What to Do if You Notice Bubbles in Your Window Tint After Installation

You may notice bubbles in your window tint after installation. Let's take a look at what you should do if you notice bubbles in your tint.

Did you know the window tinting industry is worth over $500 million? With so many benefits of tinting your car's window, that should be no wonder.

Tinted windows can protect your interior and yourself from UV rays, increase privacy, and even get you better gas mileage.

Yet, all these benefits come with one major downside. Bubbles in window tint after installation are a normal but not aesthetically pleasing side effect of getting a tint job.



The good news is that you can fix bubbling tint yourself. In other cases, it may be a sign you need a brand-new tint job. Here's why.

How Do You Fix Window Tint Bubbles?

The easiest way to fix bubbling window tint yourself is to pop the bubble. Use a needle or safety pin to create a small hole. Then, smooth out your tint with a credit card.

This solution may not always work, though, especially for window tints with a lot of large bubbles. In that case, consider removing the tint and getting it redone. Bad tint can end up ruining your windows if you leave it on too long.

But the best way to fix bubbles in window tint is to avoid them in the first place. Here are some tips for doing just that.

Go to a High-Quality Window Tint Installer

Do you DIY your window tint and always end up with a lot of bubbles? If so, it is time to call a professional. Professional tint installers have the tools, skills, and expertise from years of providing their services.

Yet, not all installation service providers are created equal. Do some research on tint installation providers in your area before choosing the high-quality professional you need.

Ask for High-Quality Window Films

Like installation jobs, window tint products differ in quality. There are tons of types of window films out there, including:

• Dyed films
• Metalized films
• Carbon films
• Ceramic films

Ceramic tint is the gold standard. It blocks over 99% of UV rays, does not fade with time, and offers extra insulation for your car's interior.

Get a Warranty That Includes Bubbling

Many window tint manufacturers provide warranties on their products. These warranties can protect you in case of tint bubbling, peeling, fading, and cracking.

This is yet another reason to invest in high-quality tint. Many high-end window tint brands offer a lifetime warranty for their products. That means you can get a free replacement if you have bubbles in your tint.

Is It Normal to Have Bubbles After Window Tinting?

A few temporary bubbles after getting your windows freshly tinted are not uncommon. But notice how we said "a few" and "temporary."

A good tint job should never cause large bubbles or multiple small bubbles. Neither should it lead to bubbling that lasts longer than a few days.

Window tint with a few small bubbles is usually nothing to worry about. But it's not normal for bubbles to get bigger, increase in quantity, or stick around for more than a few weeks.

Getting new bubbles in old tint is also usually a sign of adhesive failure. In that case, it is time to get your windows re-tinted.

What Causes Bubbles in Window Tint After Installation?

Normal bubbles in window tint are caused by trapped air or water. Bigger bubbles or a lot of bubbles, however, are often signs of a cheap tint job or just cheap tint.

Trapped Air or Water

Even the highest quality tinted windows can end up with bubbles at times. Air and water can get trapped in the tint. This is not a sign of poor installation or a cheap product.

These normal bubbles should be very small, and they should go away in a few weeks. It may take longer for window tint bubbles to go away if you live in a cold climate.

If your window tint bubbles do not go away after a few weeks, it is most likely a sign of something else.

Improper Installation

One of the most common reasons improper window tint installation happens is improper cleaning. Dirt and debris can get trapped in the film, producing bubbles. Good installers will clean your windows thoroughly before adding tint.

How do you know if the bubbles in your car windows are due to improper installation services? Wait about a week. If the bubbles are still there after ten days, take it as a sign to find a new shop to get your windows tinted.

Cheap Tint

Sometimes, bubbles in window tint that stick around for a week or longer are not a sign of problems with the installation. Instead, it's a sign of a cheap product. Cheap tints can have low-quality adhesives or films.

However, it is more common for cheap tint to look good at first. The bubbles start to appear over time.

You may be tempted to buy cheap tint if you are on a budget. But you will be thankful in the long term for investing in a higher-quality product as your window tint will last longer.

Searching for 'Window Tinting Near Me'?

Small bubbles in window tint after installation is normal. They should go away in a week or two. But if you have large or a lot of bubbles, it may be time for a new tint job.

Are you searching for window tinting in Plainfield or Orland Park, IL? Tint To U are the experts in window tint, whether for your car, home, or workplace. Get a free estimate today to find out what your tint job will cost.