How do I remove window tint?

[CalicoKid]

How do I remove window tint from a rear defrost window? The stuff is peeling away in little pieces and looks like two layers, a dark and a clear. What will wash off the adhesive?<br /><br />Thankya!

 

[ndemge]

Re: How do I remove window tint?

crappiest job there is<br /><br />once you get the film off, CAREFULLY.... don't break the defrost...<br /><br />I've used goo-gone, not-so-toxic and removes the glue<br /><br />any adhesive remover will work, you have to disolve the adhesive with the solvent.<br /><br />cover under the window to prevent discouloration

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: How do I remove window tint?

There is a product on the market called Tint Off... on the rear window you are in trouble.<br /><br /> http://www.appearance-plus.com/tint_off.htm

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: How do I remove window tint?

Thanks guys. Maybe I'll take it to the pros...

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: How do I remove window tint?

Maybe a piece of glass from a junk yard if the pros try to charge you too much to remove the tint?

 

[pjc]

Re: How do I remove window tint?

I did this some time ago on the wifes car. Same deal, bubbling and so forth. I peeled what I could off. Tried every solvent known to me. No go.<br /><br />Finally tried warm water and a dish rag. Came right off. Used windex to finish. Go figure!!!!

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: How do I remove window tint?

How did you get the little bits of film off? Mine's shredded. I can't lift and peel more than a square inch at a time.

 

[Ross J]

Re: How do I remove window tint?

I've helped my brother clean this stuff of a number of vehicles and shop windows. The only way to remove the bulk is to use one of those razor blade holders and scrape it away. Then any strong solvent will clean up the rest. Obviously the window wire needs to stay intact, you'll just have to work around it.<br />Ross

 

[jimchere]

Re: How do I remove window tint?

Ammonia, sprayed on, let it soak a bit (couple hours, using a cheap spray bottle you can get at most grocery stores), then a razor scraper like the one Ross said. Messy it is, no other way about it...stuff you buy at auto parts store works no better than ammonia. Don't spray it on so heavy that it soaks the scraper seal at the bottom or other rubber seals. Follow up on the rubber seals with armor-all. Oh, by the way, please make sure you have plenty of ventilation/fresh air so you don't burn your lungs. Masking tape (using "painter's masking tape") to cover the interior area with newspaper is a good idea...about 4 sheets thick.Another thing folks forget, if you have tinted windows, please clean them only with a non-ammonia window cleaner, such as "Glass-Plus" which is specifically labeled as such. Vinegar can eat it over time as well.

 

[jimchere]

Re: How do I remove window tint?

Sorry man, didn't heed the detail that you have rear defroster. Man are you in for a turd of a job. DO NOT hit those copper strips with a razor blade or you ruin the defroster grid. You can replace the copper grid, but that's about more painful than re-tinting the window itself. Sorry. If you really wanna take the time, it can be done, but it is a bear. Gonna have to really let the ammonia do its job over time.

 

[CalicoKid]

Re: How do I remove window tint?

This sounds like a job for a procrastinator!!!<br /><br />Thanks for all the ideas, really! I'll have to try them all because the stuff's gotta come out, it looks like shiot. Did I mention this a hatchback glass about four feet square and bent down on either side? I think I'll set up my lawnchair in the hatch and maybe toss in a cooler, sounds like I might be in it for an afternoon at least...