Removing window tints

Sooner or later, a window tint needs to be removed, lifetime warranty or not.

Hint: No film lasts a lifetime!

Here are the basics you need to understand.

Car tints, safety and security and frosted films all use a pressure sensitive adhesive. Although messy to remove, it is the easier type. Generally, if the glass is warm, it comes off better. You can use an ammonia based product to soften the adhesive for a while. The use of a heat gun or hair dryer is also helpful.

In a vehicle with demister bars on the back window, avoid using a scraper, otherwise the heater bars will not work any more. Lift a corner and start peeling the film slowly,if possible. Otherwise warm the glass gently in the area you want to work on first. On side windows, you can use a sharp razor blade. Once the film is off, you have the residue of the glue. Take some citrus cleaner and a non-scratch scouring pad and keep rubbing until its gone. Change the pad as required. The razor blade should do the trick on side windows.

On flat glass in a building, you may need to cut safety film into strips, before pulling it off. Pull up or down, not away from the glass, otherwise it may break. We normally use floor stripping tools to do the job, just be careful not hurting yourself. When the film is off, use soapy water and a new blade to remove the residue. Then just clean with a squeegee. The same applies to frosting .

The second type of adhesive used is a "dry adhesive". This is used with most solar films on the market. This glue is far harder to remove and if you have toughened glass, there is a great risk of scratching the glass. The best way of removing those tints is by using a floor stripping tool and soapy water. You may need a single edged razor blade, if going is really tough. Avoid to lift the top layers, as it is easier to get the whole film off. You may need a couple of passes to get all the film and glue off. Change the blade often.

Working close to the edges requires great care, so you don't damage the frame or rubber seals. Also be careful not to break the glass and cut yourself.

Be prepared for some hard work. Take care not to get any of the glue onto carpet. Very often it turns black and sticky like chewing gum, so protect the floor.

There is one other type of adhesive. It is found on the cheap films sold in DIY and car accessory shops. It is most often the easiest to remove; the adhesive tends to be so weak, that the film almost comes off by itself.