As with all car components, window tints will eventually deteriorate, meaning you will at some point have to replace them. Issues such as bubbling, discoloration and aesthetic preferences may leave many wondering what the easiest way to remove window tint is.
The easiest way to remove car window tint is by using a hairdryer or heat gun about 2 inches away from the glass. This will melt the adhesive used to stick the window tint on, making it easy to peel off. Other methods such as the use of ammonia solutions are also possible and easy to do.
Other methods of removal such as the use of razor blades to peel the film off the window are possible but carry with them the risk of scratching or damaging the glass. In this article, we will discuss the easiest methods of window tint removal, as well as why you might want to remove it.
Why Would You Want To Remove Window Tint?
There are several reasons you may decide to remove window tint, from aesthetic preferences to issues that arise with your window tint’s old age. If your window tint was applied a while ago, then you may experience defects such as bubbling, which is caused by the adhesive used to stick it on becoming weaker and loosening itself from the window, creating a bubble effect.
Thankfully, failing adhesive is the easiest to remove, as the removal process has already partly begun. Once this adhesive has started to fail, there is no way to reapply it, meaning a full removal will be the only realistic option. Window tints may also discolor over time, displaying a purplish hue. This process is irreversible, due to the dye in the tint breaking down.
This discoloration also means that the window will no longer be blocking out UV rays, rendering it worthless from a practical standpoint. Of course, there is also the possibility that you just don’t want to have tinted windows on your car. Unfortunately, window tint with no defects is the hardest to remove, as the adhesive will still be strong, but it can still be done!
Can You Remove Window Tint Yourself?
You can remove window tint yourself, as window tint is very much removable with the use of items you may have lying about the house. Hairdryers, blades, and warm water will all help if you want to do the removal yourself, and there are a few different ways to do it.
There are many different processes to choose from if you are removing window tint, with none of them being overly challenging. This should save you having to pay any added labor costs to get someone else to do it for you. However, it will be easier and less risky to let professionals do the job for you.
What Is The Easiest Way To Remove Window Tint?
The easiest way to remove window tint is to use artificial heat sources, such as a hairdryer, a heat gun, or a steam cleaner. This heat will help to detach the window tint film from the adhesive used to stick it on. Heat will melt down the molecules in the glue, making it easy to peel off.
It will also make the film easy to peel off, without risking damage to your windows. You can use other methods such as scraping the film off with a blade, but this will take extreme care to pull off without scratching the glass.
Other ammonia-based solutions such as Windex can help to break down the molecules in the glue, making the film easy to peel off. You do need to be careful to protect your face and skin if you are using ammonia-based products!
KEY POINTS
• There are many reasons you might need to remove your car’s window tint
• It’s usually fairly easy to do yourself, but we recommend having a professional do it for you
• The easiest way to remove window tint is by using a heat gun or hairdryer
How To Remove Window Tint With Windex (4 Steps)
1. Spray Windex On The Window
The first step is to spray the inside and outside of your windows with your ammonia solution.
2. Cover With Plastic Bags
After you have done this, place two plastic bags over the inside and outside of the window. They should stick to the solution that you sprayed, but if they don’t, you can use tape to keep them in place.
3. Leave For A Few Hours
Leave them for a couple of hours, allowing the solution to loosen the tint’s adhesive. When you come back, you should find the tint will come off easily. If not, use a razor to prize it off until you can peel it properly.
4. Rinse The Window
When you have peeled the tint off, wash the windows with soapy water, getting rid of any lingering ammonia and excess adhesive marks.
NOTE: Always be sure to protect your eyes, mouth, nose and skin when using products with ammonia in them, as they can be dangerous if inhaled How To Remove Window Tint Without Heat (3 Steps)
1. Start At The Top
First, scrape the tint off from its source at the top of the window. Peel the film off slowly and add soapy water to loosen the film from the adhesive.
2. Continue To Apply Water
Keep reapplying the water with every couple of inches of film that you peel off.
3. Remove Excess Glue
You can remove any leftover glue using a soft cloth and additional soapy water.
It’s Not The Easiest Way
Removing window tint without any external heat source will be more difficult, but it is possible. The most obvious method would be to use a sharp blade to scrape and peel the tint off. This is without a doubt a risky method, as you can easily damage or scratch the glass if you are not careful. Metal blades are sharper and work better to scratch the tint off but will require extra care when using.
KEY TIP: If you do plan to scrape your window tint off, take it slow and don’t rush it!The key to removing window tint without heat is to use as much water or ammonia solution as you can during the process. It is also important to make sure you are using a sharp enough blade, as well as positioning it at the right angles as to make sure you don’t damage the window.
How To Remove Window Tint With A Heat Gun
1. Place Your Heat Source Near The Window
The first step in the process is to position your heat gun, or hairdryer, two inches from the window, until the adhesive begins to melt. Once the melting process begins, the tint will be easier to remove, and you’ll be able to pry it away from the window itself.
2. Slowly Remove The Tint
Remove the tint by slowly peeling it from the window, until it has all been removed.
3. Remove Excess Glue
After you have finished peeling the tint off, the remainder of the glue will likely leave a mark but can easily be removed by further softening it with the heat gun and scrubbing it off with a clean towel.
4. Rinse The Window
Once you have removed the excess adhesive, wash the windows with soapy water, and you will be good to go.
Steam Cleaning
As well as using a heat gun or hairdryer to remove window tint, you can also use a steam cleaner. This process is arguably simpler, providing you have a fabric steamer to hand. All you will need to do is press the steam cleaner against the window, until all the glue is melted, and the tint will peel off.
How To Remove Window Tint Adhesive
Sometimes, removing the window tint is easier than removing the excess adhesive that was originally used to stick it on. The glue can be stubborn and will often be tough to remove with just water and a towel, especially if it has only been recently applied. There are a few ways to go about getting rid of it, including the use of alcohol solutions.
Alcohol Solutions
Strong alcohol solutions work perfectly to break down the molecules inside the glue, meaning you’ll only need to wipe the glue marks off with a cloth once you have allowed the alcohol to do its work. This method requires very minimal scrubbing and no scraping, which will guard against any scratches to the window. Other substances such as glue remover or nail polish remover may also work.
Hot Soapy Water
Hot, soapy water and a towel will also do the trick, but it may take a bit more of a strenuous effort to remove. However, it will be a good arm workout, as well as giving you the excuse to give the rest of the car a touch-up while you’re at it!
Final Thoughts
Removing car window tint is a fairly simple, inexpensive process that you can do at home, but you may wish to have a professional do it instead to minimize the risk. You can do it using simple household options, such as a hairdryer, razor blade or ammonia-based solutions.