Car tinting is a valuable investment that enhances the visual appeal of your car while shielding it from heat, harsh light, and unwanted glares. The questions may arise that ‘how to remove tint from car window?’.
However, there are instances when removing tint becomes indispensable. You can tackle the task either by seeking professional help or by doing it yourself. This step-by-step guide will teach you the trick;
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Seeking Professional Help
If you want the removal process to be quick and efficient, it is best to hire a professional assistant. Given the number of windows in your car, it could become tedious and overwhelming. Experienced contractors have the expertise to do the task without mistakes or mishaps like scratching or breaking windows.
They also have the right tools and solutions to remove the tint. Though they cost you money, they can save you valuable time and relieve you, of the burden of investing your energy in a DIY tint-removing mission. They can also cater to your preferences and provide you the convenience of removing the shade film as well as re-tinting your vehicle. Seeking professional help can also alleviate safety hazards as the process requires sharp tools and strong chemicals.
However, employing professional teams can sometimes not be an option due to certain reasons. Hiring them can be too heavy on the pocket or may not align with your schedule. It would also deprive the self-learned enthusiasts of their chance to be creative. They also take away your chance of learning a new skill and make you dependent on them for future projects of car window tint removal.
Finding the right service can be quite a hassle and you might end up at the hands of an unprofessional. Keeping in mind all the pros and cons mentioned here so you can make a better decision whether to rely on a professional team for removing tints or DIY.
How to Remove Window Tints Safely: DIY
Vehicles carry immense significance in the lives of many people. Autos are their most precious asset and many individuals derive pleasure from addressing all matters concerning their cars by applying their preferred window tint level film. It is usually safe to hire an expert’s help if you do not have the relevant experience of removing tints. However, if you are confident about your skill, DIY window tint removal could save you the hassle of looking for professional help. You can also save money and derive gratification by doing the task yourself.
Factors to Consider For Removing Car Shade Tints
Here are some factors to consider before executing the tint-removing project.
- How long the tint has been on? The older the tints are the harder they are to remove.
- Weather also plays a part in the process. The warmer the weather the easier it is to loosen the adhesive.
- The type of the film matters too when it comes to taking it off. Ceramic is the best and most expensive one and the hardest to remove. Then there is metallic, carbon, and dyed. Depending on the type of film, the process of removing it is determined. Some are tougher to remove than others.
Step-by-Step Instructions
If you are ready to undertake the task, here is a step-by-step guide for removing tint from car windows at home. Read all the directions and undertake the mission only when you are confident about your knowledge and skill.
Materials Needed:
Gather the required tools.
- Gloves and masks for your safety.
- A sharp blade, scrapper, or razor to scrape off the coating.
- Water spray.
- Washing soap to make the coating softer and clean the residues left behind.
- Glass cleaner(optional).
- A handy thermal appliance like a hair dryer, steamer, or heat gun to loosen the glue.
- Sheets to protect the interior of the automobile.
- Paper towels for wiping the window.
- Ammonia (optional)
Step 1: Preparing For Tint Removal
Cover the interior of the car completely to avoid accidents. Cover the seats with either plastic sheets or blankets. Wrap adhesive sheets all over the door to shield them from water or chemicals spilling over. Also, do not forget about the electronics to avoid water or heat damage.
After the preliminary steps, it is time to get to the main task. Roll down the window a few centimeters to access the edge of the coating. The edge of the tint is pasted right on the top of the window and you will not be able to access the window if it is not rolled down.
Step 2: Applying Heat
Take your heating appliance. Aim for the edge of the film on the top of the window. Apply the heat at the highest speed. Continue in an up-and-down motion until the glue starts dissolving. Start with the smaller windows first. The rear window needs extra attention and patience. It needs longer to come off.
Step 3: Removing Tint from Car Window
Now that the coating is a bit soft scrap the edge of the film. When the edge loosens peel off the rest of the sheet slowly with your hands. This is the most crucial step to remove tint from car window. Peel the sheet slowly and carefully to avoid ripping it or leaving behind residues.
Step 4: Cleaning The Residue
For the remaining residues, add a little soap in the water and spray it over the window to soften the adhesive and make the tint-removing process easier. You can also use a nail polish remover or ammonia to clean up any leftover glue.
Step 5: Repeat
Follow the same steps for all the windows. Always start with the side mirrors because they are the smallest and easiest to remove tint from car window. It will boost your confidence to move forward with your mission. After the side mirrors, move on to the door windows and practice your skills. Leave the rear window to the last as it takes more effort and technique due to its size. Any negligence while removing the rear window can damage the defroster.
Safety Precautions
Do not forget to take all the necessary safety precautions before starting a DIY venture like this.
- Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from the chemicals and heat.
- Wear safety gloves to avoid accidents with sharp objects.
- Make sure to park the car in an airy spot to avoid suffocation due to heat or chemicals.
- Wear a mask to protect yourself from inhaling hazardous fumes.
- Protect the interior from the solvents with plastic mats and blankets.
- Trash the residues after the task is done.
Alternate Ways (Remove Automobile Window Tints at Home without Heat)
Vinegar and Water Solution :
Take an equal amount of vinegar and water. Spray it on the window and leave it for 20 to 30 minutes. The acidity of the vinegar will soften the coating to clean it up. Now slowly peel it off.
Ammonia and Water Solution :
Mix ammonia, soap, and warm water equally in a spray bottle and use it on the tints to soften the adhesive. Wait for 30 minutes. The film will come off easily.
Acetone and Nail Polish Remover :
Use acetone or nail polish remover to soften the films by sticking it to the window using tape and plastic sheets. They can also remove any stubborn residues left behind.
Soap and Water Solution :
Dishwashing soap or baby shampoo mixed with water accomplishes the same results.
FAQs
Diluted vinegar solution does not harm the windows. It is not too harsh on the windows and is the cheapest alternative to the store bought harsh solutions.
Heating the film is an alternative option to remove tint from car window.
Removing tints from your automobile requires skill, precision, and patience. It can be a disaster if you lose focus or rush into the process. You can scratch, stain, and even break the window if you miscalculate any step. However, with the right information, the required equipment, and the correct groundwork you can successfully remove the blackening films from your vehicle.
Yes, you can remove tints from the rear window at home easily. Repeat the same steps that you followed for the other windows. It requires double the time and effort the other windows need because of its size. It requires more heat to break down the adhesive. You should also avoid damaging the defroster line.
The period of the process solely depends on the experience of the person concerned. Usually, the process takes only a couple of hours but if you are new to the job it might take longer.
Conclusion
All this discussion boils down to your personal preferences and expertise. If you believe you are well equipped with the knowledge, possess the talent, and have the necessary tools you can easily remove tint from your car window. However, if you do not have proper knowledge leave it to the experts.
They can get the work done with neatness and precision while you can save yourself the labor of facing undue challenges of a do-it-yourself project. Relying on professional resources is worth the investment as they ensure your safety from damaging your vehicle.
