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Bubbles in Tint? How To Fix Window Tint Wrinkles

By 7 Mins Read

How to fix window tint wrinkles is another major concern that you might have to undertake when owning a vehicle. Just like other parts of the vehicle, window tints would also get subjected to wear and tear over time. Another consideration is that it is possible for old window tints to get damaged and peel off. However, this peeling would even occur in new window tints if the films have wrinkles and creases upon the installation. This may even be a result of an improper, bad window tint job.

If you wonder how to fix window tint wrinkles, then we suggest you to give it a try. So, you can try fixing this yourself, if you are a handy, skillful person with patience. You can easily manage it yourself and bring back the soft, smooth finish of the film. However, if you have major concerns, it is always better to get a consultation from a professional.

How Long Should Tinted Windows Last?

How Long Should Tinted Windows Last?
How Long Should Tinted Windows Last?

The lifespan of a vehicle window tint would depend mostly on several factors such as the type of film, quality of installation, and climate conditions. If the window films are exposed to harsh climates in the scorching sun, then obviously the film would have trouble easily.

  • The cheapest type of simple, dyed film would only last for about one or two years. The hybrid films would last four to five years. The most improved films such as carbon and ceramic films would even last for ten to twenty years.
  • A professional installation would most probably last longer than what you do yourself.
  • Window tints are most likely to last longer in cool and cloudy areas. Constant exposure of window tints in sunny and warm areas could wear off the material on the film and reduce its lifespan. Window tints are not affected by rain or snow. Therefore, it is better to get a highly durable type of film if you live in a tropical or sunny region.

Can You Fix Window Tint Yourself? – Tint Bubbles

Can You Fix Window Tint Yourself

This depends on the original installation. If your window tint was installed by a professional and you still have a warranty for the job, then you should take the vehicle back to that place.

They would fix it for you easily without any additional charges. However, if you installed the tint yourself, then you can try to fix it. However, you would need to be more careful and patient this time since you might have done a bad window tint job last time that might have caused the wrinkles. Usually, a technician can fix window tint wrinkles averagely within an hour. Always make sure to do your tint work in a properly ventilated area as the adhesives can be pungent and toxic.

How To Fix Wrinkled Tint?

Since you have been bothered by how to fix window tint wrinkles this whole time, we have compiled the essential steps for this. You can fix minor wrinkles all by yourself in a matter of minutes. Get equipped with a spray bottle, distilled lukewarm water, some liquid soap, and a squeegee. Let’s identify the steps that you need to follow for this.

Reapplication of the Wrinkled Tint

  1. Get a spray bottle with distilled lukewarm water with a small amount of soap dissolved. Spray this soapy water along the edges of the tint where any obvious wrinkles are present. This would make the tint loosen on the edges. Wrinkles may start to appear after a year or two if the tint you have installed is cheap.
  2. Next, pull up the damp, wrinkled part of the tint edges and pull it away from the window. Make sure not to pull out the whole section, peel away only the area that is wrinkled.
  3. Spray soapy water on the window and inside the peeled tint. This is done to make it easy to reapply the tint after removing wrinkles.
  4. Now put back the wet tint and arrange it evenly over the window. Line up all the edges so that the tint can be made smooth.
  5. Press a squeegee along the bottom of where the tint was peeled and drag it towards the edge of the tint. Repeat this so that the film is attached smoothly to the glass.
  6. Let the film rest and dry for one hour. Do not drive your car within this time. Let the film air-dry and the wrinkled tint will be smooth by then. If there are any more wrinkles that haven’t gone away, try to smooth it with a squeegee again and let it dry.

The Heat Gun Method

The Heat Gun Method

You can also use a heat gun to remove the bubbles and wrinkles in window films. Using a heat gun is preferred as the hairdryers can get much hotter. Let’s see what needs to be done according to this method.

  1. First, the heat gun should be turned up to the maximum setting which would be around 1,100 ˚F (593 ˚C). Be careful when working with this tool as it could burn you it gets in contact with your skin.
  2. The heat gun should be held about 3 inches (7.6 cm) away from the edge of the window. Since the heat gun is really strong, make sure not to melt the tint by getting it closer to the film. Never bring it closer than 2 inches (3.1 cm) to the tint film. Make the creases and bubbles move by heating along from one side of the wrinkles.
  3. When the heat is being applied, lightly tap along the tint to make sure that the film is not overheated. If you feel uncomfortable heat on the film, turn off the heat gun immediately.
  4. Use a hard edge to smooth out the wrinkles along the film outwards to the edges. Do this while the film is still warm. Make sure to work along the edges of the window as well.

How to Fix Peeling Tint?

Tint peeling would occur as a result of hardening in the film as the adhesive dries up. Very often, peeling tint might need to be replaced. But it can be fixed sometimes using some soapy water. Rinse the tint with some soapy water and use a squeegee to place the film in place and smooth out any bubbles. Sometimes this would work if the peeling is not highly destructive. 

How to Fix Peeling Tint?
How to Fix Peeling Tint?

Usually, a technician can do this repair work of fixing peeled-off tint within about half an hour, considering an average area of work.

If the above remedy does not work, then you would have to remove a small portion of the peeled tint and reapply a new part of the tint of the same type of film. Make sure to cut out the peeled-off tint in a square-shaped part so that it is easier to be replaced. The new film part should be cut about an inch longer from all four sides than the required part. Apply this using soap water as you do when installing a new window tint. If you are not sure about how to install it properly, then we recommend you to visit How to Tint Car Windows. You would not need any special tools for this. 

If you are planning to replace the whole window tint, you can still do it yourself. For this, you can either use uncut window films, follow the above-mentioned method of tinting window tints or use precut window tints that are customized to the model of your vehicle. 

How to Remove Window Tint?

How to Remove Window Tint?
How to Remove Window Tint?

If you have trouble with damaged and peeled window tint, you should remove it and get your car windows installed with a new window film. This would also enhance the look of your car and you wouldn’t need to worry about fixing the old tint. So, you can remove the window tint easily without damaging or scratching the glass by referring to How to Remove Window Tint.

How to Care for Your Window Tint and Avoid Wrinkling or Peeling?

To avoid such damages getting onto your window films, you should make sure to take good care of your car window tint, from the very first day you install it. So, we would like to share some of the most important instructions that would help you in the long run. Refer to Window Tint Aftercare Tips.

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