How to Remove Tint From Car Windows at Home
At Arrowhead Imports, we’ve seen customers rolling in with their window tint in need of a replacement. Perhaps it has turned a lovely purple color, or perhaps it is bubbling to such a degree that it resembles a roll of packing film. A Peoria Mini Cooper mechanic, for example, knows that a film in such a poor state not only affects the appearance of your car but can actually impair your vision and become a safety hazard. Although we do recommend removal by a professional in order to achieve show-quality glass, sometimes car enthusiasts want to do these projects in their own shops.
If you are bent on carrying out this tricky project by yourself, we shall assist you in handling it the right way. Here are our expert tips on how to remove tint from car windows when removing car window tint at home without damaging your glass. If you’re taking your vehicle to the pros, they will follow similar steps!
Is It Something You Can Do At Home?
While taking off window tint is possible a project a do-it-yourself individual can accomplish, before you begin, it is important for you to understand exactly what you are getting yourself into. If you’re wondering how to remove tinted glass on car windows, while it is not a hard task skillwise, it can be a tedious project, and you will need a lot of patience if you want to get it done.
The largest problem you will have with this project relates to your rear window. The defroster lines covering your rear window can very easily be damaged during this project. Should you damage one of these lines, your rear defroster will go out, which can be an inconvenience during certain weathers when you want to see where you are going.
Preparing Your Car
Before you can begin peeling, you will need to have your tools in order. While this is a very hot process, a fabric steamer is your go-to tool in this instance. A heat gun or hair dryer will work in a pinch, but these are not as good in regard to steam. Other tools you will need include a source of new single-edge razor blades, a spray bottle with soap and water, pure glass cleaner, and a roll of paper towels. Some readers may find it necessary to have trash bags available to help with containing heat and moisture if they want to try removing tinted window film from a car using ammonia.
Heating the Tint
The trick to getting it off cleanly is to melt the adhesive before you remove tint from car windows. Cold tint is going to come off in tiny, annoying pieces and leave all the adhesive behind. Heat the exterior of the window first to warm up the glass, and then move to the inside. Keep your heat source moving to prevent any one spot from getting too hot, which could put pressure on the glass.
Peeling Off the Tint
With the glass now hot to the touch, remove a corner of the film using a razor blade. Next, you need to pull the film with your hands by grasping it and pulling it down at an angle. The trick is to have the adhesive side stuck to the film rather than to the glass. When you encounter any resistance in the form of tears or a thick adhesive residue, stop and apply more heat, where steam really makes a difference in this case because of the role of water in loosening the adhesive.
Removing Adhesive Residue
No matter your level of technique, you will be left with some glue residue. To remove this glue from your window, you will need to saturate it with soap and water, and scrape it with a razor blade at a low angle. The glue will ball up in your razor blade and come right off.
Do Not Take Risks with Defrosters
While you do this, it is absolutely essential to emphasize and repeat: never remove your rear window with a razor blade if it contains defroster lines. The metal will strip right through your conductive mesh. Here, you will have to remove the glue using chemical methods.
To do this, you can employ a combination of ammonia and some heat to work on removing the glue. Then, you simply have to scrub this glue with a piece of 0000-grade steel wool. While not the most gentle option when it comes to glue removal, it will not damage your glass or your heater lines with an abundance of lubricant.
When to Call the Professionals
Peeling off window tint can be a messy, gooey process, especially for someone dedicated to their car. However, if you find yourself faced with a window of glue or concerned with harming your defroster lines, pick up the phone and give us a call at Arrowhead Imports. We have the knowledge and tools to remove your old film and get you and your car back on the road with a clean slate!