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How Long Does It Take To Tint Windows of the Average Car?

Solarwaves Blogger • Jul 30, 2021

Here we'll answer how long it takes to tint windows of the average car and when the drying and curing process will be completed for normal use.

tint windows

Each year, up to 9000 accidents are caused by sun glare, more than the accidents from slippery roads. So how do you prevent these catastrophes?


Window tinting helps block UV rays and glare to prevent potential accidents. Tint windows can help reinforce the glass, decrease the danger of theft, and improve the vehicle's appearance. It's a simple solution to multiple problems, and if you are interested, here is more info on how long it takes.

What Are the Factors Affecting the Duration of Window Tinting?

The length of time to tint your windows depend on various factors, such as:


  • The size of the window's surface area
  • How many windows do you want to tint?
  • Complexity
  • Removing previous tint/adhesive,
  • The DIY experience



It's advisable to tint windows in a controlled environment, such as a garage or a vehicle shop. The time required for the tint to dry varies according to the tint manufacturer, the kind of film, and the weather conditions. In general, the more metallic the film, the longer it will take to dry.

How Long Does It Take to Tint a Pair of Front Doors?

Tinting a pair of front doors takes less than 45 minutes. Sedans take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours less time to tint than CUVs or SUVs. If any tint or adhesive has to be removed, it adds 30 minutes to the tinting process.



Glass Tint USA estimates that it will take about 2 to 3 hours to tint a standard car.

Tint Windows in the Winter

In the winter, it may take between two to five weeks for the tint to dry. This is highly dependent on the temperature inside and outside your garage, the humidity level, and the number of sunny days you get. Cold temperatures can delay the drying time.



If the weather is very humid, it may be impossible to do the work correctly. Rain may also be an issue for the tinting process. During the winter, bubbles and streaks can form on the window.

Tint Windows in the Summer

Window tinting may help keep your car up to 60% cooler and prevent up to 99 percent of the sun's UV radiation. In the summer, window tint drying time takes about 3 to 5 days. Drying time depends on the materials used and the outside temperature.


You must be wondering, "does tint cure faster in hot weather?"
Spring and summer are the best times to tint windows because the tint dries more rapidly in high temperatures and low humidity. If you see any bubbles, attempt to repair them before the tint dries; otherwise, the bubbles will get worse over time.

Drying Time for Ceramic Tint

Ceramic tints may take between 4-10 weeks to dry because of their heavy coating. However, these tints are much more effective at preventing heat from entering your car than other materials.


The greatest tints are ceramic, but they are also quite expensive.
It costs around $500 and $600 to tint all of the windows with ceramic.

How Long Does It Take to Tint Your Own Car Windows?

Tinting your car windows takes about 3-4 hours for the whole car.
If you are determined to tint your vehicle windows yourself, apply a pre-cut film from a window tint kit to all the windows except the rear windshield. You'll need a heat gun and a lot of patience.

Is Tinting Your Own Car Windows Difficult?

It is not difficult to accomplish but requires some research and expertise. Professional tinting may be done quickly at times, but it may take more than four hours to do it correctly if this is your first time. If you have the patience, you've already taken the first step toward doing a decent job.



The second thing to do is research how to do it correctly, get the film to conform to the glass, ensure that you have quality film, and ways to prevent bubbles formation.

How Do You Know If the Window Tint Is Dry?

Generally, as the haziness subsides, it indicates that the tint is drying, but give it another day. Hazy and foggy windows are typical during the tinting process since water evaporates between the tint and the glass. It lasts a day or two before clearing up from the water evaporation through the window.



If you're using a metallic coating, the drying time will be much longer. The consensus is to wait until the bubbles have dissipated to be safe.

How Long to Wait After Tinting Windows to Roll Them Down?

The common question that tinters often ask is, "can I roll my tinted windows down?" The general rule is that after the bubbles have dissipated, you may roll down your window. It takes about 2 to 4 days in bright conditions and up to a few weeks in the winter.



If you roll down the windows too soon before the water evaporates, the tint may fold over and bubble.

How to Accelerate the Drying Process of Your Tinted Window?

Several things can be done to expedite the drying process:


  • Use a handled squeegee to remove extra moisture
  • Tint your car in the garage during the winter
  • Tint your car outdoor during the summer



During the tinting process, you should avoid washing your car too much. Water may contribute to the humidity and lengthen the drying time.

What to Do After Tinting Car Windows

After tinting your windows, you must wait a couple of days before cleaning them. You do not want to risk yanking the color before it has completely dried. It's advisable to use soft paper towels and a non-ammonia cleaner to clean your newly tinted car windows.

Who Can Tint My Car Windows in a Timely Fashion?

Anyone can tint a car window, but it takes a professional to do it right.
If you are looking for the experts, verify Yelp and Google reviews to ensure they are legitimate. Flawless tint windows will dry properly and will not require constant replacement.


If you are searching for the experts to tint your car, contact Solarwaves Window Tinting today!

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