Auto Glass how to Remove Window Tint
As with many of the problems we face there can be many ways to solve them. Like the availability of tools, materials, or even inclement and unruly weather. Sometimes the need may be urgent or it is a task you are physically unable to perform in some way.
I have had to this many times and have spent quite a few hours contemplating a better, easier, and cleaner way to do it. I have never been able to narrow it down to just one easy way. I am hoping my experiences will help you conquer the situation in the best/safest way for you and the vehicle.
Tools that I like to have handy;
Razor blade or small pocket knife
A plastic card .credit card type or a surfer's board comb
Squirt bottle filled with tap water (add a drop of liquid dish soap if desired.)
Ammonia or alcohol based window cleaner if you have it.
Bucket of hot water and a sponge or rag.
Large clean dry towels and paper towels
Roll window down a little if you can. Use your large towels to cover or protect any thing that may be damaged by the water/cleaner/etc. Keep one handy just in case. Tinting will be on the inside in most cases and there should be a small portion around the edge that is not tinted. Prep tint by dipping rag or sponge into the hot water wringing out the excess and carefully wiping and cleaning the window with the hot damp rag or sponge. Starting at the front corner using the razor or pocket knife Begin to lift the tinting from the window by sliding the razor or pocket knife carefully between the glass and the tint. When you have about 1/2" separated from the window take your spray bottle with the tap water and spray between the glass and the tint. Carefully begin to peel the tinting from the window with your fingers. Spray water between tinting and window as you go. Do this across the top edge until you have worked your way almost down to the door panel. Roll window all the way up. Continue to peel away tinting spraying water between the glass and tint down to the door panel again until it is fully removed. If needed use plastic card to peel tint from the bottom of the window by sliding it between the tint and glass and into the door panel until it is free. Clean window using the hot water and sponge or rag. The spray bottle with soapy water, the glass cleaner and clean dry towels or paper towels. You can lightly scrape any leftover glue or debris with the sharp edge of a razor or plastic card as well.
I have come across situations where I had very little to work with and distressed tinting that was so baked on I had to get creative and simply use some elbow grease. I taped off and protected the surrounding areas. I applied a citrus oil based cleaner to the tint and glass with a rag to help lubricate the razor's edge. I then scraped the entire window carefully with a razor until clean. It took some time and effort but the end result was the same. If you do this change the razor often and be careful not to scratch the glass.
Sometimes the application of steam is necessary in the removal of the most stubborn baked-on tint. Although it may be the easiest way and can cause old or fresh tint to simply peel away with little effort. Older and damaged tinting can be very stubborn regardless. The steam can also be very damaging to the interior of the vehicle if used improperly. It can scorch leather, cause wood accents to peel, headliners to lose their grip, window mouldings to prematurely harden and crack, plastics to discolor, among many others. Finding the right steamer and learning to use it properly is the key. In most cases when the tint is in in decent shape it will come off with little effort no matter what method you decide to use.
I hope this helps you get the job done. Good luck!
