Window tint is a popular feature on many cars, but you may want to remove the tint from your car when you buy it or after a few years of driving it if it’s not your preference. You may want to remove the new tint if it gives you tunnel vision while driving with low side mirror visibility. In another possible situation, you may want to remove the old tint if it is starting to peel or bubble, making your car look less attractive.
The quickest and most convenient way to remove car window tint is to use a steamer and a blade. The steamer helps loosen the adhesive, and you only need to gently tag at the auto glass tint to peel it off. Without a steamer, you may have to scrape off the glue with a razor blade. Either way, be sure to be careful to avoid burns and cuts.
That’s a simplified version of the process, and it takes a more step-by-step approach to remove tint from car windows safely. This post will explore a couple of methods for removing tint from car windows, including using a steamer and blade method.
Materials Needed for Car Window Tint Removal
Before you start the process, gather all the necessary materials to make the job easier and avoid any last-minute trips to the store. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Steamer
A portable, electric steamer heats up water to produce steam, which can be used to loosen the adhesive on the tint. It may get pretty hot, so be careful not to burn yourself or use too much steam on one spot for too long.
What could folks who have don’t have easy access to handheld steamers use? An alternative could be a hairdryer, though it may take longer and require more effort.
If you have a heat gun, you can use it instead of a steamer, but keep it moving, and don’t hold it too close to the glass to avoid damaging it.
2. Razor Blade
A sharp razor blade serves two purposes for one method and one purpose for the second method. In both methods, you’ll need to carefully cut the tint film into three to four large pieces, making it easier to peel off.
You’ll need to make horizontal cuts using both methods.
The second purpose is to scrape off the adhesive once the tint is removed. If you don’t have a steamer, hairdresser, or hot air gun, you’ll have to scrape the glue off.
3. Microfiber Towels
You’ll need a few clean, soft microfiber towels to wipe the windows down and remove any excess moisture.
You need microfiber towels, not regular or paper towels, which could leave lint behind or scratch the glass.
4. Glass cleaner or rubbing alcohol
You may not need this if you have a steamer, but it’s still good to have on hand. It comes in handy for removing any leftover adhesive or dirt from the glass.
5. Gloves (optional)
Gloves offer some protection against accidental burns from the steamer or hot water. If you’re using chemicals, gloves will also protect your hands.
6. Masking tape
Masking tape is helpful during the tint removal process as it can help hold pieces of film in place and prevent them from sticking to other parts of the window.
How Do You Remove Car Tint?
Now, let’s discuss in detail two reliable window tint removal techniques.
Method 1: Using a Steamer and Blade
Step 1: Prep Your Car Windows
Start by prepping your car windows before you begin removing the tint. Park your car in a shaded area if possible to avoid direct sunlight on the windows. You don’t want the tint to dry out and become harder to remove.
Step 2 Make Three Vertical Cuts
Using a razor blade, make three vertical cuts in the tint film. Don’t cut too deep and damage the defroster lines if your car has them on the back window.
Step 3: Use the Razor on the Top Edge
Use a razor blade to lift the top edge of the tint film. Start from one top corner and work your way to the other side.
Step 4: Steam the Tint
Use a steamer on the top edge you lifted earlier. If you don’t have a steamer, a hot air gun will also work, but you must be careful not to overheat and damage the window.
A blow dryer on its highest setting can also substitute for a steamer or hot air gun, but it may take longer to heat the tint.
Without these methods, the tint peels off, leaving most of the glue on your car window. Heating helps, as the glue comes off with the tint as you remove it.
Step 5: Peel Off the Tint Downwards
Direct the steamer downwards to loosen the adhesive and make it easier to peel off the film. Gently pull the loose tint downwards, as tagging too hard could rip the tint and make it harder to remove.
Step 6: Repeat Steps on the Other Cuts
Remember, we started by making three vertical incisions in the tint of the auto glass. Therefore, repeat the steps on the other center and corner of the window.
Step 7: Clean Remaining Adhesive
After all the tint has been removed, residue may remain on the window. Use a window cleaner or adhesive remover to clean it off.
Step 8: Dry with Microfiber Cloth
After completely removing the tint and cleaning off any remaining residue, dry the window with a microfiber cloth so no streaks are left behind.
Method 2 of Window Tint Removal: Soak and Scrape
If you don’t have a steamer or hot air gun, you can try another method using just soap and water.
Step 1: Use the Razor on the Top Edge
You want to start by lifting a corner of the tint using a razor blade. Start at the top edge and slowly lift the film enough to grip it with your fingers.
Step 2: Soak and Spray the Tint
Spray water mixed with dish soap on the inside of the window, generously drenching the tint. Let this liquid soak in for about an hour, and flood it some more about every 15 minutes.
Soaking with soap and water will loosen the adhesive, and you’ll have an easier time scraping off the tint. You could also spray some ammonia-based cleaner to speed up the process, but ensure it doesn’t contact any other parts of the car.
Cover the car window with a garbage bag so moisture doesn’t evaporate while you wait. Alternatively, keep the door shut to create a greenhouse effect, trapping heat and moisture inside.
Step 3: Scrape off Tint
Once the tint is soaked enough, you’ll find it easier to scrape off. Use your razor blade or scraper to remove any leftover pieces of tint on the window.
Wipe down the blade frequently onto a dry cloth so it doesn’t slide around on the window. Keep at it until all of the tint is removed.
Step 4: Clean up Adhesive Residue
After removing the tint, you may still have some adhesive residue left on the window. Use ammonia diluted in water to clean off any leftover adhesive. For more details on the cleaner solution, here’s the best homemade car window cleaner recipes and processes.
Spray this mixture onto the window and let it soak for a few minutes before scraping it off with a razor blade. This method may take you much longer than steaming, so you must be patient and careful as you scrape off the residue with your razor.
Step 5: Wipe Down and Dry
For a squeaky-clean finish, spray the entire window with soapy water. Then, wipe it down with a clean cloth.
Wipe meticulously to avoid any streaks or smudges on the window.
Always Discard The Window Tint Material
Now that you know how to remove tint from auto glass don’t forget to always safely discard the tint material. You can put it into a trash bag and dispose of it properly or bring it to a recycling center if possible.
Remember, window tint removal automatically calls for thorough window cleaning to restore full visibility for safe driving. So, here’s the best way to clean car windows.
