How to Safely Remove Window Tints [Infographics]

Window films or window tints have a limited life expectancy, like everything else. Generally, high-quality tint films last for at least five years. Still, its longevity can be reduced by various factors, including the product’s quality, quality of installation, exposure to UV light, and care and maintenance.

You will see some signs that your window tints are deteriorating and need replacing sooner or later. Such signs include the formation of bubbles or air pockets, the presence of scratches or scrapes on the dye, peeling of the tint from the window glass, and fading or purpling of the tint film.

Often these signs, particularly scratches and bubbles, can obstruct your vision behind the wheel. While it is best to leave the removal of tint from the car’s windows to the professionals, there are certain circumstances where you will have to remove it yourself to prevent it from compromising your vision while on the road.

Here are several methods you can use to remove window tints from your car’s windows safely:

Method I: Steamer or Hairdryer Method

In this method, you will need a steamer or hairdryer, whichever you have, to soften the adhesive used to stick the dye film to the glass. To execute this technique, you will need a fabric steamer or a hairdryer, razor blade, water, soft cloth, and glass cleaner or adhesive remover.

1. Steam the inside and outside of the window using your hairdryer or water-filled steamer. Make sure to keep the hairdryer or steamer 1-2 inches away from the surface of the window.
2. After several minutes, carefully lift one of the tint’s edges using a razor blade to make it easier for you to peel off the dye.
3. Slowly peel the tint off the window while continuing to apply heat.
4. After peeling off the tint, wipe the remaining adhesive residue using a glass cleaner or adhesive remover and soft cloth.

Method II: Soap and Scrape Method

You will need a razor knife or blade, soapy water in a spray bottle, glass cleaner, and a clean, soft cloth for this method.

1. Use your razor knife or blade to make a small incision at one corner of the window tint.
2. Slowly and carefully pull the tint away from the glass. Expect that the tint film will not come off neatly as there is no heat applied in this method.
3. Generously spray soapy water to the parts with exposed adhesive and let it sit and soak for a while.
4. Carefully scrape the adhesive off with your razor blade.
5. Clean the windows by spraying a glass cleaner solution on the surface and wiping it off using a soft cloth.

Method III: Ammonia and Sun Technique

This method works best on sunny days as the heat radiating from the sun helps the ammonia dissolve the adhesive, which holds the tint to the glass window.

For this method, you will need to prepare two unused plastic garbage bags, a tarp or plastic sheeting, a pair of scissors, ammonia solution in a spray bottle, face mask, gloves, soapy water in a spray bottle, razor knife or blade, and steel wool.

Here is how you can execute this technique:

1. Cover your car’s interior door panels with a tarp or plastic sheeting and tape it in place. Make sure to cover all of the electrical components, such as witches and speakers, in your car.
2. Cut two black garbage bags to the shape of your car window.
3. Apply soapy water on the outside surface of the window and cover it with one of the garbage bags.
4. Apply a generous amount of the ammonia solution on the window’s inside surface and cover it with the other garbage bag. In this step, you will need to wear gloves and a mask or respirator to protect your skin and lungs from ammonia.
5. Leave your car under the sun for 1-2 hours to let the garbage bag absorb the heat, and let the ammonia soak in the window tint to dissolve the adhesive.
6. After 1-2 hours, remove the bag covering the window’s interior surface and peel the tint off. Use a razor knife or blade to peel one corner of the dye, and pull the tint film away from the glass slowly and carefully.
7. Remove any remaining adhesive with ammonia and steel wool, then wipe the window’s surface with a soft cloth.
8. Remove the trash bag covering the window’s exterior surface and clean the window using a soft cloth and glass cleaner.

Conclusion

Removing your window tints is a necessary step to prepare your windows for a new coat of film when your car window tints have reached the end of their lifespan. Furthermore, removing your car tints with visible bubbles and air pockets or scrapes and scratches can prevent them from obstructing your vision on the road.

You can perform a DIY tint removal, provided that you follow the step-by-step procedure of your chosen method. On the other hand, if you are not confident enough to do it yourself, you can leave it to the hands of professional window tinters who will ensure that the tint film’s removal process is conducted correctly and safely. They can also assist you in installing a new set of window tints on your car’s windows.

If you are looking for a reputable company that offers window tinting in Reading and other UK locations, you could always go to Global Tint. If you wish for a free quote today, you can always contact us at 0800-158-8005. You may also visit our website at www.globaltint.co.uk to learn more about our services.