How To Remove Window Tint

What is the best way to remove tint at home?

Use soapy water: – One of the simplest methods is to use soapy water. Simply mix a dish soap solution and water, and then use a sponge or cloth to apply it to the tinted window. You may need to scrub gently to loosen the adhesive, but eventually, the tint should start to peel away. Once all of the tints have been removed, be sure to rinse away any soap residue before driving your car.

Is it possible to remove tint from car windows?

Note: For a more detailed explanation, please scroll down (after the Infographic). Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate ​I earn from qualifying purchases.

Why Remove Window Tint? ​ There are several reasons you may want to remove your window tint, whether you simply want to replace it or remove it altogether. It’s a good idea to assess why and when you may want to remove your window tint for both aesthetic and practical purposes. Bubbles Car window tint film will start to bubble over time because the sun hits the adhesive that is applied to the window. As the sun strikes the window tint, the heat breaks down the adhesive, and it becomes less sticky, detaching itself from the window and causing air bubbles. Discoloration Both silver tint for cars and green tinted car windows will begin to discolor over time as well, also due to the sun’s UV rays. Not only will the tint begin to change color, but it may lose its ability to protect the car from the sun, and it is a good idea to replace your old window tint with a newer one. Methods for Removing Window Tint Yourself There are several different inexpensive methods to easily remove window tint by yourself. Applying heat to melt the adhesive or peeling the tint off with ammonia or soapy water are all easy and effective ways to remove even professional car window tint, ​Here’s how to remove window tint on a budget. Using a Steamer ​

Roll your vehicle window down a small amount so the top edge of the window tint covering is visible. Hold the steamer a couple of inches away from the window and steam the entire outside of the window, making sure to steam the edges of the window tint thoroughly. This will help the adhesive to dissolve more than if you were only to steam the inside of the car window.Steam the inside of the window using the same method until the window is evenly and thoroughly steamed.Once steamed, carefully lift up the corners of the window tint using a razor. If the edges of the window tint do not easily come off, apply more steam to further loosen the adhesive.Once the edges are peeled off, you can remove the rest of the tint by slowly peeling it off with your hands, peeling from the top of the window down. Continue to apply steam as you peel and apply more steam where the tint is particularly sticky.

Using a hair dryer to loosen the window tint’s adhesive is another effective method but will require more patience than using a steamer. Roll the window down so that the top edge of the window tint covering is visible and accessible to peel.On high, run the hairdryer over one corner of the window tint on the inside of the car until the glue begins to melt and you can lift it off. Use a razor to peel off the edge for this method as well, until you can peel the rest off with your hands.As you peel, continue to run the hair dryer over the window tint in the spot you are peeling. This may be slow, but as you continue to apply heat to the section you are peeling off, the glue will melt and it will become easier to remove.

Using Ammonia or Soap and Water ​

Protect your car’s interior from the ammonia by taping tarps, plastic sheets, or even garbage bags to your interior doors and window frame.Cut black garbage bags to fit the size of the insides and outsides of your car windows. Spray soap and water on the outside of each window to help the garbage bags stick. Apply each of the garbage bags to the outside of each of the windows.Spray ammonia on the inside of the car windows until each window is completely covered and place the garbage bags on top. If the garbage bags will not stick to the window, use tape to help them stay up.Wait for 1-2 hours while the ammonia soaks in and loosens the window tint’s adhesive.Remove the garbage bags and use a razor to peel up the corner of the window tint. Slowly peel it off until the window tint is removed. If any parts of the window tint get stuck, use the razor to lift up the tint and continue peeling.If you don’t have ammonia or prefer to use soap and water, follow the same spraying and peeling method using hot water mixed with soap.

Removing the Remaining Adhesive ​ After you’ve peeled off your window tint, it is likely that there will be a small amount of adhesive remaining on your windows but have no fear! This adhesive is easy and inexpensive to remove as well, using the following method. ​

Spray the area with remaining adhesive with either isopropyl alcohol, nail polish remover, or more ammonia.Use a rag or microfiber cloth to rub away the remaining adhesive. Apply more of your removal liquid to stubborn areas and scrub until your window is clean!

What Next? Now that you’ve learned how to remove window tint, you’re ready to give it a go. Once removed, you may decide it’s time to apply a new set of window tint, whether it be for UV protection or solely for the look of tinted windows. Consider investing in professional car window tinting at a car tint shop for the best results and maximum protection. ​Whether you want to keep your windows untinted or have them redone, you’ll never have to break the bank getting your bubbly or discolored window tint removed again. Also check Best Window Tint For Cars

Does WD 40 remove tint?

Water Displacers – Water Displacers are one of the top hacks for tint removals! It’s even mentioned that they can remove super glue stains! WD 40 is something handy and can work to remove tints. But it will leave your surface very oily and if it is not cleaned off properly, it will collect dust on the surface. Jar and spoonful of baking soda for multiple holistic usages.

Can you use a hair dryer to remove window tint?

How to remove window tint So your car’s window tint is bubbled and spotted and you want to remove it? Groovy, you’ve come to the right place. Should you use your drywall spatula or a $19.95 Williams-Sonoma dough scraper for the job? Just hold on one second.

We’ll get to that. Tinting your windows can decrease the sun’s intensity and reduce heat build-up in warmer climates(e.g., the Mojave desert.) The downside is the tint film degrades over time, leaving your windows with bubbles and uneven coverage, impeding visibility. The legality of window tint also varies from state to state, meaning your new ride with the 35% tint may need a quick shave to keep the law off your back and out of your wallet.

Never fear, The Drive’s crack How-To team is here to help. And whether you’re getting your car’s windows ready for a fly new tint application or hoping for some factory-fresh glass, we’ll guide you through the process and get you back on the road. Let’s get scraping!

  • How To Remove Window Tint Basics
  • Estimated Time Needed: 30 minutes or more
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Vehicle System: Exterior
  • Removing Window Tint Safely

Working on your car can be messy. It can also be dangerous; working with a razor blade can negatively affect your skin-ask the author for a picture of his hand and working for Ford. Here’s what you’ll need to ensure you keep your jeans and shirt spotless, and your skin intact.

  • Mechanic gloves (to protect your hands from the razor blade).
  • Long-sleeve shirt to protect your arms.
  • Safety Glasses.

Organizing your tools and gear so everything is easily reachable will save precious minutes waiting for your handy-dandy child or four-legged helper to bring you the sandpaper or blowtorch. (You won’t need a blowtorch for this job. Please don’t have your kid hand you a blowtorch-Ed.) You’ll also need a flat workspace, such as a garage floor, driveway, or street parking that’s also well-ventilated.

  1. Everything You’ll Need To Remove Window Tint
  2. We’re not psychic, nor are we snooping through your toolbox or garage, so here’s what you’ll need to get the job done.
  3. Tool List
  • Microfiber towel
  • Window cleaner
  • Bucket
  • Steamer
  • Hair dryer or heat gun
  • Razor blade
  • Garbage container
  • Extension cord
  • Here’s How To Remove Window Tint
  • Let’s do this!
  • Soap and Water
  • By far the simplest method, using soap and water is also the most dangerous as it involves using a razor blade.
  1. Heat up a pot of water to near-boiling.
  2. Add soap and mix.
  3. Taking care not to get burned, use a sponge to saturate the edge of the tint.
  4. When the surface feels warm to the touch, using the razor blade, peel away the edge.
  5. Warm the next small portion of the tint below the peeled away edge.
  6. Scraping away from the palm of your hand, continue to peel off the tint film.
  7. Repeat steps until the tint has been removed.
  8. Throw the tint into the garbage.
  9. Spray the window with glass cleaner and wipe thoroughly to ensure all adhesive has been removed.
  10. Dry the window with a microfiber cloth.
  11. Auf wiedersehen, tint!

Steamer

  1. Plug in your steamer and follow its operating instructions.
  2. To access the tint film’s edge, lower the window about a half an inch. Apply the steamer to both the inside and outside of the window.
  3. Carefully, using the razor blade, peel away an edge.
  4. Working slowly, apply steam to the leading edge and remove the film carefully. If the film tears or becomes difficult to remove, stop and apply more steam to the edge.
  5. Continue until the tint film’s been removed.
  6. Throw the tint into the garbage.
  7. Spray the window with glass cleaner and wipe thoroughly to ensure all adhesive has been removed.
  8. Dry the window with a microfiber cloth.
  9. Congrats, you’ve done it!

Hair Dryer or Heat Gun

  1. Plug in your hair dryer or heat gun and follow the operating instructions.
  2. To access the tint film’s edge, lower the window about a half an inch.
  3. Apply the hair dryer or heat gun to both the inside and outside of the window.
  4. Carefully, using the razor blade, peel away an edge. Working slowly, apply heat along the leading edge and remove the film carefully. If the film tears or becomes difficult to remove, stop and apply more heat to the edge.
  5. Continue until the tint film’s been removed.
  6. Throw the tint into the garbage.
  7. Spray the window with glass cleaner and wipe down to ensure all adhesive has been removed.
  8. Dry the window with a microfiber cloth.
  9. That’ll do, you’re done!

Pro Tips For Removing Tint From a Car Window Here are The Drive’s pro tips for removing tint from a car window.

  • Always use gloves when working with a razor blade. One slip could mean 16 stitches or worse.
  • If the tint film begins to tear, pause for a moment and let either the soap and water seep into the film or go over the spot again with the steamer or hair dryer again. Keeping the film intact will help speed up the process and you won’t have to struggle with grabbing another edge to peel.

How Much Does It Cost To Remove Window Tint? If you’ve followed The Drive’s guide above, almost nothing. Apart from the cleaner, which you may or may not already have, the most you’re out of pocket is a crisp $20. If you’re unsure of your skills, having a professional remove your car’s tint may cost a couple hundred dollars.

Given the easiest method of removing window tint is using steam or heat, and many won’t have portable steamer just lying around, you can either rent one from a local hardware store for a few bucks a day, or you can boil water in a tea kettle and then safely pour the heated water into a receptacle at the base of the window and let the rising steam unglue the tint.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. : How to remove window tint

Is tint easily removable?

How to Remove Window Tint – Removing window tint should, in our opinion, be left to a professional. That said, there are variety of ways you can remove your own window tint that align with how the pros do it. Simply put, the film itself will peel off with relative ease. To help it along, use a razor blade and some soapy water. Often a heat gun will be needed as well.

Is removing tint hard?

How to Remove Baked on Window Film – When it comes to how to remove old window tint, there are several solutions out there that you can try yourself, or hire a professional team to perform for you. There are two aspects to window tint removal: removing the film itself and removing the adhesive.

  1. If done appropriately, peeling the film off should be fairly easy.
  2. However, if done wrong you may end up with tiny bits of film left on the window that you’ll spend lots of time peeling and scraping at.
  3. If possible, you want to pull off the film in large chunks.
  4. Removing window film adhesive takes time and effort.

The goal is to have as much of the adhesive come off with the window film as possible. Then you’re left with a minimal sticky mess that will take elbow grease and solvents to remove. After the film and adhesive have been removed, you will need to thoroughly clean the window before installing a new film.

  • Any bits of dirt or adhesive that remain can cause bubbles and other issues.
  • The primary method of removal involves using heat to break down the window film adhesive so that the remaining tint can be peeled off.
  • There are several tools you can use to accomplish this method and it is often seen as the easiest way to remove window tint,

Use the heat starting at the corner of the window and as it starts to peel, heat new areas of adhesive to loosen it up.

Does glass cleaner remove tint?

The Answer IsIt Depends – Windex has multiple products all created with different ingredients and chemicals: Windex Original, Windex Vinegar, Windex Ammonia-Free, and more. Although Windex Original Glass Cleaner offers the best streak-free shine, it contains ammonia, which works to break down and remove tint.

Will rubbing alcohol remove window tint?

Chemical – Effective, but Messy – A Plastic Scraper Won’t Damage the Defroster or Antenna Grid. https://www.gettyimages.com/license/933840534 This is a simple chemistry hack : Window tint adhesive is soluble in ammonia or alcohol, which means you can use those substances to break down the adhesive bond.

Because ammonia is toxic, make sure to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Alcohol is slightly less dangerous than ammonia, but similar PPE guidelines apply for maximum safety.

Safety glasses or goggles protect your eyes from overspray A respirator, rated for ammonia (or alcohol), will protect your nervous system from fumes Latex or vinyl gloves (nitrile may not be effective), will prevent chemical absorption through your fingers.

Open all the windows and doors to allow for ventilation. Protect all interior surfaces from overspray. You can use a plastic tarp or heavy-duty garbage bag —think contractor bags—and an old towel to collect overspray. Spray the interior of the glass with your weapon of choice, then plaster old newspapers or paper towels to the glass. The spray will hold the paper to the window tint and prevent it from drying out. Build up 3 or 4 layers of paper, using ammonia or alcohol to keep everything wet. Wait about half an hour for the reaction to work, making sure it doesn’t dry out—mist it lightly every few minutes or so. Peel off the paper and set aside, useful if you have more windows to de-tint, then use a utility knife to pick at a corner of the window tint. As you peel back the window tint, mist everything occasionally to keep it from drying out. You might need a razor scraper to help with the removal process.

Does vinegar remove tint?

Step One: Let’s Melt off the Adhesive – This part might be a little tricky. For starters, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area. You may also wish to use a face mask to prevent the inhalation of fumes- especially if you choose to use an ammonia cleaner.

Ammonia is very dangerous to breathe around in an enclosed area. Fill your spray bottle with the ammonia or vinegar, and soapy water. Spray the area with the mixture, being sure to cover the entire surface. Let the mixture sit and respray the tint when the mixture begins to dry. One way to make the process faster is by using plastic wrap to cover the area to keep the moisture in.

Use a blow dryer and a steamer to heat the area as this will help to further loosen the tint. Leave the plastic wrap on for 24 hours for the best removal results.

What liquid removes tint from car windows?

Removing window tint residue Whether you use steam or ammonia, adhesive residue on the glass is possible. Also, the tinted film might not come off clean if you peel it with a blade. So, to clear any residue, you’ll need to use isopropyl alcohol or more ammonia.

What can I spray on window tint to remove it?

Download Article Download Article If your window tint is too dark or is scratched, discolored, or bubbly, you can easily remove it without spending a lot of money, whether you’re working with vehicle or home windows. You don’t even need to spend hours scraping away the tint with a razor and scrubbing off the adhesive! Using a steamer is the easiest and least damaging method, so that’s your best option.

  1. 1 Roll your vehicle window down 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm). Open your vehicle door so you can access the inside of the tinted window. Crack your window just a little so that you are able to reach the very top and see the edge of the tint.
    • Do the windows in the doors first and save the rear window for last, especially if it has defrost capabilities. This will give you a chance to practice your technique so you can remove the tint more easily while making sure not to mess up the defrost lines.
    • If you’re doing windows in your home, you can skip this step.
  2. 2 Steam both the outside and the inside of the windows. Any handheld clothing or upholstery steamer will work for this project. Hold the steamer 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) away from the window and steam the entire outside of the window first. Then, apply steam to the inside of the window. Work in long, sweeping motions from the top to the bottom and try to heat the pane of glass evenly.
    • Steaming the outside helps heat up the window enough for the adhesive to dissolve. You don’t need to do this for the rear window of your vehicle or if the windows in your home are on the second level and you can’t access them easily, though.

    Variation: If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a hairdryer or heat gun to loosen the adhesive instead. However, this takes longer, isn’t as effective, and will probably leave behind a lot of glue that you’ll need to clean off. Just be sure not to heat the glass so much that it breaks! Advertisement

  3. 3 Use a straight razor to lift up the edge of the tint. Carefully place a straight razor underneath the tint at one corner of the inside of the top of the window. Using a razor to loosen the edge of the tint will make it easier to peel off.
    • If you can’t get the corner of the tint to come up, apply more steam and try again.

    EXPERT TIP Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services. Our Expert Agrees: Glass is difficult to scratch, so you can run a razor blade across the glass with a lubricant to remove the tint. You can also use a razor blade to remove the sticky residue that is left behind after the tint is gone. Another option to remove the sticky residue is using a citrus-based cleaner.

  4. 4 Peel the tint off slowly while continuing to apply steam. Work slowly and pull the tint down from the top of the window toward the bottom of the window. Keep applying steam, paying special attention to any particularly stubborn spots.
    • If you try to pull the tint too quickly, it will tear and make the job that much harder. If that happens, use the razor to lift the edge of the tint again and continue peeling it off.

    Warning: The steam is incredibly hot so be very careful not to burn yourself as you remove the tint!

  5. 5 Remove any remaining adhesive with a commercial cleaner. Mix 1 part commercial cleaner, like 409, and 1 part water in a spray bottle so you can easily apply it to the window. Spray it on and scrub the glue spots with a non-scratch pad, then dry the glass with a paper towel.
    • Wipe the door panels or window frame with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any water from the steaming process.
  6. 6 Repeat the process on each tinted window. You can use the same technique to remove the tint from each of the windows in your vehicle or home. Go slow and take your time so that you can remove all of the tint from each window in a single piece.
  7. 7 Steam the back window of your vehicle for 7 minutes before peeling the tint away. If you’re working on a vehicle, position the steamer right up against the interior glass of the back window. Tie something around the trigger to keep it going and prop up the steamer so it stays in place. Close the doors to your vehicle and let the steamer run for 7 or more minutes.
    • Then, loosen the edge of one of the top corners and slowly peel the tint away from the glass. Be super careful not to damage the defrost lines.
    • Lower or remove the rear seats, or at least the headrests, if possible, to give yourself better access to the rear window.
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  1. 1 Mask the door panels of your vehicle or the window frame in your home. To protect them from the ammonia, cover the interior door panels or window frame with tarps or plastic sheeting and tape it in place. Don’t use newspaper or another absorbent material as the ammonia will soak through it.
    • Be sure to cover all of the electrical components in your vehicle well, such as switches and speakers.

    Tip: This method works best on hot, sunny days as the heat from the sun helps the ammonia break down the adhesive holding the tint to the glass.

  2. 2 Cut black garbage bags to the size of your windows. Place a black garbage bag over one of the windows and use a metallic marker to trace the outline. Cut it out and separate the bag so you have 2 pieces: 1 for the inside of the window and 1 for the outside. Repeat for each window.
    • You only need to cover the inside of the windows with garbage bags if you’re working on windows in your home and can’t easily reach the exterior.
  3. 3 Apply soapy water to the outside of the windows and put the garbage bags on top. Fill a spray bottle three-quarters full of water and add a squirt of dish soap. Shake up the bottle and spray the outside of each window. Then, place a garbage bag to the glass so it covers it completely.
    • The soapy water helps the garbage bag stick to the window.
    • Skip this step if you can’t access the outside of the windows in your home.
  4. 4 Spray ammonia on the inside of the windows and cover them with the garbage bags. Fill another spray bottle with ammonia. Spritz the inside of a window so it’s fully saturated then press the garbage bag into place so it covers the glass. The liquid should hold the plastic in place all on its own, but you could use masking tape to secure the bags if necessary. Repeat for each window.
    • If you don’t want to use ammonia or don’t have any on hand, you can use a mixture of water and soap or baby shampoo on the inside of the windows, instead.

    Warning: Wear gloves and a mask or respirator when working with ammonia to protect your skin and lungs.

  5. 5 Let the ammonia soak in for 1-2 hours. Give the sun time to heat up the glass, which will help the ammonia dissolve the adhesive holding the tint to the windows. This is best to do in the middle of summer on a really hot, sunny day.
  6. 6 Remove the bags and peel the tint away. Take off the garbage bags, then use a razor to peel 1 corner of the tint away from the window so you can grip it. Slowly and carefully pull the tint away from the glass from one edge of the window to the other.
    • Work slowly so the tint doesn’t rip! If it does, slide the razor underneath the edge of the tint so you can lift it up and continue removing it.
  7. 7 Use ammonia and steel wool to remove any glue stuck to the windows. Once you’ve gotten all of the tint off, spray the window with ammonia again. Scrub any stuck-on adhesive with fine steel wool. Then, wipe away the debris and liquid with newspaper.
    • If the adhesive doesn’t come off easily, use a razor to scrape it away, being careful not to damage the window.
    • A large razor scraper will make the process easier, especially if you’re working on windows in your home.
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Add New Question

  • Question How can I remove window tint on the inside of a car? The steamer option seems most promising if it will keep the adhesive with the tint film. Alternatively, you can rip the film off in seconds, leaving the adhesive behind. As an R&D engineer, I experimented with a variety of solvents from weak isopropyl alcohol to powerful acetone. The adhesive was most soluble in 91% isopropyl alcohol (70% rubbing alcohol might work well also). A spray bottle with the alcohol in one hand and a narrow plastic paint scraper in the other removes the adhesive quickly while the adhesive flecks dry rapidly and land on the floor. Avoid breathing vapors. Small areas or residues are easily scrubbed off with the alcohol on a rag followed by streak free window cleaner.
  • Question Is the tint on the inside or outside of the front windows? The tint is virtually always on the inside for protection from the elements. If it’s on the outside, it’s probably because whoever installed it did not read the instructions before installation.
  • Question If I peeled off the cooling film without heating or applying any liquid, but the glue residue remains, how do I remove it? Use wet soapy water with a razor blade and clean the entire window. Afterwards, use automotive glass cleaner to give it the final clean.

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

  • Never scrape across defroster lines with a razor blade as this can damage them.
  • Be careful not to burn yourself when working with a steamer or heat gun.

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  • Steamer
  • Straight razor
  • Commercial cleaner
  • Non-scratch pad
  • Paper towels
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Tarp or plastic sheets
  • Masking tape
  • Black trash bags
  • Scissors
  • Soapy water
  • Ammonia
  • Spray bottles
  • Razor blade
  • Very fine steel wool
  • Newspaper

Article Summary X To remove window tint, try using a razor blade and soapy water. First, use the razor blade to make a cut in the corner of the window tint so you can peel up the film. Then, grasp the cut corner and peel the film off of your window. If it doesn’t come off in one piece, repeat the process with the rest of the film until it’s all off.

  1. Fill a spray bottle with water and dish soap, and spray the soapy water onto your window.
  2. Carefully scrape off the adhesive left from the window tint with the razor blade, applying more soapy water as you go.
  3. Finally, clean your window with a glass cleaner and paper towels once you’ve removed all of the adhesive.

You can also remove window tint using a hairdryer. First, turn the hairdryer on high and hold it 2 inches (5 cm) away from one of the corners on the window tint for 30 seconds. Then, use your fingernail or a razor blade to peel up the corner of the film.

Will water dry out of tint?

Don’t Stress – When windows are newly tinted it can be quite common to see water pockets or even appear cloudy. That’s right, your freshly tinted windows may have pockets of water or look cloudy — and it’s completely normal. If you notice pockets of water or cloudy film, don’t stress out right away thinking your window tint is faulty.

During the installation process, water and a squeegee is used to smoothly apply the tint to the window. This may cause excess water to be left behind, thus forming those small pockets of water you noticed right before you typed in “Bubbles in new window tint” on Google and found this blog post. As the header of this section says — don’t stress — those bubbles will dry out in a few days, and any cloudiness will go away too.

If you notice cloudiness or water pockets in your window tint, know that window tint is porous and the water will eventually evaporate. How long it takes for the water pockets to evaporate varies — with warmer weather evaporating them quicker — however, one can expect it to take up to a month.

How long does it take for tint to fade?

3. The Amount of Direct Sunlight to which the Car is Exposed – Sunlight contains invisible UV light, known to fade dashboards and crack leather upholstery. One of the great things about auto window tinting is that the film usually contains UV-blocking technology, which protects your car’s interiors.

  1. As your film absorbs and reflects that energy, the UV radiation can cause the tint to fade.
  2. While you’ll shield the rest of your car from deteriorating in the sun, the film may eventually lighten as the years go by.
  3. Luckily, you can control this process by limiting your car’s time parked in the sun.
  4. Do you park your carin a garage? If so, your tinted car windows will stay darker for longer.

If your car experiences daily exposure to the sun, this will speed up the rate of fading. The fading process also depends on the materials in the film. Poor-quality films will fade in the intense sun as soon as a few days. Carbon and ceramic films last much longer, upwards of five to 10 years.

Can window film be removed?

Window Film Can Be Removed – Although permanent by design, window film can be removed. There are a number of tricks to ease the window film removal process. The primary tools you’ll need for removal include an adhesive-dissolving solvent, such as dish soap, vinegar or an ammonia-based cleaner.

  1. A utility razor blade and/or wide window scraper is another tool you’ll need.
  2. Prior to applying the solvent, there are some things you should do first.
  3. For instance, you can try to see if you can start peeling off the window film.
  4. We recommend starting in a diagonal direction from one of the corners.
  5. It is common to use a razor blades to get under the film.

Be careful not to scratch or damage the glass or window sill. If the window film is of high quality, you’ll want to give the solvent solution a try. This is usually the best approach. After applying the solvent, you should give it time to soak. One trick to make sure there is enough solvent is to cover the window with a plastic drop sheet or garbage bag after the film has been saturated.

  1. This will help keep the solvent in place as it works on breaking down the film’s adhesive.
  2. For the best results, consider letting the film soak like this overnight or for at least eight hours.
  3. After the soaking, you can try peeling the film away again in a diagonal direction.
  4. You should find that it peels off with relative ease.

If you encounter any stubborn spots, gently push through them with the razor or window scraper. Once the film has been peeled away, wash the window with your solvent or other cleaners to remove any remaining adhesive or film bit residue.

How quickly does tint fade?

Yes, most car window tints fade from 99% down to 70% within five years of installation. However, the quality of the material can affect the ‘fade rate.’ Lower quality materials will fade faster. Higher quality materials will fade slower.

How do you remove tint from a 20 year old window?

How To Remove Window Tint Method 5: Soap and Newspaper – Individuals who may be wondering how to remove old window tint from their premises and buildings may as well try this method. It is similar to the soap and scrape method and requires little skill. To remove tint using this method, you will need the following materials:

Bucket Warm soapy water Paper towels Razorblade/knife Newspapers Sponge Glass cleaner

How long does window tint last?

Quality of the Window Tint – You can find window tint films in a wide range of styles, strengths, and price points. Some are extremely durable, lasting over a decade in harsh conditions while others may last only a year or two. The quality of the window tint plays a major role in its lifespan.

What is the best stuff to remove tint?

Solvents – Once you’ve used one of the above methods to remove the film itself, you can use a solvent to remove window tint glue. Acetone, isopropyl alcohol, or a window film adhesive remover are all very effective in breaking down the glue which can then be wiped or scraped off.

Does vinegar remove tint?

Step One: Let’s Melt off the Adhesive – This part might be a little tricky. For starters, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area. You may also wish to use a face mask to prevent the inhalation of fumes- especially if you choose to use an ammonia cleaner.

Ammonia is very dangerous to breathe around in an enclosed area. Fill your spray bottle with the ammonia or vinegar, and soapy water. Spray the area with the mixture, being sure to cover the entire surface. Let the mixture sit and respray the tint when the mixture begins to dry. One way to make the process faster is by using plastic wrap to cover the area to keep the moisture in.

Use a blow dryer and a steamer to heat the area as this will help to further loosen the tint. Leave the plastic wrap on for 24 hours for the best removal results.

What can I spray on window tint to remove it?

Download Article Download Article If your window tint is too dark or is scratched, discolored, or bubbly, you can easily remove it without spending a lot of money, whether you’re working with vehicle or home windows. You don’t even need to spend hours scraping away the tint with a razor and scrubbing off the adhesive! Using a steamer is the easiest and least damaging method, so that’s your best option.

  1. 1 Roll your vehicle window down 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm). Open your vehicle door so you can access the inside of the tinted window. Crack your window just a little so that you are able to reach the very top and see the edge of the tint.
    • Do the windows in the doors first and save the rear window for last, especially if it has defrost capabilities. This will give you a chance to practice your technique so you can remove the tint more easily while making sure not to mess up the defrost lines.
    • If you’re doing windows in your home, you can skip this step.
  2. 2 Steam both the outside and the inside of the windows. Any handheld clothing or upholstery steamer will work for this project. Hold the steamer 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) away from the window and steam the entire outside of the window first. Then, apply steam to the inside of the window. Work in long, sweeping motions from the top to the bottom and try to heat the pane of glass evenly.
    • Steaming the outside helps heat up the window enough for the adhesive to dissolve. You don’t need to do this for the rear window of your vehicle or if the windows in your home are on the second level and you can’t access them easily, though.

    Variation: If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a hairdryer or heat gun to loosen the adhesive instead. However, this takes longer, isn’t as effective, and will probably leave behind a lot of glue that you’ll need to clean off. Just be sure not to heat the glass so much that it breaks! Advertisement

  3. 3 Use a straight razor to lift up the edge of the tint. Carefully place a straight razor underneath the tint at one corner of the inside of the top of the window. Using a razor to loosen the edge of the tint will make it easier to peel off.
    • If you can’t get the corner of the tint to come up, apply more steam and try again.

    EXPERT TIP Chad Zani is an Auto Detailing Expert based in Los Angeles, California. He is the Director of Franchising at Detail Garage, an automotive detailing company with locations around the U.S. and Sweden. He and his team are auto detailing experts that offer detailing and car care services. Our Expert Agrees: Glass is difficult to scratch, so you can run a razor blade across the glass with a lubricant to remove the tint. You can also use a razor blade to remove the sticky residue that is left behind after the tint is gone. Another option to remove the sticky residue is using a citrus-based cleaner.

  4. 4 Peel the tint off slowly while continuing to apply steam. Work slowly and pull the tint down from the top of the window toward the bottom of the window. Keep applying steam, paying special attention to any particularly stubborn spots.
    • If you try to pull the tint too quickly, it will tear and make the job that much harder. If that happens, use the razor to lift the edge of the tint again and continue peeling it off.

    Warning: The steam is incredibly hot so be very careful not to burn yourself as you remove the tint!

  5. 5 Remove any remaining adhesive with a commercial cleaner. Mix 1 part commercial cleaner, like 409, and 1 part water in a spray bottle so you can easily apply it to the window. Spray it on and scrub the glue spots with a non-scratch pad, then dry the glass with a paper towel.
    • Wipe the door panels or window frame with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any water from the steaming process.
  6. 6 Repeat the process on each tinted window. You can use the same technique to remove the tint from each of the windows in your vehicle or home. Go slow and take your time so that you can remove all of the tint from each window in a single piece.
  7. 7 Steam the back window of your vehicle for 7 minutes before peeling the tint away. If you’re working on a vehicle, position the steamer right up against the interior glass of the back window. Tie something around the trigger to keep it going and prop up the steamer so it stays in place. Close the doors to your vehicle and let the steamer run for 7 or more minutes.
    • Then, loosen the edge of one of the top corners and slowly peel the tint away from the glass. Be super careful not to damage the defrost lines.
    • Lower or remove the rear seats, or at least the headrests, if possible, to give yourself better access to the rear window.
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  1. 1 Mask the door panels of your vehicle or the window frame in your home. To protect them from the ammonia, cover the interior door panels or window frame with tarps or plastic sheeting and tape it in place. Don’t use newspaper or another absorbent material as the ammonia will soak through it.
    • Be sure to cover all of the electrical components in your vehicle well, such as switches and speakers.

    Tip: This method works best on hot, sunny days as the heat from the sun helps the ammonia break down the adhesive holding the tint to the glass.

  2. 2 Cut black garbage bags to the size of your windows. Place a black garbage bag over one of the windows and use a metallic marker to trace the outline. Cut it out and separate the bag so you have 2 pieces: 1 for the inside of the window and 1 for the outside. Repeat for each window.
    • You only need to cover the inside of the windows with garbage bags if you’re working on windows in your home and can’t easily reach the exterior.
  3. 3 Apply soapy water to the outside of the windows and put the garbage bags on top. Fill a spray bottle three-quarters full of water and add a squirt of dish soap. Shake up the bottle and spray the outside of each window. Then, place a garbage bag to the glass so it covers it completely.
    • The soapy water helps the garbage bag stick to the window.
    • Skip this step if you can’t access the outside of the windows in your home.
  4. 4 Spray ammonia on the inside of the windows and cover them with the garbage bags. Fill another spray bottle with ammonia. Spritz the inside of a window so it’s fully saturated then press the garbage bag into place so it covers the glass. The liquid should hold the plastic in place all on its own, but you could use masking tape to secure the bags if necessary. Repeat for each window.
    • If you don’t want to use ammonia or don’t have any on hand, you can use a mixture of water and soap or baby shampoo on the inside of the windows, instead.

    Warning: Wear gloves and a mask or respirator when working with ammonia to protect your skin and lungs.

  5. 5 Let the ammonia soak in for 1-2 hours. Give the sun time to heat up the glass, which will help the ammonia dissolve the adhesive holding the tint to the windows. This is best to do in the middle of summer on a really hot, sunny day.
  6. 6 Remove the bags and peel the tint away. Take off the garbage bags, then use a razor to peel 1 corner of the tint away from the window so you can grip it. Slowly and carefully pull the tint away from the glass from one edge of the window to the other.
    • Work slowly so the tint doesn’t rip! If it does, slide the razor underneath the edge of the tint so you can lift it up and continue removing it.
  7. 7 Use ammonia and steel wool to remove any glue stuck to the windows. Once you’ve gotten all of the tint off, spray the window with ammonia again. Scrub any stuck-on adhesive with fine steel wool. Then, wipe away the debris and liquid with newspaper.
    • If the adhesive doesn’t come off easily, use a razor to scrape it away, being careful not to damage the window.
    • A large razor scraper will make the process easier, especially if you’re working on windows in your home.
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Add New Question

  • Question How can I remove window tint on the inside of a car? The steamer option seems most promising if it will keep the adhesive with the tint film. Alternatively, you can rip the film off in seconds, leaving the adhesive behind. As an R&D engineer, I experimented with a variety of solvents from weak isopropyl alcohol to powerful acetone. The adhesive was most soluble in 91% isopropyl alcohol (70% rubbing alcohol might work well also). A spray bottle with the alcohol in one hand and a narrow plastic paint scraper in the other removes the adhesive quickly while the adhesive flecks dry rapidly and land on the floor. Avoid breathing vapors. Small areas or residues are easily scrubbed off with the alcohol on a rag followed by streak free window cleaner.
  • Question Is the tint on the inside or outside of the front windows? The tint is virtually always on the inside for protection from the elements. If it’s on the outside, it’s probably because whoever installed it did not read the instructions before installation.
  • Question If I peeled off the cooling film without heating or applying any liquid, but the glue residue remains, how do I remove it? Use wet soapy water with a razor blade and clean the entire window. Afterwards, use automotive glass cleaner to give it the final clean.

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  • Never scrape across defroster lines with a razor blade as this can damage them.
  • Be careful not to burn yourself when working with a steamer or heat gun.

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  • Steamer
  • Straight razor
  • Commercial cleaner
  • Non-scratch pad
  • Paper towels
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Tarp or plastic sheets
  • Masking tape
  • Black trash bags
  • Scissors
  • Soapy water
  • Ammonia
  • Spray bottles
  • Razor blade
  • Very fine steel wool
  • Newspaper

Article Summary X To remove window tint, try using a razor blade and soapy water. First, use the razor blade to make a cut in the corner of the window tint so you can peel up the film. Then, grasp the cut corner and peel the film off of your window. If it doesn’t come off in one piece, repeat the process with the rest of the film until it’s all off.

  • Fill a spray bottle with water and dish soap, and spray the soapy water onto your window.
  • Carefully scrape off the adhesive left from the window tint with the razor blade, applying more soapy water as you go.
  • Finally, clean your window with a glass cleaner and paper towels once you’ve removed all of the adhesive.

You can also remove window tint using a hairdryer. First, turn the hairdryer on high and hold it 2 inches (5 cm) away from one of the corners on the window tint for 30 seconds. Then, use your fingernail or a razor blade to peel up the corner of the film.

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