How to remove tint from car windows?
Car window tint is one of the more underrated accessories that you can put on your car. It doesn’t matter if you want to be protected from the sun’s heat or you just enjoy an extra amount of privacy, the tint that you put on your car will go a long way in achieving those goals. Unfortunately, even the most durable car window tint can be subjected to degradation over time.
After deciding to remove window tint, some people opt for self-removal, preferring to take care of the task themselves instead of paying a professional. Yet, choosing to take on this job without the knowledge or experience can lead to several issues!
Anyway, there are two basic ways to remove tint: heat and scraping.
Depending on the reason you choose to remove the tint film from your car windows, the best treatment will be different.
You will also need to clean the glass afterward, as these methods don’t always completely remove the adhesive.
Reasons to Remove Car Window Tint
There are three major reasons to try and get rid of the tint on your car windows, each posing its own sets of challenges.
Aesthetic Reasons
Sometimes you just don’t want tinted windows, even though they’re in pristine condition. This can be most frustrating since the adhesive is likely at its strongest. However, heat methods work well against undamaged tint film.
Bubbles
Bubbling film not only looks horrible but there’s also no way to fix it. The first instinct you might have is to peel where it’s bubbling, but this can leave an even less attractive mess of glue and tint chunks.
On the bright side, the bubbles are caused by failing adhesive, making it a little easier to remove.
Discoloration
Over time, window tint will turn a purplish shade and you’ll want to consider replacing it. As the tint’s ability to block UV rays diminishes the more it changes to purple, the issue is more than simply an aesthetic one.
This color change is due to the breakdown of non-metallic dyes and cannot be repaired. Again, heat is an excellent way to deal with this problem.
So How Do remove tint from car windows?
If you’ve got some soap, water, and a scraper you’re already in good shape. Removing the window tint from your car’s interior surfaces is no problem or you can try a different route. If that stubborn tint still won’t budge, you can certainly try other methods using a hairdryer or a steamer. At the end of the day, whichever method you choose will leave you happy and get the job done.
Gather Your Basic Supplies
The first thing you are going to need to do is gather your supplies. These supplies listed below will be used in more ways than just one. There are several methods to this tint removal process but overall, you will need these main supplies listed below:
- Clean Water
- Dish Soap
- Something Sharp (Razor Blade)
- Spray Bottle
- Garbage Bags
- Microfiber Cloth
Another product many people will use to remove their window tint is ammonia. When using ammonia you must wear a mask and avoid getting it on your skin or eyes. You also want to cover the surrounding area with an old cloth or tarp in case any ammonia is spilled during the removal process.
Clean Your Windows Thoroughly
Beginning the removal process with a fresh and clean surface is extremely important. A quick and easy solution for clean and shiny windows is simple. A popular option for an at-home window cleaner is made with a vinegar solution. The ingredients to make this solution are easy and limited.
Just mix:
- ¼ cup white or apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups of water
- 10 drops of lemon essential oil
Once you have combined all of the ingredients, pour the mixture into a spray bottle and begin to spray every inch of the tinted glass and wipe your car down. This simple and easy remedy works great and it will ensure that your windows all around the tinted parts of your car are perfectly cleaned.
Keeping it Simple Soap Method
Now that you’ve got clean windows all around it’s time to apply your soap method to your windows. Just take your dish soap and water and begin to scrape away the tint with a sharp razor blade. It’s important to remember to be gentle when doing this method. You don’t want to scratch your auto glass on your vehicle.
Believe it or not, this method takes the most patience. To begin this process, you want to thoroughly cover your tinted window with the soap and what solution. By soaking the tint with soapy water it is going to be easier to lift the corner of the tint film and peel it off. You can also use your razor blade to help with peeling back the corner of the tint to start slowly peeling it off of your window. Be mindful of how quickly you do this method. Something if you try to rip the tint off too quickly you could potentially end up tearing.
If you have a few problem areas and you notice the tint isn’t coming off, apply more of that soapy solution for extra help.
The Ammonia Method
When most people think of ammonia they think of it as a tool to remove window stickers. It also works as an awesome window cleaning product.
Believe it or not, ammonia works well with removing tint when applied directly to your car’s windows. Using the ammonia method, the first step is to cover all of your tinted windows with trash bags, black if you have them. Next, you’re going to want to cut the bags so they fit perfectly along the edges of your window and tape them down.
After you have your trash bags in place, remove a small portion of the bag from the outside and spray your soapy solution from method 3 all over your window. On the other side of your window from the interior of your car, you’re going to apply ammonia instead of soap and water. Let it sit for about an hour and watch the magic happen. When the hour is up, remove the trash bags and you can begin to peel the tint off.
The Hair Dryer Method
It may be surprising but heat is another fantastic method for removing window tint yourself. All you need is an extension cord and patience. If you don’t have all of the ingredients for an at-home solution to help you remove your tint, this is definitely the next best thing.
First things first, roll down the windows while you are applying heat to one window. This will make it easier to work in a heated environment and protect your vehicle’s interior.
You then want to start heating the corner of the window tint using your hairdryer until it curls at the end. When the tint begins to curl, it will become a lot easier for you to peel the tint off as you keep applying heat to the area. Keep the hairdryer a couple of inches away from the surface and move along the tinting, spreading the heat across the tint as you pull up on the corner of the film.
You will continue this method until you have finally peeled off all of your tints.
DIY Window Tint Removal Dangers
Take a look at the dangers that can come from removing window tint yourself, and why you should hire a professional instead:
Unsightly Windows
When removing window tint yourself, you will likely cause your windows to look unsightly due to a lack of improper tools and knowledge. This poor aesthetic will not only bother you, but it can lower your car’s value.
Damage To The Defroster Lines
You can cause permanent damage to your vehicle by attempting to remove the window tint yourself. Inexperienced people often cut one or more of their defroster lines when trying to remove the tint, which disables your defroster.
The defroster is an essential part of a functioning vehicle, and it can cause dangerous driving conditions if you do not have one.
Loss Of Functioning Antennae
If your car has a radio antenna, it can be damaged and unable to work if you cut a defroster line. The antennae run alongside the defroster lines, making it quite easy to unwittingly ruin.
Professionals Like Tintix have the experience and knowledge, as well as the right tools and chemicals, in order to soften, and then remove the window tint. Improper window tint removal can cause a number of dangers. While many people would rather take matters into their own hands in order to spare the cost, it can end up doing much more harm than they realize.
There are too many negative possibilities that coincide with removing the window tinting yourself. Frankly, it’s not worth the risk. The damage that is done to your car can be unsightly at best, and downright dangerous at worse.
Don’t put yourself in that position. If you decide that you want your window tint removed, find a local professional with the experience to get it done right, or pass by one of Tintix Shops:
