windows?
If you are a DIY enthusiast, you may find car window windows projects entertaining. However, a DIY tinting project might take a few hours longer, about 3-4 hours on average for the whole car glass.
Recent research also shows that as a DIY project, you can tint your car windows at an average pace of 30 minutes per window.
Even in the case of DIY window tinting, a reasonable amount of skill, product knowledge, and tools is important for success. Tinting tools such as a heat gun can make things easier for you and help you install the window film proficiently.
How Long After Tinting to Roll Down Windows?
This depends on your window tint cure time or otherwise called window tint drying time.
After you get your windows tinted, you should not roll down the tinted windows immediately after applying the tint film. This is because the film adhesive needs time to completely dry out.
During this curing time, again many things can either shorten the drying time or prolong it. For example;
- The type of tint that you are using. Take the case of ceramic tint which may take 4-10 days in drying time because these films are denser and need more time to cure.
- The temperature, humidity, and current season play a role in determining when you can roll down your windows.
So for example, in winter with low humidity, you may have to wait for 2 to 4 weeks for the window tints to completely dry out.
But in summer, the window tint curing process can take as little as three to four days because of high temperatures. For more details, check out this article.
What Time of the Year is Best for Windows Tinting?
Most car window tinting professionals suggest that the spring and summer seasons are best for window tinting projects since you will have more sunny days, higher temperatures, and humidity levels.
Conclusion
Summing things up, the window tinting can take between 2 and 4 hours on average to complete, but this time may vary depending on the conditions described above.