How to Remove Tinted Film From a Residential Window
Residential-window tint film an become damaged or faded, requiring the homeowner to remove or replace it. The film itself comprises two or three layers, which after time can separate, making removal slightly more time intensive. Using a concentrated ammonia--based cleaner and a razor blade, the average homeowner can remove window tint from a large pane of glass in about an hour. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Spray the entire window with the ammonia cleaner, especially around the edges of the film. For windows with sensitive frames, a less concentrated ammonia can be used. The ammonia will dissolve the glue that holds the film in place. Use the towel to wipe up excess cleaner.
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Carefully place the razor blade into a corner of the film, and begin to lift it up. Work the corner until more and more of it comes up, creating a tab. It is important to make sure you have lifted all of the film's layers, as the bottom layer is typically almost clear and can fool the novice. Continue to push the razor into the film, spraying the corner with more ammonia to loosen the glue.
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Start another corner in the same manner as the preceding step when the first corner comes close to reaching the center. Again, be sure to spray with ammonia to make the job easier. Repeat this procedure on the remaining corners. Once all four corners are lifted, spray a liberal amount of ammonia in the center area and pull two of the corners on the same side to lift the center area. Spray with more ammonia if the center becomes dry. The tint can be removed and discarded.
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Once the tint is gone, a substantial amount of glue and tint particles remain on the glass. Use more ammonia cleaner and the razor blade to scrape off this residue. Wipe any excess cleaner with the towel, and scrub the window glass with the towel once all of the glue is off.
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Tips & Warnings
Using water instead of ammonia will take longer but will not be as harsh on molding and window treatments.
Use ammonia in a well-ventilated area (open the window) if possible.
