How to Remove a Factory Windshield Tint
Removing tinting from a car window can be a tedious chore, but it is not impossible. Tint is constructed from two layers of tinted polyester; if you simply try to pull it off, the first layer may peel off fine, but the second layer will remain. There are several methods for removing window tint. If the tint is on a new vehicle, you will first need to determine that it is not a part of the glass itself. The only window tinting that can be removed is post-production; if tinting is incorporated into the glass, the glass must be replaced.
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Things You'll Need
- Ammonia
- Windex
- Black garbage bags
- Duct tape
- Spray bottle with soap and water mixture
- Razor blades
- Blow dryer or steam gun
Instructions
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Ammonia and Windex Method
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1
Spray the window down with Ammonia and Windex.
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2
Take a black garbage bag and place it on the glass. The Ammonia and Windex will cause it to stick.
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3
Let it bake in the sun for about 3 hours.
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4
Begin to peel the tint off slowly. If it comes off completely, continue, if not you may need to let it sit longer. Peel the tint off in a horizontal direction parallel to the defrost/antenna lines on your back windshield.
Duct Tape Method
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5
Apply duct tape in strips that overlap each other about an inch to the window(s) from which you're looking to remove tint.
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6
Allow the vehicle to sit in the sun for about 3 hours once the duct tape is applied.
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7
Perform a test by peeling back a small section of duct tape as slowly as possible. If the tint pulls off with the tape, you should continue removing all the duct tape. If the tint still sticks, let it sit in the sun for a bit longer and then try again.
Soaking & Scraping Method
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Begin by using a razor blade to cut a small section into the tint for the purpose of pulling the tint away from the window in order to grab it.
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9
After pulling back some of the tint, take a spray bottle with soapy water and spray it on the adhesive of the tint and on the underside as you pull it back.
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10
Use the razor blade to remove the tint as slowly as possible. Make certain you have spare razor blades because you'll need more than one.
Steaming/Blow Drying Method
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11
Heat the tinted section you would like to remove with a blow-dryer or steam gun set as hot as possible.
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12
Peel back a small portion of the tint for grabbing and pulling.
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13
While holding the tint, blow dry or steam between the tint and the window while slowly pulling the tint away from the window.
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1
Tips & Warnings
In order to complete the steps for a method that includes leaving your car in sunlight, you should wait for a hot day with ample sunlight that will last for at least 3 hours.
If using the ammonia and Windex method, make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area.
For the soap and water mixture, use ordinary dish soap; roughly 1 part soap to 8 parts water.
To avoid injury, caution should be used along with proper safety items such as gloves and goggles when working with the chemicals, razor blades and heating elements.
