Instructions for Removing Tinted Film from Windows
Tinted window film is a Godsend, but removing it is no easy chore. Whether the windows are on your home or your vehicle, it will not last forever. Sooner or later it begins to fade, cloud, or discolor. Sometimes the glue underneath deteriorates, resulting in bubbles or that classic wavy look.
The easiest way to remove tinted film from windows is to hire a professional. Be prepared to pay for the service, though. A mid-sized car with side and rear window film will run more than a hundred dollars. If you have the time and dedication, there are several do-it-yourself options available. Below are three of the most popular.
Steam Method
The steam method is used by the professionals for a reason; it works. The trick is to be patient. Tinted film has two layers. The top is thin and comes off readily, leaving the sticky glue layer on the window. Go slowly so that both layers come off together. Do-it-yourselfers may not have access to professional steamers, but any hand-held steamer will do. Jiffy steamers, or garment steamers, are available at most department stores for around $25.
You will need:
- A hand-held steamer, like a garment steamer*Long extension cord*Extra water (you will use a cup or so at a time)*Rags or shop towels for cleaning*A couple of thick towels to prevent drip*Rubbing alcohol, very fine steel wool, razor blades or scrapers*Window cleaner
1) Prepare your work space. In a car, prepare to strip one window at a time. The rear window is the hardest, so leave it for last. Open other windows for ventilation. Lay a thick towel over the seat to catch drips. Run your extension cord so you have plenty of room to move and maneuver. Fill the steamer according to manufacturer’s instructions. Wrap a small towel around your hand and wrist, so hot condensation doesn’t drip and burn you.
2) Apply the steam to the entire window to wet it down.
3) Now concentrate the steam in an upper corner steadily for about five minutes. Hold the steamer about 2 inches from the glass.
4) Use your fingernail or a razor blade to pry up the corner of the tint. If it looks like only the top layer is coming up, stop and continue steaming. When the film lifts cleanly, leaving no glue residue behind, continue to the next step.
5) Firmly grasp the corner you just lifted with your fingers, a pair of forceps, or wide pliers. The tint is not hard to pull, but using something with handles reduces the possibility of getting burned by the steam.
6) Slowly pull on the tint, steaming the area in front of your hand as you go. Be patient and take your time. If the tint rips or leaves glue behind, slow down some more. The trick is to let the steam do the work.
7) When the tint is removed, soak a rag with rubbing alcohol and wipe down the window. It will dry white anywhere there is still glue on the glass.
8) Scrape glue off with your fingernail or a scraper. Scrape very gingerly so as not to scratch the glass. Soak large or stubborn spots with soapy water or an adhesive remover, like acetone or Goof Off.
9) When finished, spray with window cleaner and polish dry.
10) Take even more extra time with the steamer on the rear window. Your goal is to leave as little glue behind as possible, as scraping may damage the defroster matrix.
Ammonia Method
Ammonia is strong stuff, but cuts through adhesive very efficiently. This method works best on a hot, sunny day. Be sure you have plenty of ventilation and wear a face mask.
You will need:
- Two black plastic garbage bags, cut roughly in the shape of the window.*A spray bottle of soapy water – dish detergent is fine*Spray bottle of straight ammonia*A tarp*Very fine steel wool and a razor blade*Paper towels or shop rags
1) Park your car so the sun is shining on the window you are stripping.
2) Spray the outside with soapy water. Cover with one garbage bag. Press the plastic down so it sticks to the window.
3) Inside, cover everything with a tarp to protect the interior. Open doors and windows for ventilation.
4) Spray inside of window heavily with ammonia. Cover with the other garbage bag, trapping the ammonia against the glass. Smooth plastic against the glass so it stays in place.
5) Allow to sit for about twenty minutes. Re-spray with ammonia if necessary. The ammonia will begin breaking down the adhesive, and the black plastic will trap heat making the glue softer.
6) Remove the inside garbage bag. Peel tint as outlined in the steam method. Begin at one corner and peel slowly. Spray more ammonia ahead of your hands as you go, and also on the glass where the tint is lifting. Try to remove the whole piece as one without ripping or tearing.
7) Remove any glue residue with ammonia or soapy water and the steel wool. DO NOT use other solvents as they may react with the ammonia.
8) Remove outer plastic. Clean and dry window.
Newspaper Method
This method works best on square, flat household windows. It is messy, but very effective. Protect your workspace with plenty of toweling or tarps. You may want to use plastic and tape off the walls underneath the window to protect the paint.
You will need:
- Sheets of newspaper*Liquid dish soap or baby shampoo*A window scraper, two or three inch, the kind with the razor blade embedded
1) Fill a spray bottle with a strong solution of soapy water. Spray entire window.
2) Cover with sheets of newspaper, gently smoothing against the glass. Re-spray.
3) Allow to sit for an hour or more. Re-spray every 15 minutes, or whenever the paper begins to dry. You want it to remain soaking wet at all times.
4) Using the scraper or your fingernail, loosen the tint at the top of the window without removing the newspaper. You just want to start it, not peel it.
5) Spray the entire window one last time, especially at the top where you loosened the tint.
6) Using the scraper, begin in one top corner. Angle the scraper so that you push straight down to the bottom of the window in long, smooth strokes. Push fairly hard and not too fast. The idea is to remove an entire strip of tint and newspaper at the same time, in one stroke from top to bottom.
7) Repeat until window is finished.
8) Use the scraper and the soapy water to scrape any leftover spots of glue.
9) Wash and polish glass.
