How Long Does It Take to Install Car Window Tint?
3 Answers
Installing car window tint typically takes 2-3 hours. Here are some important precautions regarding window tint installation: 1. Avoid rolling down windows for the first week: Since the tint is applied to all windows simultaneously, it requires time to cure. Prematurely rolling down windows may cause bubbling at the edges. 2. Refrain from wiping the tint during the first week: Car window tint is prone to developing a hazy appearance, and using a towel to wipe it may cause the film to shift. 3. Do not wash the car for three days after installation: After tint application, it's advisable to park the car in a sunny area to ensure proper evaporation of moisture trapped under the film. Washing the car within three days is strictly prohibited to prevent film detachment.
I just got my whole car wrapped at my friend's shop last week, and the whole process took about three hours. The technician said they first spend half an hour cleaning the glass, carefully scraping off dust and grease with a squeegee to prevent bubbles after application. Then measuring and cutting the film takes another half an hour, followed by about two hours for application and heat gun shaping. In summer when temperatures are high, it dries faster, but in winter you need to wait at least four hours before daring to roll down the windows. Nowadays many shops use static cling films instead of glue, which significantly reduces installation time. Remember not to get itchy fingers with the window buttons for the first two days after installation - my neighbor couldn't resist and the film started peeling on the third day.
Last time I asked several shops at the auto parts market, the speed of tinting really depends on the car model and craftsmanship. For a regular sedan with front and rear windshields plus four side windows, an experienced technician can finish in two and a half hours. If it's a panoramic sunroof or an SUV rear windshield with heating wires, it takes an extra hour. The day I chose ceramic film, I waited four hours because the shop said the front windshield needed two separate layers to prevent glare. Nowadays, smart tinting workshops with constant-temperature equipment are 30% faster than open-air operations. When picking up the car, the technician flicked the window corner with a fingernail and said: 'If the film edge can be rolled now, it means rework is needed.'
