Are you debating adding window tinting to your car, truck or SUV? It is understandable that you have some concern over the permanence of any change or addition to your vehicle. Still, window tint is one of the best investments you can make in your automobile. This is particularly true since it is removable. Below, with the help of the experts at prowindowtinting.ca, we address some of your questions and concerns about tinting to help you make your best decision.
About Window Tinting for Your Vehicle
Automotive window tint is seriously underrated. This simple semi-transparent shield provides many benefits and does not damage your vehicle, in the process of application or throughout its use. In fact, you can remove your tinting when you want fully clear windows again or to replace the material. Removing it is actually easier than you may think.
Steps for Removing Window Tint
Here are the two simple steps for removing the tinting from your vehicle windows:
Prepare the Vehicle
You cannot just start ripping window tint from your vehicle windows. There is some preparation involved in the delicate process. You don’t want to damage other parts of your car. If you have decals or stickers on your windows, you need to gently remove those first.
You also need to select your preferred method for removal of the tint. For any of the options in step 2, below, you need some supplies. If you will be using a hairdryer or steamer, for example, you also likely need an extension cord to reach all sides of your vehicle. Briefly review the options for removal in step 2 and make appropriate preparations.
Choose Your Method and Execute It
Each method uses its own supplies. Choose one of these options and gather your supplies together. Then, follow the instructions in the appropriate section.
Soap and Scrape
The soap and scrape method involves soaping the windows using a mix of the dish soap and water. Allow the soap to soften the tint. Then, scrape the softened tinting off using a blade. When all tint is gone, use the glass cleaner to clean the window surface.
Supplies:
- Dish soap
- Glass cleaner
- Spray bottle
- Paper towels or clean rags
- Razor blade or scraping blade
- Water
To use this technique, gently lift one corner of the tint using the blade. Then carefully peel it away from the window surface. Be careful because tearing the tint means restarting the peeling with the razor blade.
Soap and Newspaper
The soap and newspaper method requires the same supplies as those listed above, with some additions.
Supplies:
- Dish soap
- Glass cleaner
- Bowl or bucket
- Paper towels or clean rags
- Newspaper
- Sponge
- Razor blade or scraping blade
- Water
This is a slightly trickier method than the one above. First, spray the soap solution onto the tinting to saturate all areas of the window. Cover these wet areas with newspaper. Leave the solution and paper to work over the course of an hour or slightly longer. It is important to not let the newspaper surface dry. If it does dry, saturate the paper using the soapy solution, spraying it directly onto the paper.
After an hour, peel the newspaper off the window using the razor blade. The tint should adhere to the paper as you peel it away. If this does not happen, repeat the soap and newspaper steps until it works.
Ammonia and Sunlight
This technique simply requires wiping ammonia onto the tinting on the inside of your vehicle’s windows. Cover the damp windows with cut up garbage bags. Repeat this on the outside of the windows at the same time, using the soapy water spray instead of ammonia. Also cover those with garbage bags. Allow the ammonia and soap solutions to soak in for as long as two hours while direct sunlight heats the glass. The ammonia dissolves the tint adhesive under the insulation of the heated garbage bags.
Supplies:
- Unused plastic garbage bags
- Ammonia in a spray bottle
- Dish soap
- Scissors
- Razor knife or blade
- Paper towels
- Spray bottle
- Steel wool
After allowing the covered windows to sit for one to two hours, gently peel away the plastic bags. The tint inside the windows should peel away with the garbage bag plastic. If some film remains, use your razor to scrape them away.
Hairdryer
The hairdryer method only requires a few materials.
Supplies:
- Glass cleaner
- Clean cloth
- Razor knife or blade
- Paper towels
- Hairdryer
This simple method only requires you to direct hairdryer airflow on the corner of your window’s tint film. Use the highest heat setting on the dryer, with the dryer about two inches from the window surface. Hold the hot air in place for about two minutes, at which time the film corner should curl. Start peeling the tinting from that curled corner and use the blade to help where needed.
Steamer
For the steamer method, you will simply steam the windows to soften the tinting adhesive.
Supplies:
- Upright fabric steamer
- Adhesive remover
- Clean cloth
- Razor knife or blade
- Water
For this method, ensure you hold the steam flow about one inch from the window tint surface. Focus on one corner until that corner of tint curls. Continue directing the steamer on the tinting as you peel it away.
Clean Away Leftovers
After employing your chosen method, use your razor blade or glass cleaner and paper towels to clean away leftover pieces of tinting material. As these methods prove, removing window tint is easier than many people realize.