Does not washing off rainwater affect window tinting?
3 Answers
Not washing off rainwater does not affect window tinting. Reasons why it doesn't affect: Because the tint film is applied to the interior side of the car windows, as long as you don't roll down the windows, the film won't get wet during rain. Therefore, water is unlikely to remain on the window glass, so there's no need to worry about the film being damaged by rain. Precautions for window tinting: Do not roll down the windows for several days after tinting. Window tinting serves multiple purposes including heat insulation, preventing glass shattering, blocking UV rays, and protecting privacy. In case of a traffic accident, it can prevent glass fragments from flying out and causing injuries by keeping them adhered to the tint film.
I just had my car wrapped yesterday and it rained, to be honest, I was a bit worried. When rainwater dries, it can leave water stains on the film surface, especially acid rain containing pollutants, which may corrode the film over time. Moreover, impurities in the rainwater can form tiny particles that may scratch the film during car washing. I usually rinse the car within two or three days after rain, gently washing it with a neutral car shampoo, and remember not to use a high-pressure water gun to blast the edges. The film is most fragile within the first 72 hours after application, so I recommend parking it in a garage if possible during this period. If it does get rained on, gently rinse it as soon as possible.
After getting my film applied and encountering a heavy rain, I specifically consulted a professional. He said that newly applied film takes 7 days to fully adhere to the glass. During this period, if rainwater remains for too long, moisture can seep between the film and the glass, causing bubbles. Additionally, dust and oil in urban rainwater can leave stains on the film surface that are hard to wipe off. I later found that rinsing with flowing clean water immediately after the rain stops works best, and not to use cleaners containing alcohol or ammonia. Most importantly, avoid scrubbing the edges of the film too hard, as this can cause peeling.