How to Remove Patio Door Window Tint Film

Tinted window film can be a useful tool in regulating household temperatures, light exposure and UV damage to furnishings. While it can last up to a dozen years with gentle care, it can look dated and shabby when it begins to degrade. Older film that has lost its filtering strength must be replaced. Removing the film and its base adhesive is an easy DIY project that requires a few inexpensive, common household tools, a few hours and a lot of patience.

Things You'll Need

• Razor blade scraper Window cleaner Paper towels Towels Spray bottle Ammonia Tarp Rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Mix 8 oz. of water, 4 oz. of ammonia and 1 tsp. of dish liquid in a spray bottle. Shake to combine.

2. Lay down heavy plastic sheeting or a tarp to protect the flooring from any dripping solution or adhesive and film being removed. Lay an old towel or two down over the window frame to protect it from spills.

3. Slide the edge of a razor blade under one of the top corners of the tinted film plane. Wiggle the blade to loosen about 1 inch of the film. Spritz the solution behind the film and allow to it to soak into the film's adhesive. Slide the razor blade beneath more of the film, spraying the solution behind it as you work. Repeat this process until about an 8-to-12 inch section of the film has been removed from the patio door.

4. Get a good, two-handed grip on the loose edge of the tinted film and pull it away from the window in a downward motion. If the film doesn't want to come off in certain sections, spray the solution behind the film edges, as before, and loosen with the razor blade to remove all of the tinted film.

5. Soak the residual clear adhesive with the spray solution. Put gloves on and rub the solution into the remaining adhesive until it becomes opaque and white. Spray another coat of solution and use a fresh razor blade to shave away the adhesive in short, up-and-out strokes.

6. Clean the window with an ammonia-based window cleaner like Windex. Use clean paper towels or a squeegee to remove any residue and streaks. Shave off small specks of adhesive that remain with a fresh, sharp razor blade.