Last Updated on January 2, 2024 by Alex Koch
How Long Does It Take To Tint Windows?
Car Window Tint Drying Time
You’ve just had your car windows tinted, you hop inside, turn on the radio, and want to take your car around town.
Usually, your next move is to roll the windows down, hang your arm outside, and take pride in your car’s new aesthetic improvement.
But wait..!
How long does it take until you can safely roll your windows down?
Remember that after you install window tint, you will have to wait, at a minimum, 36 hours for the tint to dry.
Sometimes, in extreme heat, you may be in the clear in 36 to 48 hours. However, on average, newly tinted car windows can take somewhere between three to four days to be 100% dry.
How Long After Tinting Your Windows Until You Can Roll Them Down?
In winter, the drying process could actually take as long as a few weeks for the car tint to finish completely curing. This is because, in winter months, the wet or cold weather and evaporation process slows down and the heat needed to dry the car window tint takes time.
Pro Tip: Window tint drying time largely depends on the weather.
When Is It Safe to Roll Down Your Windows?
Now, when you are done with the actual tinting process and want to roll your window down, keep in mind that even though it may look dry, the window tint cure time is still at work.
Professional window tinting is recommended to prevent ending up with any hazy and foggy windows. So it’s best to keep the windows rolled up to help the tint cure faster.
Let the tint dry properly and avoid touching the film, washing the film, cleaning the film or anything else that involves contact with the tint.
If you roll down the window before allowing it to dry correctly, you run the risk of ruining the newly applied film.
The film is still being set in place so any friction may peel off the window film or leave bubbles.
The tinting technician also advises proper maintenance is necessary to increase the lifespan of your window tint. For this, make sure that you clean the treated glass with soft clothes and foam after it has properly dried. Also, avoid using any razors, blades, a sharp or hard object, or abrasive compounds as it can spoil the tint.
How Does the Window Tint Drying Process Work?
The window tint drying process is technically termed a curing process. This time period is a must to successfully complete a window tinting project.
In many cases, people have to repeat the process and spend money once again because they don’t let the tint dry properly.
The tint drying process is actually based on evaporating the moisture from all the windows.
Even after the installation process is done by a professional, it’s possible you may still find tint bubbles. There is nothing to worry about, these bubbles indicate the presence of moisture and should go away with time after the curing process is completed.
How many windows are tinted, the different window shapes and window tinting materials are all variables to consider in the total curing process timeline.
Remember that temperature and humidity are critical factors of curing time and if you want a speedy drying process, try to park your vehicle in a controlled environment.
Pro Tip: If you can find a warm place, in direct sunlight, where the UV rays can reach the car’s interior this helps expedite the average car drying time. Those who park in the shade could also make use of a window tint heat gun, to create a warm environment for faster drying.
How to Apply Window Tint Film
Applying window tint to your car’s windows is not a very complex job, however, it does require a certain degree of skill, knowledge, and hand control.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, a professional technician can do this for you at your local tint shop. The advantage here is you know they have experience using the latest high-quality tint materials.
Pro Tip: It is essential that you research the window tinting law in your state. This will help you figure out the right window tint percentage for your car.
Also, it is important that you choose a dust-free and shaded environment when applying window film. Make sure that your windows are as clean as possible.
Use a quality window cleaning spray and dry it out with a squeegee or low lint cloth. You can repeat the process two or three times.
Also, make sure that the cleaning solution you are using does not have any ammonia or vinegar since this can cause damage to window films.
If you haven’t tinted windows before, we suggested that you choose a pre-cut window tint film kit that matches the make and model of your car. These pre-cut films are easy to handle and can be applied much easier than a full window tint roll.
The film should be cut roughly according to the size of your windows. Once you are sure that the tint film fits properly, apply the application solution to the window.
After you peel off the protected part of the film, apply some spray on the adhesive side as well.
Now that the film is placed on the window and fixed in a manner so that bubbles won’t develop, a rubber squeegee can be used for fixation purposes and to ‘push out’ any bubbles that may develop during the curing time.
Conclusion: Average 3+ Days In The Summer & 2 Weeks In The Winter
If installed correctly, cared for properly, and looked after, today’s window tinting products can last 10 years.
The window tinting process has several proven benefits including protection from UV rays and style; however, you need to take into account the state laws while choosing the tinted window percentage.
How long you need to wait before rolling down your window will vary based on the weather, amount of sunlight exposure, and any cold weather conditions.
Remember, the average time to cure is around 3-4 days in summer. But in the winterw, your time to cure can be upwards of 2 weeks due to freezing weather, and this is still completely normal.