That 'New Tint' Smell — What It Is and How Long It Lasts

How-ToApril 24, 20263 min read

New tint has a faint solvent smell for a few days. Here's what causes it and when it should be gone.

Right after a tint install, your car has a faint chemical smell for a few days. Here's the deal.

What it is

Slip solution — water + a tiny amount of mild surfactant — gets sandwiched between the film and the glass during install. It evaporates out through the film's adhesive over the first week.

How long it lasts

• Hot, sunny days: 2–4 days
• Cool, overcast days: 5–10 days
• Direct garage parking, AC off: longer

How to speed it up

• Park in the sun with windows up
• Crack windows occasionally for airflow
• Don't roll windows all the way down for 3–5 days

When to worry

If the smell persists past 14 days or smells strongly of ammonia, call us.