Question: I’m planning my first-ever DIY car project—tinting my windows. I know I’m not supposed to roll down my windows for a while, but how long does it take for tint to dry? And how can I speed up the window tint drying process?
Answer: Tinting your windows can be a great way to customize your car, but you do have to be patient to get the best results. If you rush the drying process, the tint may not stick properly to the glass, causing it to peel or bubble.
There are a lot of factors that can affect how long tint needs to properly dry, including the type and thickness of the film, how humid it is outside, and the size of the windows. In fact, although most tint will dry in 3–5 days, it can take up to 30 days in cold, humid weather for tint to be fully cured. That means it’s important to safeguard your new tint until the process is complete.
How to speed up window tint drying
Here are a few tips that can help your tint dry faster:
- Read the instructions for your specific tint. Different products may require a slightly different process for curing after installation. Be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the drying process goes smoothly.
- Use a heat gun for the initial drying process. Some types of tint installation involve using a heat gun to shape the film and help it dry more quickly. The general recommendation is to start in the center of the film and move the gun outwards. However, you’ll need to carefully follow your manufacturer’s instructions and avoid pointing the heat gun at one spot on the glass for too long—or you’ll risk damaging the window.
- Keep your windows rolled up for 48–72 hours after the tint is applied. While there are a few other things you can do to shorten the overall drying process, this isn’t the step you should rush—you run the risk of damaging the film and causing it to peel.
- Park in an area with good air flow. Proper ventilation will help the film cure more quickly. If you’re parking inside, consider cracking a garage window or turning on a fan to improve the air circulation.
- Avoid buying cheap or thick film. Higher-quality tint films usually dry faster than inexpensive brands. Also, thick films tend to take longer to dry than thin films.
- Try to keep your car dry. Avoid washing your car while the new tint is drying and try to find covered parking if it’s raining. Tint is applied to the inside of your windows, but if moisture gets in from the outside, it could cause your window tint to dry more slowly.
- Park outside if it’s sunny and warm, and park in a garage if it’s humid or cold. Warm, dry weather and the sun’s UV rays will help your tint dry faster. But humidity and cold can slow the curing process, so if you have a garage available, it’s best to park your car inside in cold rainy weather.
How do I know when my window tint is fully cured?
After your window tint is applied, you may notice small bubbles or a hazy appearance under the film. This is normal and usually occurs because there’s moisture trapped under the film. Eventually, that moisture should evaporate and leave your window tint looking factory-fresh. Once that happens, the tint is considered fully cured.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
