Why are there still water marks on the windshield film after 10 days?
2 Answers
The presence of water marks on the windshield film after 10 days may be due to two reasons: either the film has good heat insulation properties, or the film is of poor quality, which is a quality issue. If the film has good heat insulation, the moisture inside the film dissipates slowly. In this case, it is recommended to wait a few more days until the moisture inside the film completely evaporates, and the water marks will disappear. Alternatively, a heat gun can be used to accelerate the dissipation. If the film is of poor quality, it is recommended to remove it and reapply a high-quality, well-known brand of film, and have it installed by a professional. Water marks appearing after applying car film is a common occurrence. If the film is applied in low-temperature conditions, wrinkles, also known as water ripples, are likely to appear. Additionally, improper installation techniques, such as uneven scraping or inconsistent pressure, can leave residual moisture, leading to water ripples. These situations are usually normal. After applying car film, water marks generally disappear naturally as the moisture evaporates over time. In summer, this may take about two to three days, while in winter, it may take up to a week. Films with better heat insulation may require even longer. If the water marks do not disappear on their own, a heat gun can be used to speed up the process. Furthermore, water marks on the film may also be caused by poor-quality film. If water ripples appear after the car film has been used for some time, this is a quality issue, indicating the use of inferior film that fails to meet quality standards. No method can prevent water marks or bubbles from appearing with such films. Moreover, poor-quality car films may initially seem fine but can develop bubbles, water marks, or even deform and curl over time, obstructing visibility. In such cases, it is highly recommended to remove the film and reapply a high-quality, well-known brand of film, installed by a professional.
I've been doing window tinting for several years, and it's definitely abnormal for water streaks to still be present after 10 days. Normally, moisture should evaporate within a few days after installation, drying completely within a week at most. If it hasn't disappeared after 10 days, it might be due to insufficient water removal during installation or air getting trapped in the gaps. Weather also plays a crucial role—moisture evaporates slower in damp, cold conditions and faster in dry, hot weather. But having water streaks for this long indicates poor adhesion or low-quality film. I recommend avoiding DIY attempts to push or press the film, as this can damage the film or the glass coating. It's best to return to the tint shop for inspection—they have professional tools to remove bubbles. Also, avoid rolling down windows or exposing the car to direct sunlight too soon; natural ventilation and drying are the preferred methods.
