How to Replace Window Tint
Replacing automotive window tint is a tedious process and requires the use of harsh chemicals. Professional equipment can make the job easier, but the layman will need only a razor blade and a spray bottle filled with an ammonia-based cleaning product to scrape off all of the tinting glue. Application of new tint completes the replacement. The average backyard tint technician can remove and replace the tint on a medium-size window in about a half-hour.
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Instructions
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Removal
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Spray the entire window with the ammonia cleaner until it is saturated, placing the towel at the bottom of the window to catch any excess cleaner.
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2
Starting at the corner of the tint, slide the razor blade between the tint and the window. Push on the blade until the tint begins to come up. Spray the area with more cleaner, as it relaxes the glue and will make the removal easier. Continue to scrape the tint with the razor blade, spraying cleaner as you go. Older tint is made up of two layers and a bonding glue, so be sure to scrape both tint layers off of the glass, otherwise the second layer may be harder to get loose. Scrape and spray until the entire window is free of tint film.
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3
Spray the window and rub it hard with the towel to remove any remaining glue. Allow to dry completely.
Replacement
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4
Lower the window by about a half-inch, so that the top of the glass is visible. Slice a sheet of window tint film to the approximate measurements of the window, giving it a little more area around the edges than the window's size. Spray the window with pure distilled water, not the ammonia cleaner. Starting at the bottom of the window, peel the storage film layer from the sheet of tint and allow the tint to stick to the window, removing the storage plastic as you go up. Run your hands up the window and stick the film to it.
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5
Using a squeegee, smooth the air bubbles out from underneath the tint film by starting at the center and working outward toward the edges. The water could dry up a bit, so spray more if needed by lifting the sheet gently to get more water into it. Continue to smooth the tint until all air bubbles are gone.
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Slice along the top of the window slowly, cutting the tint to fit the shape of the glass. The tint film should be just a couple of millimeters from the top of the glass when finished. Slice the sides of the tint film in the same manner, getting as close to the edge as possible without leaving excess film. Allow the tint to dry for a few minutes before proceeding to the next step.
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Raise the window fully and slice the bottom of the tint film to be level with the rubber window guards at the door. Check for more air bubbles and squeegee them out if needed. Clean the tint with water and allow to dry overnight.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not apply tint without a squeegee.
Tint film glue can have an overwhelming scent. Use outdoors.
Be careful when working with ammonia. Use in a ventilated location.
