How to Fix a Bad Window-Tinting Job on Your Car

If you need to fix a bad window-tinting job, your prospects of saving the existing tinting are grim. The dirt particles or air that caused the tinting to bubble are trapped between the window and the film and can only be removed by taking off the tint. Here are some steps for fixing that bad tinting job.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Lint-free cleaning towel
• Window cleaner
• New sheet of window tinting
• Tape measure
• Single-edged razor blade

1. Call a tinting professional for his or her opinion. This will cost nothing, and he or she is going to tell you that there are no solutions except taking off the existing film and starting over.
2. Start at a corner of the tinting. Take a single-edged razor blade and carefully tease up enough of the tinting film to grab with your fingers.
   
3. Remove the film. Using even pressure, carefully pull the film off the window. Try to get it off the window in one piece.
4. Clean the window with a window cleaner. This is the most important step. Even the smallest particle of debris will cause the film to bubble again.
5. Wipe the window with a cloth towel. Carefully inspect the window for any traces of lint.
6. Measure the window. Take precise measurements of the window and carefully cut a new sheet of tinting.
7. Apply the tinting film. Carefully apply the new film with a firm, straight edge. Go very slowly to avoid bubbling.

Tips & Warnings

• It will cost more money, but you may want to have the tinting job done by a professional.
• Clean your window and apply the new tinting on a sunny day. A uniformly warm surface will help the film to adhere to the window.
• When removing the old tinting, be extra careful not to scratch your window. Scratches can create air pockets that will cause your tinting to bubble again.