How To Remove Old Window Tint

Car window tints provide privacy, UV protection, and energy efficiency to car owners. All window tint films have a fixed lifetime, irrespective of the quality or quantity of exposure. Once they degrade, you are left with a bubbling, peeling, or unsightly film.

Such situations require you to remove the window tint film and replace it with a new one. Removing the window tint can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t want to leave any adhesive residue.

If you are still bothered about how to remove window tint, you are in the right place. In the guide, we will be listing the tools, techniques, and processes required to remove your old window tint without any mess.

But when should you remove the window tint?

Reasons to Remove Your Old Window Tint

Here is a list of reasons why you would want to remove your old window tint.

1. Bubbling

Your window tint might bubble because of an improper installation or a deteriorating adhesive.

2. Discoloration

When dyes of the window tint fade with time, it acquires an unattractive purple color. The UV-blocking efficiency also decreases with discoloration.

3. For an Upgrade

You might want to upgrade and replace your outdated window tint even though it is not damaged.

How to Change Your Car Window Tint?

Before we learn how to remove window tint, let’s understand how often you should do it. This depends on many elements, including the window tint’s quality and installation process, exposure to sunlight, and how the tint is maintained.

Park the car in an open area and wear the necessary protective gear to protect you from bodily harm before attempting to remove the tint film from a car window.

Collect all the materials needed.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Heat gun/ hair dryer/ steamer
• Razor blade/ plastic scraper
• Glass cleaner
• Microfiber cloth
• Soapy water or cleaning solution in a spray bottle

Come, let us begin to remove the window tint.

Step 1: Roll Down Your Windows

• Before you remove your window tint, it is advisable to roll down your windows.
• This helps to create a small space to easily access the window edges and make it easier to pull off the window tint.

Step 2: Soften Your Window Tint

You can soften the window tint in several ways.

• You can apply heat to the window tint using a heat gun, hair dryer, or steamer. The heat makes the window tint softer to remove.
• The steam acts on the adhesive, loosening and making it easier to peel the tint off.
• The window tint comes off smoothly after you apply heat.

Step 3: Start Peeling

• Once your window tint has warmed considerably, start peeling your window tint carefully from the edges.
• You can also use a razor blade and peel the tint effectively.
• Exercise caution and continue pulling the tint away from the car window.
• Be patient and take care not to damage or tear the window tint.

Step 4: Remove the Adhesive

• You can remove the adhesive left over with an adhesive remover.
• Remove the remaining residue carefully with a scraper or cloth soaked in adhesive remover.
• Another option is to spray soapy water or a cleanser with ammonia, then use a plastic scraper or razor blade to remove the adhesive.

Step 5: Clean Your Glass

After the car window glass is free from adhesives and window tint, use glass cleaner and wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth.

Alternate Methods for Window Tint Removal

If you don’t prefer steaming and wonder how to remove car window tint, you can use these alternate methods.

Ammonia and Razor Blade

• Cover the window with plastic after applying ammonia and water solution.
• You will be able to take off the window tint in a couple of hours using a razor blade.
• You can follow this up by cleaning the adhesive off the window.

Adhesive Tape

• Alternatively, you can cover the car window with adhesive tape strips.
• To remove the window tint, press the tape on it and then pull forcefully.

Conclusion

Whatever the reason, changing your window tint requires time, patience, and effort to be invested in DIY methods. If one does not know how to remove window tint, it is better to seek professional help.

Professionals have the skills and tools to take off the tints without scratching or causing more damage to the glass, which may happen in any DIY attempt.

Damage to the car glasses might lead to unnecessary side window repair and replacement expenses.

Look no further than Nuvision Auto Glass for professional auto glass solutions in Arizona, Colorado, and South Carolina regions. Contact us today for affordable side window repair and replacement, windshield replacement, or window tint services with a 100% lifetime warranty.