How to Remove Old Window Tint

Window tint blocks excess light from entering the vehicle, and can also be used for privacy or security.

Window tint is a vehicle customization that darkens the windows of a vehicle. As window tint ages, the darkness of the tint can lessen. Some vehicle owners with window tint use standard window cleaner on their tinted windows. This can cause the tint to become purple or blue in color, and fade the tint severely. Tint can also become blistered over time, which shows air pockets from the outside of the vehicle. There are two common ways to remove window tint from a vehicle. One method uses steam, while the other uses direct heat.

Things You'll Need

• Hair dryer, heat gun or steam cleaner
• Razor blade
• Adhesive remover, such as Goo Gone, 3M Adhesive Remover or Goof Off
• Window cleaner spray
• 2 clean towels

Instructions

Using Hair Dryer or Heat Gun

1. Roll the window down slightly if you are working on side windows of the vehicle.

2. Peel the top 3 inches of the film away from the window, using a razor blade. If you are working on side windows, roll the window back up once you have removed the 3 inches of film.

3. Apply heat to the outside of the window with a hair dryer or heat gun. Keep the heat source constantly moving, so as not to melt the window film.

4. Peel the window film away from the heated window. Add more heat as needed, if the film becomes difficult to remove. Peel the film from top to bottom in one large sheet.

5. Clean the window thoroughly with a rag and adhesive remover. Remove all of the sticky residue from the window. Clean the window with window cleaner and a rag to completely polish the window.

Using Steam Cleaner

1. Roll the window down slightly if you are working on side windows. Peel the top 3 inches of the window tint off the window, using a razor blade. Roll the window back up.

2. Apply steam from a steam cleaner directly to the window tint film. Peel the tint from top to bottom, while continuously steaming the window tint. Do not place your hand in the direct path of the steam from the steam cleaner, or you will burn your hand. Remove all window tint.

3. Apply adhesive remover to the window and clean the tint residue with a rag. Clean the window with window cleaner and a rag to completely remove all tint and residue.

Tips & Warnings

• Certain window cleaners are designed specifically for tinted windows, or windows with film. The chemicals in standard window cleaner spray can fade the dye in the window tint, causing it to need replacement prematurely.