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Tools Needed for Window Tint Removal

Safety always comes first, and you’ll need to make sure that great care and safety tools are being used to protect yourself and others from any unexpected injuries:

As far as the tools are concerned, you will need the following:
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how to remove window tint from cars infographic

How to Remove Window Tint From Cars

​Car window tints can protect the inside of your vehicle from sun damage, keep the interior of the car cool on hot summer days, and provide extra protection and security for you and your passengers.

​However, even the best automotive window tint can become discoloured or bubbly over time, and high-quality window tint removal on your vehicle can cost hundreds of dollars.

Why break the bank paying for window tint removal when you can do it yourself just as effectively? If you’re unsure where to start, here are the best methods for removing window tint.

Why Remove Window Tint?

There are several reasons you may want to remove your window tint, whether you simply want to replace it or remove it altogether.

It’s a good idea to assess why and when you may want to remove your window tint for both aesthetic and practical purposes.

Bubbles

Car window tint film will start to bubble over time because the sun hits the adhesive that is applied to the window.

As the sun strikes the window tint, the heat breaks down the adhesive, and it becomes less sticky, detaching itself from the window and causing air bubbles.

Discoloration

Both silver tint for cars and green tinted car windows will begin to discolor over time as well, also due to the sun’s UV rays.

Not only will the tint begin to change color, but it may lose its ability to protect the car from the sun, and it is a good idea to replace your old window tint with a newer one.

Methods for Removing Window Tint Yourself

There are several different inexpensive methods to easily remove window tint by yourself.

Applying heat to melt the adhesive or peeling the tint off with ammonia or soapy water are all easy and effective ways to remove even professional car window tints.

​Here’s how to remove window tint on a budget.

Using a Steamer

  1. Roll your vehicle window down a small amount so the top edge of the window tint covering is visible.
  2. Hold the steamer a couple of inches away from the window and steam the entire outside of the window, making sure to steam the edges of the window tint thoroughly. This will help the adhesive to dissolve more than if you were only to steam the inside of the car window.
  3. Steam the inside of the window using the same method until the window is evenly and thoroughly steamed.
  4. Once steamed, carefully lift the corners of the window tint using a razor. If the edges of the window tint do not easily come off, apply more steam to further loosen the adhesive.
  5. Once the edges are peeled off, you can remove the rest of the tint by slowly peeling it off with your hands, peeling from the top of the window down. Continue to apply steam as you peel and apply more steam where the tint is particularly sticky.

Using a Hair Dryer or a Heat Gun

  1. Using a hair dryer to loosen the window tint’s adhesive is another effective method but will require more patience than using a steamer. Roll the window down so that the top edge of the window tint covering is visible and accessible to peel.
  2. On high, run the hairdryer over one corner of the window tint on the inside of the car until the glue begins to melt and you can lift it off. Use a razor to peel off the edge for this method as well, until you can peel the rest off with your hands.
  3. As you peel, continue to run the hair dryer over the window tint in the spot you are peeling. This may be slow, but as you continue to apply heat to the section you are peeling off, the glue will melt and it will become easier to remove.

Using Ammonia or Soap and Water​

  1. Protect your car’s interior from ammonia by taping tarps, plastic sheets, or even garbage bags to your interior doors and window frame.
  2. Cut black garbage bags to fit the size of the insides and outsides of your car windows. Spray soap and water on the outside of each window to help the garbage bags stick. Apply each of the garbage bags to the outside of each of the windows.
  3. Spray ammonia on the inside of the car windows until each window is completely covered and place the garbage bags on top. If the garbage bags will not stick to the window, use tape to help them stay up.
  4. Wait for 1-2 hours while the ammonia soaks in and loosens the window tint’s adhesive.
  5. Remove the garbage bags and use a razor to peel up the corner of the window tint. Slowly peel it off until the window tint is removed. If any parts of the window tint get stuck, use the razor to lift the tint and continue peeling.
  6. If you don’t have ammonia or prefer to use soap and water, follow the same spraying and peeling method using hot water mixed with soap.

Removing the Remaining Adhesive

​After you’ve peeled off your window tint, it is likely that there will be a small amount of adhesive remaining on your windows but have no fear! This adhesive is easy and inexpensive to remove as well, using the following method.
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  1. Spray the area with the remaining adhesive with either isopropyl alcohol, nail polish remover, or more ammonia.
  2. Use a rag or microfiber cloth to rub away the remaining adhesive. Apply more of your removal liquid to stubborn areas and scrub until your window is clean!

What Next?

Now that you’ve learned how to remove window tint, you’re ready to give it a go.

Once removed, you may decide it’s time to apply a new set of window tint, whether it be for UV protection or solely for the look of tinted windows.

Consider investing in professional car window tinting at a car tint shop for the best results and maximum protection.

​Whether you want to keep your windows untinted or have them redone, you’ll never have to break the bank getting your bubbly or discolored window tint removed again.

Also check Best Window Tint For Cars