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Window tinting is undoubtedly a fantastic thing, offering excellent aesthetics, privacy, and protection from UV rays. But once you’ve gone through this hassle, you must do things right after the tint job, like putting down the windows. The question that comes to mind is how long one must wait before doing so. So, let’s look into that in more detail.
Window tinting is the process of installing adhesive, thin films on the internal side of the glass of the car window. But as you would expect, a thin film requires time to bond properly with the glass or the window. During this time, any unnecessary tugging risks loss of the bond and results in bubbling, wrinkling, or peeling off the film altogether, which isn’t ideal. Maintaining this bond also allows for a smooth window tinting, finished product, which will come in handy for many years. You might be forced to do a complete reinstall, which increases the expenses of the whole process.
As a general practice, no windows should be rolled down within 48-96 hours of tinting. This period is required because the adhesive used requires time to set. Nonetheless, Certain elements, such as climatic conditions, can come into play, and this time period may vary:
Type of Weather:
It has been scientifically proven that relatively cold and humid atmospheres make it difficult for adhesives to dry, while hot ones would greatly expedite the process and make it easier. If you happen to live in a cold area, then it would be best practice to wait for a maximum of one week.
Standard-dyed films tend to dry faster than ceramic films or high-performance ones. The latter, being comparatively thick, requires more time.
Recommendations From The Installer:
The advice of the person installing the tint himself should be the primary one followed by the consumer.
There are a number of issues that can arise if the windows are rolled down when the tint is still curing. Some of them are:
After one day, the tint may feel dry, and one may be tempted to roll the windows down. However, it is not safe yet. The adhesive under the film still needs extra time to completely cure up. To ensure no damage occurs, the best pose to preferably wait is 48 hours or longer in less ideal weather conditions.
Procedures for Managing Newly Tinted Windows
To preserve your window tint and ensure a flawless finish, patience is key. By waiting at least 48–96 hours before rolling down your windows, you’ll protect your investment and enjoy all the benefits of your new tint.
