Tinting a vehicles window is a popular choice for many car owners, offering benefits like privacy, UV protection, and enhanced aesthetics. However, it is not a quick process, especially when you’re looking to tint everything except the windshield and sunroof. In such cases, you can expect a tint job to take around 3 to 4 hours. Why does it take so long? Let’s break it down step by step.
1. Window Preparation (20-30 Minutes)
The first step in the tinting process is to prep each window individually. This involves thoroughly cleaning the glass to remove any dirt, dust, or residue that could interfere with the tint’s adhesive properties. The cleaner the surface, the better the tint will adhere and look. Depending on the vehicles size, and the condition of the windows, this can take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Tint Film Cutting (10-20 minutes)
Once the windows are prepped, the next step is to cut the tint film. This is a precise task that requires careful measurements to make sure each tint fits the window perfectly. Cutting the film can take between 10 to 20 minutes depending on the complexity of the windows.
3. Installation (1-1.5 hours)
Installing the tint film is a meticulous process. Each piece of film must be applied to the window without any wrinkles or bubbles. The back window is often of the more challenging windows to tint because of its size and complex curves. Installers need to use heat guns to help the film conform to the shape of the glass, which adds time to the process. On average, the installation phase can take anywhere from 1 to 1.5 hours.
4. Front Windshield Tinting (1.5 – 2 hours)
The front windshield is one of the most critical windows to tint, this film is carefully shaped to fit the windshields curves, and this process can take anywhere from 1.5 hours to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the windshield design.
If you choose to tint the sunroof as well, it adds an additional layer of complexity to the job. Sunroofs come in various shapes and sizes, and like the front windshield, the tint film must be hand-cut to fit precisely.
5. Cleaning and Drying (30 minutes)
After the tint film is applied, it needs time to set and adhere properly. The installers will clean the window again then the car must sit in the sun for 30 minutes to allow the tint to dry and bond with the glass effectively.
In summary, tinting a vehicles window, takes longer than 1.5 hours due to the meticulous nature of the process. Each window is prepped individually, tint film is carefully cut, and installation can be challenging, especially for the back window. Adding the front and sunroof to the mix significantly extends the time required, as these areas require hand-cutting and shaping with heat guns for a perfect fit.
While the process may seem time-consuming, the results are well worth the investment in terms of privacy, protection, and aesthics. So, if you are considering tinting your vehicles windows and live in the Vegas area, be prepared for it to takes a few hours to ensure a job well done.