How to Remove Scratched Film From a Patio Door

Remove film tint from a patio door by starting in the corner.

Tinted film on a patio door helps keep a house cooler and protects against ultraviolet (UV) rays. Over time, the tint can become brittle and prone to cracking, and if the film is scratched, the mark is obvious and virtually impossible to repair. Removing the film and replacing with new material is the best option. Common household supplies can be used to remove the scratched film.

Things You'll Need

• Ammonia
• Black garbage bags
• Masking tape
• Scissors
• Razor blade scraper
• Window cleaner
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Spray a mist of ammonia on the film during the day when the sun is shining on the patio door. The warmth of the sun will help loosen the adhesive bonding the film to the glass door.

2. Place black plastic garbage bags over the door on the film side and secure in place with masking tape.

3. Close the patio door and leave the bags taped in place for two hours, allowing the sun's rays to heat the ammonia and loosen the film.

4. Remove the trash bags and use the razor-blade scraper to peel up one corner of the film.

5. Pull up on the corner of film, spraying ammonia between the film and the glass door to help loosen the material. Work gently toward the middle of the door to peel away the film tint in a single piece, if possible, or in large sections. Repeat with the other corners to remove all the film tint from the glass.

6. Scrape the adhesive residue off the glass with the razor scraper, working in short sections backward and forward with the razor blade edge flat on the glass. Do not scrape side to side, which could scratch the glass.

7. Spray window cleaner liberally on the door and wipe down with paper towels, repeating until all adhesive smudges are removed.

Tips & Warnings

• If the film is not coming off in large sections, stop, spray ammonia a second time and tape the patio door once more with trash bags, waiting another two hours before trying again.

• Open doors and windows while working with ammonia, which is noxious and potentially harmful when inhaled directly for a prolonged time.

References

• Tint Center: How to Remove Window Tint
• Sunray Window Film: How to Remove Window Tint/Film