Removing window tint would be a challenging task if you haven’t done any research yet. You are reading the ideal article that would teach you, new tips and hacks in removing window tint. The main reason for having window tints is to get protected from harmful UV rays, for privacy or as a trend. The separation of window tint from the glass would initiate as a result of extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Once this happens, air escapes into possible spaces between the glass and the tint, creating visible bubbles and increases the rate of peeling off.
Once a part of the tint peels off, another part would still be left on the glass as a sticky residue. This would need to be scraped separately, but might leave scratch marks on the glass. Therefore, considering all these challenges, removing window tint wisely is a mandatory task that you should be capable of.
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Reasons for Removing Window Tint
- As described above, one major reason that you might want to remove tint off your car window would be due to damaged film. Once bubbling occurs, you have no other option than to remove the tint and replace it with a new film.
- Another reason might be that you would be fed up with the old look and need to replace the old shade of tint with a new attractive color or shade.
- Discoloration occurs over time and the window tint would turn into a purplish shade. This is when you need to replace the tint in order to block UV rays and safeguard yourself. This change in color occurs as a result of the breakdown in non-metallic dyes. This cannot be repaired and needs to be replaced right away.
- The other reason for removing car tint would be because it is illegal in certain state laws.
- Sometimes you might simply not want tinted windows and would need to remove them. Especially if you just bought a used vehicle with tinted windows, you might want to get rid of them in the first place.
5 Simple Methods to Remove Window Tint
1. Soap and Scrape Method
This is one of the easiest methods applicable for tint removal. But since it is much more time-consuming, it is advised to follow another method for tint removal in large windows.
What you need:
- Water
- Glass Cleaner
- Dish Soap
- Razor Blade
- Spray Bottle
Lift the corner of a tint using a razor blade. Next, firmly grasp the detached corner and gently peel it off in a single piece. Repeat the process until the whole film or most of it has come off. Then create a soap mixture using the soap, water, and the spray bottle. Spray this soap mixture to the sticky residue that has been left behind on the glass. Repeat this while scraping off the remaining film particles carefully off the glass window. Finally, use a glass cleaner to clean the window.
2. Soap and Newspaper Method
This is quite similar to the soap and scrape method but requires less effort when scraping.
What you need:
- Water
- Razor Blade
- Dish Soap
- Newspaper
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Towels
- Glass Cleaner
Create a soap mixture in a bucket. Apply this soap mixture to the window that has damaged tint film and cover it with newspapers. Soak the outside of the newspaper with soapy water, without letting it dry, and keep it for about an hour. Next, peel off the newspaper along with the film of tint with a razor blade in long strips. If tint residue remains on the window, follow the same procedure if it doesn’t come off easily.
3. Ammonia and Sun
If you have a good sunny climate, then this is the best option for tint removal.
What you need:
- Dish Soap
- Razor Blade
- Scissors
- Spray Bottle
- Black polythene garbage bags
- Spray Bottle of Ammonia
- Steel Wool
Like in all methods above, prepare a soap mixture. Cut out a polythene garbage bag of enough length and width to cover the inside and outside of your window. Apply soap mixture and paste the black polythene over the outside of the window. Spray Ammonia on the inside of the window and cover it with black polythene. Let this stay in the sun for about an hour. The Ammonia and heat would loosen the effect of the adhesive that holds the film of tint. Remove the polythene. Use a razor blade to pry up a corner and peel off the film of tint. Clean any remaining with steel wool.
4. Hairdryer Method
Even though this method can be a bit messy, this can be done either using a heat gun or a hairdryer.
What you need:
- Hairdryer
- Razor Blade
- Paper Towels
- Glass Cleaner
- Cloth
Heat the window tint using a hairdryer. Blow hot air to the glass while holding the hairdryer about two inches away from the window. First, heat a corner of the tint so that you can easily pry up a corner and start to peel it off. Peel off the film of tint while blowing hot air continuously. Rub off the remaining adhesive using a clean cloth and finally clean your window using glass cleaner.
5. Steamer Removal Method
You would need to rent a fabric steamer, but you would not regret the decision as you can save more time in the process of tint removal.
What you need:
- Fabric Steamer
- Adhesive Remover
- Water
- Paper Towels
After filling water into the fabric steamer, turn the machine on. Choose a corner of the window and hold the steam about one inch away from the window. Pry up a corner with your fingernail and slowly peel off the tint. Spray some adhesive remover on the glass and wipe it with paper towels.
Why You Should Hire Professionals to Remove Tints from Car Windows
Even though this may seem an easy task, window tint removal is a tedious task that should be done with care and precision. Proper understanding of the type of tint used on the car window is very essential in determining the best method for window tint removal. You should also make sure that you do not damage the car or hurt yourself during the process. Hence, it is highly recommended to seek professional advice and hire qualified professionals for this task. The most preferred method among professionals is the new Ammonia method where Ammonia is sprayed onto the film of tint and wiped clean as it starts to get dissolved.
Tint Removal Cost
The amount of money you would have to spend on removing the tint of your car window would depend on the type of window, type of car, and the type of tint used. The tint removal cost may vary depending on the type and quality of work expected. Nevertheless, the average tint removal cost would be greater than $50. If you really need to remove the tint at a cheaper price, you can try out to remove most of it by yourself first, and then proceed with professional help at negotiable charges. High-quality tint removal services might cost around $200 to $400 for an entire car.
What is the Easiest Way to Remove Window Tint?
From all the methods described above, the easiest method for tint removal would be using a hairdryer to warm up the adhesive. Nevertheless, it would leave behind parts of tint on the glass and would be a bit messy. The most effective method for tint removal would be the ammonia and sun method as it would melt the adhesive for easy removal of the film.
Removing the Remaining Adhesive Left Behind
After peeling off window tint, it is most likely to leave behind most of the glue and adhesives used to hold the film in place on the glass of the window. Therefore, you would have to clean away these using some removal mechanism. This can be done by spraying some nail polish remover or isopropyl alcohol over the leftover glue and wiping it off. Also, more Ammonia can be used for this. When rubbing off the remaining adhesive, it is recommended to use a rag or a microfiber cloth. If there are stubborn areas, apply more removal liquid and wipe it off. But, make sure not to scratch or damage the glass in this process.
What are the Alternatives to Window Tinting?
There are few alternatives that can be used to replace window tinting. You can always use a small curtain to avoid scorching sunlight from getting in through the windows. This would also reduce heat getting trapped inside the car. You can customize the color, texture, and design of the curtain material and even wash, clean and change them more frequently. Using vacuum suction detachable films is another alternative that can replace window tints. These are widely available and sold at supermarkets. Nevertheless, there might be restrictions on these vacuum suction detachable films as some states have banned them from use. Therefore, always make sure to confirm your state permissions and restrictions before buying them.
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