“How long is this going to take?” We hear it every day, and it’s a fair question. You’ve got a day to plan around.
Here’s the honest answer: it depends on your car, and we don’t rush it. Every vehicle is different. A quality tint job takes time, and we’d rather do it right than do it fast.
Every car is different
No two vehicles tint the same. A few things change how long your car takes:
- The shape of the glass. Some back windows are nearly flat. Others curve in every direction, and the film has to be shaped by hand to fit.
- How many windows. A two-door coupe and a third-row SUV are very different jobs.
- Old tint. If there’s old film on your car, it has to come off first. Old, baked-on tint can take a while to remove cleanly without damaging your defroster lines.
- Door panels, seals and trim. Some cars give us plenty of room to work. Others are tight and take extra care.
That’s why we don’t hand out a one-size-fits-all number.
It’s not a race
Plenty of shops promise to have you in and out fast. We get it, nobody wants to spend their day waiting. But tint is one of those jobs where rushing shows.
Rushed jobs end up with dust trapped under the film, edges that start peeling, gaps along the top of the window and bubbles that never go away. Then you’re back in the shop, or living with it.
We’ve been tinting cars since 1986, and we’ve learned that taking the time to do it right is what makes a tint job look good and last.
We schedule around your car, not the clock
When you book with us, we set aside enough time in the schedule for your vehicle and the work you’re getting done. Your car isn’t squeezed in between three others. Your installer can take the time the job needs without watching the clock.
Here’s the average time for common jobs:
| What you’re getting | Average time |
|---|---|
| Two front windows only | About 1 hour |
| Full tint, 2 or 4 door car | About 2 hours |
| Full tint, SUV or minivan | About 2 hours |
| Full tint, crew cab (4 door) truck | About 2 hours |
| Full tint, standard cab truck | About 1 1/2 hours |
| Full windshield | About 1 1/2 hours |
| Windshield visor strip | About 30 minutes |
| Old tint removal only | About 2 hours |
| Remove old tint and put on new | About 4 hours |
| Full tint plus full windshield | About 4 hours |
These are only averages. Many cars take less time, and some take more. If your car needs a little extra time, it gets it. When you call or book, tell us about your vehicle and any old tint, and we’ll make sure enough time is set aside.
Wait with us, or drop it off
You’re welcome to wait at the shop. But if you can, the best plan is to drop your car off in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon.
That extra time lets the film start to cure before you drive off. It also gives us a chance to look everything over once it has settled. Many times we catch a small issue and fix it right then, so you don’t have to come back for a touch-up.
What we’re doing while your car is in the bay
- Cleaning the glass. Every window gets cleaned inside and out. Any speck of dust left behind ends up under the film, so this step can’t be rushed.
- Cutting the film. We cut the film to fit your exact windows using a computer-cut machine. Nobody takes a blade to your glass or your seals.
- Shaping it. Car windows are curved. We lay the film on the outside of the glass and use heat to shape it to the curve.
- Installing it. The film goes on the inside of the glass. We squeegee out the water and air so it lays flat and tight to the edges.
- Checking our work. We look over every window before you get your keys back, and we walk you through how to care for your new tint.
The film needs a little time too
Once you drive off, your tint needs a few days to finish drying:
- Keep your windows up for 48 hours. Rolling them down too soon can catch the edge of the film.
- Don’t clean the inside of the windows for 48 hours.
- Leave the rear defroster off for a few days.
- A little haze or a few small water bubbles are normal. That’s leftover water drying out. It usually clears in a few days, but it can take up to about 30 days in humid weather. Please don’t push on the bubbles. They go away on their own.
Our care page has the full rundown.
Common questions
Can I get my windows tinted in one day?
Yes. Almost every tint job is done the same day.
Can I wait while you tint my car?
Yes, you’re welcome to wait. If you can, though, drop it off in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon. It gives the film time to start curing and gives us a chance to catch anything that needs a touch-up before you leave.
Why don’t you promise a faster time?
Because every car is different, and a quality job takes the time it takes. We’d rather set aside enough time to do it right than rush it and have you come back.
How long does tint removal take?
It depends on how old the film is and how well it’s stuck. On average, removal only takes about 2 hours, and removal plus new tint takes about 4 hours. Learn more on our tint removal page.
When can I roll my windows down?
After 48 hours.
Ready to book?
We’ve been tinting cars in North Atlanta since 1986, with shops in Woodstock and Kennesaw. See our prices, or book your appointment online, and we’ll set aside the time your car needs.
Woodstock / Marietta: 921 Jamerson Rd, Marietta, GA 30066 · 770-592-4265
Kennesaw / Acworth: 3235 Odeon Way, Suite 220, Kennesaw, GA 30144 · 770-975-2568
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.