First off, it improves the overall look of your car. Second, window tint enhances your privacy and security. How you may ask. Outside people cannot see your possessions inside your vehicle.

Lastly, window film blocks 99% of UV rays from the sun. By doing so, the film reduces glare while protecting your eyes and skin from damage. It also protects your car upholstery from discoloration and fading. 

People often forget that window tint installation and drying takes time. Allowing the tint to cure for a certain period prevents bubbles from forming and the film from peeling off.

Want to know how long window tint takes to dry?

In this post, we’ll discuss how long window tint takes to dry.

A window tint film is a thin, multi-layered polyester material with the capability of controlling different properties. Such properties include heat, glare, and UV rays from the sun.

Window tint film comes in a variety of shades and performance levels.

• Dark
• Midnight
• Medium
• Light
• Very Light

If you are looking for a subtle and distinctive look, we recommend a light or very light shade. But if you want to enhance your privacy and make it difficult for outside people to see your possessions, we recommend medium to dark shades.

For example, a film with a 35% tint will give you the privacy you need. In fact, this shade is also perfect for day and night driving while protecting your privacy. So, how long does it take for a window tint to dry?

How Long Does It Take Window Tint to Dry 
Research shows that it can take 3 to 30 days for the window tint to dry completely. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours for the window tint to cure for a sean. When it comes to an SUV, window tint takes up to 2 to 4 hours.

To give the window tint a chance to dry quickly, experts recommend installing the film during the summer. Thanks to the sunny weather, the tint will have a better chance of drying quickly. Alternatively, you can have the window tint installed in a temperature-controlled tint shop.

If you choose this option, the drying time for the tint will be two to three days. A benefit of a controlled environment is minimizing the negative effects such as dust particles. Dust particles can get trapped underneath the film during installation.

One factor that affects the drying time for a window tint is the weather. In winter, the drying period takes up to two to five weeks, unlike in summer, where it can take an hour to 1.5 hours for a four-door sedan.

You can tint your car windows in winter, but the humidity can cause problems. Such problems include streaks and bubbles forming. The streaks and bubbles form due to the vehicle’s weather stripping. It traps dust and dirt particles while the scratches result from the plastic of the weather stripping. In summer, you can fix such problems with ease. All you have to do is allow your car to sit under the hot sun. But in winter, this is not possible. The only option you have is a temperature-controlled window tinting shop.

Another factor is the window surface area. The larger the windows, the more the surface area. Also, the more the material to cover the windows. This means the adhesive will take more time to dry completely.

The number of windows and shape affect the drying time too. A two-door sports car has fewer windows, unlike a four-door sedan or SUV. If the adhesive bonds with the glass surface perfectly, it’ll look as if its factory tinted.

When the window tint is curing, you can clearly see the changes. One of those changes is a hazy appearance. This is normal and should not be a cause of harm. Once the window tint dries completely, these “imperfections” will disappear.

How Long Does Ceramic Tint Take to Dry? 
Research shows the ceramic tint takes 4 to 10 weeks to dry completely. One reason why ceramic tints take longer to dry is that the film is denser. The good news is, they are the best option for reducing glare and heat.

They are more expensive than the multi-layered polyester tints. A ceramic tint goes for $500 to $1000 to tint all windows on a car.

You need to avoid rolling down your windows after tint. Rolling down your windows before the tint dries will cause the film to peel off. To give your window tint ample time to dry, leave your car windows rolled up for 24 hours after installation.

You can wash your car, even the windows, immediately after window tint application. This is because the film is usually applied to the inside of the car windows, not the outside. This protects the film from the elements.

When cleaning the window film, use normal household cleaning solutions. That includes ammonia-based products together with a soft, lint-free towel. You also have the option of using a squeegee. Avoid abrasive cleaning solutions as they will scratch and damage the film.

Wrap Up 
Window tint films can last for many years beyond the warranty length. For instance, a hybrid film that contains metal deposits and dye can last for five years, while metallic window film can last for 10 years.

When it comes to ceramic tint films, it lasts more than 10 years and has a lifetime warranty. This is because it has a ceramic particle that’s nonconductive and nonmetallic.

To ensure your window tint lasts long, you need specialists to install the film. We at NY Window Tint can help you select the right shade and the most effective window tint for your car. With more than 15 years of expert knowledge, our licensed installers will install the film for you.

Besides car window tint, we also offer residential window tint and commercial window tinting services.

Curious how automotive window tint will reduce cabin fever and save you on fuel? Contact us today for a free consultation at (917) 893-388