×
Get 5% off in-app
400k+ download
Open app

How to Remove Tint from Car Windows – 3 Popular DIY Methods

  • Car Care Tips
  • Celine Jerly
  • 8 minutes

Share

Need a quick solution to remove the tinted film from your car window? Before you start scrapping and peeling, take a quick look at these DIY methods everyone recommends. Find out when and how to remove tint from car windows.  Save around $3000/year on your car expenses

Window tints do a decent job of protecting your car interiors from UV and heat. But how long do they last? The general assessment is up to 5 – 10 years, depending on the weather it is frequently exposed to and the quality of the tint. However, cheap car window tints won’t last more than a couple of years.  

If you are trying to figure out how to remove tint from your car windows without taking it to the shop, these DIY methods are highly recommended.  

When should you remove your car window tint?

Now there could be several reasons for the car tint removal. One could be in case of replacement. Just look for signs such as discoloration, peeling, or bubbling on your window, and you’ll know if it’s time to get a new one.

On average, standard car window tints are replaced every five years. It will last longer if your car has higher-quality tints with ceramic, metal, or polyester. Warm weather and products used to clean the glass also affect the lifespan of your window tint.  

Ammonia in cleaning products and heat exposure melts the adhesive over time, which causes air bubbles and, eventually, peeling or scraping. Silver/green-tinted film also discolors over time, reducing UV protection’s effect.

Also, the car tint law in the US differs in each state. For instance, Michigan tint law suggests that the passenger and driver windows have at least 35% or more VLT (Visible Light Transmission). In contrast, the New Jersey tint law prohibits any tint on the windshield and front side windows.

So, if you relocate or buy a car out-of-state, you may have to remove or make changes to the existing window tint to avoid any face-offs with the law. The following DIY solutions for ‘how to remove tint from your car windows’ come in handy.

via GIPHY

Is it easy to remove the tint from the car window?

When it comes to removing the tint from your car windows, there are two important things that come into play. One, removing the tint film and second, removing the adhesive from the auto glass. If done correctly and also if your tint has lived its life, the tint will come off easily.

But if the adhesive is too strong, then be patient and try out the below DIYs one by one. Just ensure you don’t put in too much pressure while peeling the tint off the window, you may end up tearing the film inappropriately, leaving tiny bits of tint residue on the glass, adding to your misery.

How to remove car window tint

Removing tints from car windows just needs a bit of patience and the right tools, which are easily available. But installing a new tint needs some experience – if not done properly, you’ll be replacing the tint again soon.  

You can learn how to remove window tint from your car safely. But to replace it, we highly recommend opting for a professional service.  

Can you wash your car after getting the windows tinted? Click here to find out.

Keeping safety in mind – for you and your car – try these DIY methods for removing tint from car windows with the right tools.  So here is how to remove tint from car windows at home. 

#1 – How to remove car window tint using a blade 

How to remove tint from car window - DIY methods
Image Courtesy – zphoto83

It is easy to pick up that blade and get to work on your already peeling car window tint. But don’t forget the risks – you can easily damage the glass too. Keep a lot of soapy water handy, as it could make your job easier.

Here’s how to remove tint from your car windows using a razor or knife. 

Always start from a corner – gently lift the edge of the tint film and start peeling. If your car window tint has seen its day, you won’t face much resistance. This method works for tints already detached from the glass, with the adhesive melting and air bubbles forming due to longer exposure.  

Make sure not to hurry with this DIY window tint removal method; do not scrape and tug aggressively. If any portion of the tint is stuck, you can use soap and water to loosen up the adhesive and try again.

Not working? Try the next method 

You may also like – Types of Tint for Your Car Windows- Everything to Know

#2 – Steam it or heat it off 

How to remove tint from car window - DIY methods
Image Courtesy – Roman

To get the tint off your car window, you must loosen up the adhesive. Applying moderate heat does the job quicker. Hence, using a steamer is our favorite for DIY-ing car window tint removal. You can also use a heat gun or hair dryer. But even at the highest setting removing the window tint with a hair dryer requires more time than a steamer.  

Here’s how to remove tint from car windows using a steamer or heat gun: 

  • Roll down your car window to keep the edge of the tint film at the top visible. 
  • Steam the entire window thoroughly from inside and outside, especially the edges.  
  • A steam cleaner tool is most effective for this method, but you can also try a fabric steamer.  
  • Make sure to hold the steamer/hair dryer/heat gun a couple of inches from the window. 
  • Keep steaming till the adhesive starts dissolving.  
  • You may notice the edges of the tint film curling. Or use a knife or your fingernail to gently lift up the edge. If the steaming is effective, it should come off easily.  
  • Apply more steam/heat to loosen up any areas that remain stuck as you peel.  

#3 – Removing tint film with ammonia 

How to remove tint from car window - DIY method
Image Courtesy – zephyr_p

Make sure to prioritize safety when using any chemical near your car. In this case, wear safety gloves, masks, and glasses before starting the window tint removal process. Use tarps, plastic sheets, or even garbage bags to protect your car interiors. Don’t forget to cover the window frame and other parts of the door.  

Here’s how ammonia is used in removing tint from car windows: 

  • Cut garbage bags or plastic sheets to fit the shape and size of your car window. 
  • Spray soapy water outside your window to stick the cut-up sheets. 
  • Spray ammonia on the other side (inside) of the window glass. Once fully sprayed, cover with cut-up plastic sheets or garbage bags. Use tape to hold them in place if they are not sticking. 
  • Wait for the ammonia to soak in and dissolve the adhesive for at least two hours.  
  • Once the tint film loosens, lift the edge with your fingernail or knife and start peeling. 
  • If the ammonia has soaked in well, there won’t be resistance. You can use the knife or fingernail to carefully lift up any stuck areas.  

Instead of ammonia and plastic sheets, you can use hot water-soap mix and newspapers. The newspaper soaks up the soapy water quickly and dries – so keep spraying it with the liquid. It’s best to do this outside on a sunny day, as the heat helps speed up the process. After a couple of hours, scrape off the newspaper; usually, the tint comes off with it. Use a non-metallic scraper to avoid scratching the window glass.  

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. You can also try nail polish remover if there isn’t much to clean. Finally, wash the glass or wipe it with a cleaning solution to complete the job.  

As mentioned above, do not attempt to install a new car window tint yourself without the necessary experience or skills. If not properly done, the tint film might not stick well, and you’ll be looking for DIY removal tips again!

What should you do if the adhesive is too strong while removing the tint from the car window?

Use the warm washing water to wet the tint glue that is still on the window. The fluid can also be put on with a spray bottle or a cloth. Make sure you use enough to cover the whole area with glue dust. Allow the washing water to sit for some time to loosen the window tint glue.

Is it safe to remove the tint from car windows using a blade by yourself? 

Removing window tint isn’t super risky, but it does involve blades, chemicals, and potentially hot water, so you need to be careful. Grab this equipment to stay safe. Mechanics gloves for not only protecting your hands from razor blades but to also not coat your hands in gooey, disgusting tint glue. 

What is the cost of getting a professional service for replacing car window tint?  

It costs about $50 to $650 to get new window glass for your car. Here’s what you need to do to get new window tint: The worker will have to look at the tint you already have and decide how to get rid of it. 

Related Posts

wave

Press ESC to close