How to Safely Remove Your Car's Window Tint?

Lftraven on 28/12/2020 - 18:25
Last edited 31/08/2021 - 10:49 by 1 other user

For those of you who are experienced car drivers, you know that nothing lasts forever. For "perishable," non-permanent auto parts such as your car window tints, this is particularly true.

Car window tints are made of a polyester base, combined with a scratch-resistant coating of one or two layers. However, because of damage from the elements and scratches, that coating can degrade over time. When a coating has been peeled off or is damaged, it significantly shortens its lifetime.

Also note that, since it limits visibility, a degrading car window tint can be harmful, particularly for the one installed on your windshield.  Second, car window tints can sometimes form unsightly bubbles because they are a thin sheet that you stick to a surface.

Another reason for removing your car tint is that when you buy a used car, the tint can either be too dark or too bright for your taste, something that may happen.

So how to remove car window tint safely? Below are 2 techniques for you :D

1. Use a heat gun or hairdryer

Since the tint uses a bit of adhesive, using a heat gun or a hairdryer to soften the glue.

To do this, at the highest possible setting, keep the heat source about two inches from the window corner. Point it at a place where you think it's best to peel the tint off. Peel the tint away as the glue softens.

Rub it with a clean towel if there are any gunks of the adhesive left while adding heat as necessary. And of course, the final step, give your car a proper wash.

2. Soapy water and newspaper technique

The use of soap and water is another method for removing window tints. This is because soapy water works like a lubricant that loosens the contact between the window tint adhesive and the glass.

To do so, apply soapy water generously to the tint of the car window, and then cover it with newspaper. Wait for one hour, and when it dries up, add more soapy water to the newspaper.

Finally, by beginning with a corner, start peeling the newspaper away with a knife or razor. This will show a tab that you can pull off. Remember, do it steadily and slowly. (If there are a few pieces left sticking on your window, use your nails and be gentle)

Hope you found this post helpful ^^

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  trex on 28/12/2020 - 18:28

  +1

  I usually do it on a hot day. Leave the car out in the sun and do it while windows are still hot to touch. Be careful when removing tint from the rear window, just peeling the tint out may damage the defogger.

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  spackbace on 28/12/2020 - 18:48

  +2

  Most tint places will charge like $100 to remove old tint before applying new. Given that tint is just about a necessity, I'd just factor it into the cost (even for car dealers using proper steamers and scrapers it's a bitch of a job)

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  pantsparty on 28/12/2020 - 18:56

  +1

  Make sure you choose window tinting which comes with a lifetime warranty and you will never have to face this problem - just get it replaced for free.

  I’ve never had tints removed or replaced - current car is 8 years old and the tints are still perfect.

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  MorriJ on 28/12/2020 - 19:11

  I'm cheap so will be doing this soon on my bus.

  The original tint is in a terrible condition (its 22 years old), I also want it significantly darker and having a dozen or so windows means its expensive if i take it to a professional to get it all done.

  • 

    trex on 29/12/2020 - 00:44

    +1

    Removing old tint and putting in new ones DIY isn't too difficult. You will need some tools like a spray bottle, 9mm blade, a window scraper & extra blades, baby shampoo/dish detergent, window trim tool (something like this), a squeegee, hard card squeegee and tools to help with tight/odd corners.

    On removing old tint, don't worry if it tears when peeling. Squirt soapy water (made using baby shampoo or dish detergent) on the window and scrape to remove it. Best to do it on a hot day.

    Gets tricky putting in new tint if the window is curved like the rear window. You will need a heat gun to shrink it so be sure to buy tint that can shrink with a heat gun.

    Cleaning the windows before installing the tint is vital. Also learn from my mistake, don't buy the cheapest tint as they usually don't last and it is a pain to re-tint it again after a few years. Get a reputable brand.

    Watch videos on YouTube (watch it a few times) and very soon you'll be doing it like a pro. Good luck!