How Long Does It Take to Apply Car Film?

[VanTravis]

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.

[DiAnna]

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.

[LaMolly]

Last time I went to get window tinting for my new car, I specifically asked about the process. They first clean the glass, then use a heat gun to shape the film, followed by trimming, applying, and smoothing out bubbles. Just tinting the front and rear windshields plus four side windows took nearly three hours. The staff said SUVs take even longer, and models with sunroofs generally require at least four hours. Extra care is needed around the rear windshield heating lines, where the technician has to work meticulously. Actually, the quality of the film doesn't affect installation time, but cheaper films tend to peel at the edges. After installation, you shouldn't roll down windows for three days or use the defroster for two weeks - many people aren't aware of these details, but they're particularly important.

[OPeyton]

It usually takes half a day to get a car wrapped at a film shop. Most shops take about three to four hours to wrap an ordinary sedan, including three steps: cleaning, cutting, and applying the film. The windshield is the most challenging part to wrap because it requires precise handling of the curves. I've watched the technicians at work—after spraying water, they use a squeegee to repeatedly smooth the film for a perfect fit. Don't worry if you see water ripples right after application; they'll disappear after a few days in the sun. Some shops offer quick-wrap services, but it's best not to rush, as hurried application can lead to bubbles. Avoid washing the car for a week after wrapping, as high-pressure water jets can cause the film to shift.

[LaBrynlee]

The duration of car window tinting depends on the areas covered: tinting only the front windshield takes about one and a half hours, while tinting all the windows typically takes around four hours. Complexly curved glass, such as the rear windshield of an SUV, requires additional time for heat shaping the film. Some shops charge more because they include old film removal service, which can save an hour. I recommend choosing an overcast day for tinting, as high temperatures can cause rapid water evaporation, leading to sand-like imperfections. Remember not to roll down the windows for 48 hours after tinting. Also, small bubbles along the edges of the film are normal—don't pop them yourself, let them disappear naturally.