Once you’ve experienced the many benefits of tinted car windows, you’ll likely always want your car windows to be tinted. But there may well be times where you must remove tint well before you can have new tint film applied. The old tint might be peeling, cracked, discoloured, or bubbling. Or maybe you’ve just learnt your current tint is too dark and want to avoid more penalties. Whatever the reason, you’re now wondering if you can do it yourself; and you can. But to remove tint from car windows without damaging the glass requires patience and the right tools.
The Tools You’ll Need
Before getting started, make sure you have the following tools ready:
- A clothing steamer, heat gun, or hair dryer
- Razor blade or utility knife (with a fresh, sharp edge)
- Soapy water or a glass cleaner
- Microfibre cloth
- A spray bottle
- Adhesive remover (optional)
- Plastic scraper
- Trash bag or black plastic sheet
Step 1: Soften the Adhesive
Soften the adhesive using the steamer, heat gun, or hair dryer. Lower each of the windows about an inch, so that the top corners are exposed. Hold the steamer, heat gun, or hairdryer a few inches from the glass and move it in slow, circular movements across the entire surface. If using a hair dryer or heat gun, set them to a medium heat; you want to soften the adhesive without overheating the film. You’re also going to focus on one window at a time.
Step 2: Start Peeling the Tint
Once the adhesive is softened, use a razor blade or utility knife to gently lift one corner of the tint. Be careful during this step to avoid scratching the glass. You only want to lift the edge of the film, not dig into the glass itself.
If you’re working on a larger window, once the corner is lifted, you can use a plastic scraper to help peel the tint. Slowly pull the film away from the window in one smooth motion, keeping the tension steady. If the film starts to tear or resist, reheat the area and try again. The goal is to remove as much of the film in one piece as possible, which will save time later.
Step 3: Remove Leftover Adhesive
Once the tint film is removed, you’ll likely notice that some adhesive remains on the glass. To get rid of this residue, use an adhesive remover, isopropyl alcohol, or soapy water. Let it sit for a minute or two to loosen the adhesive further.
Next, use a plastic scraper to gently scrape off the adhesive. Hold the scraper at a low angle to the glass and work in one direction. Avoid excessive pressure, as this could scratch the glass.
Step 4: Clean the Window
Once all the adhesive has been removed, clean the window thoroughly. Spray the surface with glass cleaner or soapy water and use a microfibre cloth to wipe away any residue. Ensure the window is completely clean before moving on to the next one.
Repeat this process to remove tint film from all the windows in your vehicle. The rear window might require extra care to avoid damaging the de-icing system. Some rear windows also have brake lights, wipers, and radio antennas that you could damage.
Additional Tips to Remove Tint
- Trash Bag Method: On particularly sunny days, you can use a trash bag or black plastic sheet to help soften the adhesive. Spray the window with soapy water, then place a trash bag over the entire window, pressing it against the glass to stick. Park the car in the sun for about an hour. This can soften the adhesive, making it easier to remove tint.
- Be Patient: Rushing through this process can lead to mistakes. If you encounter a stubborn area, reheat it and try again rather than forcing the tint off.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: While it might be tempting to use strong solvents, these can damage both the glass and other parts of your car. Even when using only glass cleaner, soapy water, or adhesive remover, take care not to splash or spray them on the seats and dash.
When to Get Professional Help
Removing car window tint is a task you can do at home, there are instances where professional help may be needed. If the tint is old and brittle, or if you’re uncomfortable with the risk of damaging your windows, contacting a professional window tinting service may be worth considering.
Removing window tint without damaging the glass is a task that requires the right tools, some patience, and careful attention to detail. Or you can save yourself the hassle by contacting Instant Tinting and having the old tint removed professionally. Even if you’re not yet ready to have your car windows tinted again.
