3 Easy Methods on How to Remove Window Tint

It’s summertime once again and I suddenly realized that my car’s window tint was not dark enough to protect me from the harsh sunlight.

When I drive out during the afternoon, I could feel the heat of the sun burning on my face. Imagine, I had to wear sunblock even though I was just inside the car!

So, I decided to embark on a project to remove my window car tint so I can install new and darker ones. I also noticed that some of it had air bubbles inside them - definitely time to get them out.

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how to remove window tint

One of our customers also dropped by and asked to remove the window tint from her car. Looking at the car tint, it seems that it has seen better days and definitely needed to be removed. So, I also shared with her some easy methods on how she can easily remove the tint on her own.

Well, she opted to have someone do it for her lest she causes some serious damage. Anyway, she was willing to watch me and my team perform the removal for future reference.

There are different methods in removing the car tint, and it depends on the availability of the materials that you have. Also, one method may be more difficult than another, so it is up to you to make a choice.

Fortunately, I had all the materials handy, so what I did was use one removal method for each side of my car. I’d like to share with you some methods on how to remove window tint from your car.

how to remove window tint

via Tint City

The combination of heat and ammonia works well to melt away the glue and makes it easier to remove the tint. Be careful though because ammonia emits toxic fumes which are hazardous to the health so take necessary precautions and wear protective gear.

What you need

  • A small cutter
  • 10 or more large garbage bags
  • Surgical face mask
  • 2 large spray bottles
  • Ammonia
  • Very fine steel wool
  • Paper towels or clean rags
  • Glass cleaner
  • Regular detergent or dishwashing soap

What to do

  1. Take one large plastic bag and measure it against the size of your car’s window. Cut off the part that you need.
  2. In one spray bottle, mix together clean water plus detergent or liquid dishwashing soap. Just put enough soap to create suds. Spray this on the outside of your car’s window.
  3. Right after spraying with soapy water, spread the cut garbage bag and flatten it across the surface.
  4. Use a tarp to protect lights, speakers, or upholstery that are near the windows. Put on a face mask to protect yourself from the harmful ammonia fumes.
  5. In another spray bottle, pour some ammonia into it and cover. Spray this on the car tint directly then apply another garbage bag while still wet. As it dries out in the sun, the garbage bags help trap the heat and make the tint easier to peel off.
  6. Use a small cutter or razor blade to gently lift one corner of the window tint. Moisten the tint as you peel.
  7. After removing all of the tint, remove the leftover adhesive with ammonia and very fine steel wool. Wipe it off with a paper towel or clean rag before it dries up.
  8. Remove the external garbage bags and clean with regular window cleaner.

Method 2: Steaming the Car Tint

how to remove window tint

via Auto Deets

Using steam is the easiest way to remove window tint. It removes the stickiness of the glue and the tint peels off easily just like cellophane. This is by far the easiest and fastest way to remove window tint.

What you need

  • Fabric steamer or regular steam cleaner
  • Clean cloths
  • Adhesive remover such as Goo Off or Goo Gone

What to do

  1. Steam your windows and watch the tint come off. The adhesive melts because of the heat making the tint peel off by itself.
  2. After the tint has been removed spray with an adhesive remover to remove the glue residue then wipe it clean.
  3. You may also use a window cleaner to thoroughly clean the windows.

Method 3: Soapy Water, Newspapers, and Scraping

how to remove window tint

via Window Tintz

Soap and water also washes away the adhesive used in the window tint. The newspapers help in keeping the tint wet, so the tint comes off easily.

This method may take more time that using ammonia and steaming because you also need to scrape off the tint. However, the materials used are more readily available unlike a steamer, and is also safer than ammonia.

What you need

  • Old newspapers
  • Clean sponge
  • Detergent and water
  • Razor blade
  • Clean rags
  • Spray bottle filled with soapy water

What to do

  1. With a sponge, apply soapy water to the windows and cover with a newspaper.
  2. Let it seep for an hour and keep on spraying soapy water on the newspaper to keep it moist.
  3. With the razor blade, scrape off the tint from the top with long strokes. Apply soapy water with a sponge as you scrape so it will wash out the adhesive and make it easier to remove the tint.
  4. When the tint is removed, you may proceed to cleaning the with a window cleaner.

Conclusion

Upon reading the article, which of the methods did you like best? I’m sure that if you didn’t have a steamer you’d probably be out the door and buy one right away.

Personally, steaming the windows is the easiest and fastest way for me. What I normally do was also steam my upholstery to sanitize it -- it’s like hitting two birds with one stone. Saving time, saving effort, plus I get a cleaner car in the process.

how to remove window tint

What do you think? Do you have other tips that you’d like to share with us? We are also open to receive feedback, comments, and suggestions from our dear readers- don’t hesitate to contact us. We would definitely love to hear your thoughts and creative ideas.

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