How Long Does It Take to Apply Car Film?
2 Answers
Applying car film typically takes 3 to 5 hours. If the car has significant curvature, which increases the difficulty of application, the process may take up to 6 hours. For a full-car application of heat-insulating and explosion-proof film, a new sedan takes about 2 hours, while an older car requiring removal of old film takes around 3 hours. For a full-car color change film or full-car application of paint protection film (PPF), a sedan may take a full day, while SUVs and MPVs may require a day and a half. Important notes after film application: 1. Avoid rolling windows up and down for three days; 2. Do not wash the car for three days; 3. Avoid opening the sunroof while driving at high speeds; 4. In winter, refrain from rolling windows up and down or washing the car for a week. The front and rear windshields may take up to a month to fully dry.
As someone who frequently deals with cars, I've found that the time it takes to apply film mainly depends on which parts are being covered and the type of film used. For a regular sedan, applying film to just the front and side windows takes about two hours or so. If you add the rear window for a full car wrap, it can take three to four hours. SUVs take even longer due to their larger glass area. Removing old adhesive is particularly time-consuming; for instance, removing old film from a five-year-old car I had took half an hour. The type of film also affects the speed—metal films are much harder to handle than ceramic films. In a dust-free workshop, skilled technicians can work faster, but glass with complex curves still requires careful heating and shaping. After application, it's recommended to let the car sit for a day before rolling down the windows to prevent the edges from lifting.
