How to Remove Vehicle Window Tint

​Even the best automotive window tint film can become discolored or bubbly over time, even quicker when a poor quality product or subpar installation was used. To protect your car and its windows, you’ll need to remove old or shoddy tint film to lay a new coat. While we don’t recommend DIY tint removal, in today’s post, our tint experts offer an overview of how the process is completed. 

At Jet Black Tint, we spend a considerable amount of time removing old, damaged, and poorly installed window tint film. If you would prefer to skip the hassle and avoid further damaging your windows by doing the tint removal yourself, bring your vehicle to the professionals at your local Bay Area Jet Black Tint. 

When to Remove Window Tint

Whether you are looking to upgrade and replace your car’s window tint, there are several reasons you may want to remove your window tint.

Bubbles

Bubbles in tint film can happen over time when solar energy and heat break down adhesive on the film. With compromised adhesive, the film will detach itself, causing air bubbles to form. When window tint film is not properly installed or products with low-quality adhesive are used, it may begin to bubble shortly after application. Bubbles along the edge of tint film appear as peeling. 

Discoloration 

Tint film discoloration can take on many forms and hues. Commonly, fading over time occurs to even the best tint as it is exposed to direct sunlight. Higher quality carbon and ceramic tints may not fade as quickly, but eventually, it all will. Cheaply made tint film may change colors caused by inconsistency in dyes and reactions to sun and heat. Some tint films may appear purple over time as the darker dyes fade, while others can yellow as the adhesive ages. 

Clarity Changes 

In addition to color changes in window tint, clarity and the ability to safely see through the windows down clearly is a good reason to remove old tint. Changes in clarity may include a foggy or cloudy appearance or color speckles. 

Cracks or Other Damage 

If tint film is not removed when bubbles occur, the air pockets may eventually pop. This is more common in widows that are rolled down. When the bubbles pop, the film may begin to peel or curl around the bubble edges causing cracks and unsightly crinkled and peels that may flake off or scratch the glass surface. 

DIY Window Tint Removal

There are several cheap DIY methods to remove window tint. Applying heat to melt the adhesive or peeling the tint off with ammonia or soapy water are effective ways to remove even car window tint. Let’s take a closer look at some of these methods.

Use a Steamer​

If you’ve got a clothing steamer at home, you can use it as the heat source to safely remove car window tint. 

1. Roll your vehicle window down just enough that the top edge of the window tint covering is visible.
2. Hold the steamer a few inches away from the tinted window and slowly steam the entire outside of the window, making sure to focus on the edges.
3. Steam the inside of the window using the same method until the window is evenly and thoroughly steamed.
4. Once the entire window has been steamed, carefully lift up the corners of the window tint using a straight razor and slowly work your way toward the middle, re-steaming as necessary to completely remove the adhesive. 

Use a Hair Dryer​ or a Heat Gun

Using a standard hair dryer is another effective method to remove vehicle window tint film, but will require more time and patience than using a steamer.

1. Roll the window down just enough that the top edge of the window tint is visible.
2. Turn the hairdryer on the highest heat setting and pass over one corner of the window tint on the inside until the adhesive begins to melt and you can peel the tint up. You can use a razor to assist.
3. As you lift the tint off of the window, continue to run the hair dryer, and pointed directly at the adhesive in the spot you are peeling. 

Use Ammonia or Soap and Water​

If you choose to use soaking methods, ensure that your skin, airway, and vehicle surfaces are protected from ammonia and ensure you have adequate ventilation. Never mix ammonia and other chemicals. 

1. Spray ammonia on the inside of the car window until it is completely covered. Place garbage bags directly on the ammonia – it should stick. If the garbage bags will not stick to the window, use tape to help them stay up.
2. Let this sit for 1-2 hours while the ammonia soaks in and loosens the window tint adhesive.
3. Remove the garbage bags and use a razor to peel up the corner of the window tint. Slowly peel the film off. 

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.

Remove the Remaining Adhesive

​After you’ve peeled off your window tint film, it is likely that there will be some adhesive residue on the glass. To remove it all, try this. 

1. Spray the area with remaining adhesive with isopropyl alcohol, nail polish remover, ammonia, or commercial adhesive remover like Goo Gone.
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. Avoid using abrasive materials like scrub brushes or paper towels. 

Professional Tint Removal and Replacement 

We applaud those ambitious do-it-yourselfers, but at Jet Black Tint, we are standing by ready to quickly and efficiently remove and/or replace your car’s window tint film. To make things more convenient, you can choose from any one of our 13 Bay Area or Katy, Texas locations and book your appointment online. Avoid the hassle and let your local tint experts remove your window film for you. Schedule your services today.