How Long Does It Take to Apply Window Tint Film on a Car?
2 Answers
Applying window tint film to a car depends on the area to be covered and the complexity of the application, typically taking between 3 to 5 hours. Car window tinting involves applying a thin film layer to the front and rear windshields, side windows, and sometimes the sunroof. This film is also known as solar film or heat-insulating film. Important considerations for car window tinting: 1. Avoid films with too low transparency, especially for the front side windows' explosion-proof film. A transparency of over 85% is recommended to ensure visibility through the rearview mirror and maintain good sight during rainy nights, reversing, or turning. 2. After applying the film, avoid rolling down the windows or washing the car for three days to prevent the explosion-proof film from peeling off due to moisture. In rainy weather, it's advisable to avoid these actions for four days to a week. 3. Pay attention to the harmonious combination of the explosion-proof film and the car's body color. Colors like green, sky blue, gray, brown, and natural tones complement all car colors, offering a refreshing, natural, and non-glaring appearance.
The time required for car window tinting mainly depends on several factors. My car is a regular sedan, and the last time I went to a professional shop, it took about three hours to complete. This includes cleaning the windows, cutting the film, and precisely fitting each window. The rear windshield took nearly an hour because the technician had to be more careful due to the numerous heating wires. The result was great—effective sun protection and energy efficiency—but remember not to roll down the windows for 24 hours after application to allow the adhesive to fully cure. Overall, I found the process quite worthwhile, especially for the strong UV protection in summer. If you drive an off-road vehicle or a large SUV, it might take up to four hours, so scheduling an appointment in the morning can save you some waiting time.
