Car windows are usually tinted for UV protection, extended privacy, and style. But car tints do not last forever. You will need to replace them at least once every five years.
Some common reasons you need to remove window tins include bubbling, discoloration, and patches. Removing window tint is fairly easy and doing it yourself will save you extra money on labor. However, if you’re looking for the quickest method, it’s best to go to a shop that specializes in window tint removal. You may also use car sun shade for this purpose.
In the case that you do have time to complete the job yourself, we’ve outlined 5 different methods that you can use to remove window tint. Every method requires a set of different materials so make sure you have all the prerequisites before you start with the removal process.
Method #1: Soap And Scrape Method
How to remove tint from car windows? Remove the tinted film using a razor and peel it off. After maximum shaving is done, remove the residue and fixative with soapy water and manual scraping.
Materials Required
- Dish of soapy water/ clean water
- Spray bottles
- Cleaning towels or pieces of cloth
- Blades or a sharp tool
Procedure
This tint removal method is slightly difficult and tiring. The first step is to cut the corner of the tint using any sharp tool and make a flap. Gently hold the flap and peel it off slowly so that the majority of the tint is out in one go.
If the entire film doesn’t come out, repeat the process. Now rub off the residue by simply using soapy water and some elbow grease. Clean the window glass with water spray and wipe it off with a towel.
Method #2: Soap And Newspaper Method
This method on how to remove tint involves peeling away the tint by using a newspaper.
Materials Required
- Dish of soapy water/ clean water
- Spray bottle
- Razor
- Newspaper
- Sponge
Procedure
It’s a simpler method. Soak newspaper in a dish of warm soapy water. Stick the wet newspaper on to the window. Continuously spray newspaper with soapy water every 15 minutes to avoid the newspaper drying out. Peel the newspaper along with the tint by using a razor. Wipe away the residue with a sponge.
Method # 3: Use Heating Techniques
Our third method for removing window tint involves applying heat to the entire window before pulling the tint off. You’ll have the best results if you can apply the heat evenly. This will cause the majority of the adhesive to come off.
Materials Required
- Glass cleaner
- Hairdryer
Procedure
If you don’t want to engage in a long-drawn method, this procedure is suitable for you. Hold the hairdryer about 2 inches from the window and turn it on high until the glue melts enough to pry the edge up with your fingernail. Peel off the film and adhesives. Once the glue is removed, wash the car windows with glass cleaner.
Method #4: Using Steam Method
Looking to remove old window tinting the easy way? This method involves using a fabric steamer to melt the glue and tints off your car windows.
Materials Required
- Fabric steamer
- Water
- Dry Cloth or paper towels
Procedure
This is one of the easiest techniques to get rid of your car tint. Fill your steamer with water. Place the steamer at a distance of 1 inch from the window. Firmly hold it for about a minute, until the glue melts, then peel off the tint. Rub off and remove the adhesives with a paper cloth or towel.
Method # 5: Using The Ammonia And Solar Technique
This window tint removal method involves garbage bags and ammonia solution.
Materials Required
- Multiple unused polythene garbage bags
- Spray bottle with the ammonia solution
- Dish of soapy water
- Paper towels
Procedure
This method is quite similar to the newspaper method. Take the garbage bag and cut it according to the size of your car window. Spray soapy water on the outside of your window and stick the plastic bag on it. Spray ammonia solution on the inside of the window, but make sure you wear a protective mask so you won’t inhale the fumes.
Cover with the second garbage bag before the ammonia can dry. Let the plastic soak up the sun for at least 20 minutes before removing the bag. Dig up a corner of the film and gently peel the tint away. Wipe the adhesive off and let it dry.