Did you know window tinting can help reduce heat by 60% and prevent up to 99% of the sun’s harmful UV rays? To help you get the most out of your new tint, here’s everything you need to know about the tint drying process.
If you want your new car window tint to look perfect, what you do during the first few days after installation can drastically affect the overall appearance.
Why?
Because although tinting is strong and durable once cured (or dried), it’s susceptible to damage as the adhesive is drying - which is why after-care is so important. From unsightly bubbles that ruin the aesthetic of your window film to fading colours and peeling that allow damaging UV rays inside your car, getting the tint drying process right from start to finish is crucial. And since it can take up to 30 days for window tinting to fully “dry”, you need a step-by-step roadmap to help you avoid the common tint drying mistakes.
So we’ve created that roadmap for you.
To make sure your new tint dries properly, we’ll run you through the process of tint drying and leave you with a few tips to help your tint look newer for longer.
What Is the Tint Application Process?
You already know that tinting your windows unlocks a range of benefits from enhanced security and privacy to increased driving comfort and much more. But before you can enjoy the advantages of your new tint, you’ll need proper and careful application.
Here’s a rundown of what to expect:
- The first step involves cleaning the windows with a soapy ‘slip’ solution: This is an important step to ensure dirt and debris are flushed off the window and not trapped when the tint is applied.
- The soapy solution is used to help the tint slide onto the glass and tacked into place: Your window tint will be cut to size to ensure a perfect fit, with your local Melbourne tint installer placing the thin film on the window.
- The soapy solution is then squeegeed out: This activates the adhesive and helps your tint properly grip your vehicle’s window.
This process will leave some residual moisture between the tint and the glass and as the tint continues to dry, the tint will take on a hazy-like appearance, often with water pockets, as moisture begins to evaporate.
What Happens If I See Bubbles After Installation?
Don’t panic.
Window bubbles are completely normal and part of the standard tint drying process.
While window bubbles can become trapped underneath cheap tint and ruin the appearance, patience is key. If you see bubbles on your windows, remember that these are likely temporary and caused by moisture. As the moisture evaporates, the bubbles should resolve within a few days so there’s no need to try and “fix” your window tint.
In short, look, but don’t touch!
How Long Does It Take for a Window Tint to Dry?
The complete tint drying process can take between 5 and 30 days, depending on our temperamental Victorian climate.
Window tint cure times tend to be shorter in summer and longer in winter. This is because rain and cold temperatures can affect the drying time. However, humidity can also impact your tint drying time, so if you’re interested in ways to speed up the window tint drying process, here are a few strategies you can employ:
- Park in direct sunlight on clear, sunny days- Par inside on cool or rainy days- Park inside overnight- Keep your windows rolled up (this is crucial)To determine whether your new tint is dry, be on the lookout for the bubbles and haziness of your new window to fade away. This haziness is caused by the water evaporating, so when your window looks like it’s been factory installed, you can feel confident your tint has dried.
Has your window tint dried completely?
Click here for industry tips and tricks to clean and maintain professionally tinted windows
The Importance of Keeping Your Windows Rolled Up
Imagine this…
It’s a Saturday morning. The sun is out. The open road is calling. Whether you’re heading to the beach, into Melbourne, or to your local Mornington supermarket, it’s a natural instinct to roll down your car windows.
But you’ll need to resist this urge when you’ve just had your windows tinted.
Freshly tinted windows should be kept up for at least 48 hours after being tinted. To be completely safe, consider keeping your newly tinted windows rolled up for 72 hours (3 days) to allow maximum curing time and avoid peeling edges. Once enough time has passed, it’s safe to go wind down your windows and feel the wind in your hair (until then, it’s best to just blast the A/C).
Peninsula Tint & Paint Protection Tip: We recommend skipping the car wash until the curing process is complete. Although tinted window film is applied to the inside of the car window, washing your windows straight after tint installation may add unnecessary moisture that impedes the drying process.
How to Get the Most out of Your New Window Tint
Like all products that use adhesive, you’ll need to allow enough time for the adhesive to properly cure and form a bond to your car’s window.
The word of the day is patience.
When you love your car and you’ve added professionally installed window tint to help protect against the environment, add privacy and security, and enhance the look of your vehicle, it’s tempting to show it off.
However, you want to do everything possible to help your window tint fully dry before you resume your normal routine. That means keeping your windows rolled up for 48 to 72 hours and avoiding car washes or other locations where your new tint is likely to receive extra moisture.
Give your new tint time to fully dry and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come.
If you have any window tint queries, please don’t hesitate to contact a member of our friendly customer support team using the contact form below or request your 100% FREE quote on 03 5909 8558 today.
If you want your new car window tint to look perfect, what you do during the first few days after installation can drastically affect the overall appearance.