Removing Car Window Tint

Removing the window tint from your car windows may sound pretty straightforward and for the most part, it is. However, it can often be more time consuming than putting the tint on in the first place. If you plan to remove your own window tint, make sure that you allot enough time to do so. There is a little more involved in this task than simply stripping the old tint away. If it was put on properly then it will be stuck on very well. Make sure that you have all that you need to get started in this job before you get to it.

This job is best done on a sunny day because heat is necessary. It could take a long time if the tint is really stuck on and you will end up suffering if it is incredibly hot out. Most tint has two layers, one of which will be relatively easy to get off while the other will be quite difficult. It is essential that you attempt to remove both layers together otherwise you will be stuck picking away at the second layer, possibly for hours. It is extremely important to note that back window tint is stuck on the defrost lines. Take extreme caution or you risk damaging some of those lines.

If you have any type of obstructions around the window, like speakers or anything else, make sure to move it. More obstacles in your way are only going to hinder your progress. Use a garbage bag for this next step. You will have to cut it quite large so that it fits over your entire window. Spray the outside of the window with water and lay the bag over top of it. Now you must get on the inside of the car with some ammonia, which must be used with the utmost in safety and care. Spray the inside of the window with the ammonia and then park the car in the sun. Do not breathe any ammonia in. Cover the ammonia with plastic as well to prevent evaporation.

The point of doing this is to get the glue on the window tint to loosen so that it can be easily peeled. Let the window sit facing the sun for an hour or so. After that you should be able to peel back the tint. Leave the bag on the window and use a razor blade to peel off the tint slowly, starting at the edge. After you get the tint off you will have to immediately start on the cleanup of the window. Use fine steel wool and some more ammonia to get the adhesive off. Quite often the ammonia is only needed for back window tint. Side windows tend to be easier to deal with.

Give the entire window a good wash to remove the ammonia. Then go over it with some good window cleaner such as Windex. Remember, this is not generally a fast process. Be patient and take your time so that it comes off the first time you try it.