How to remove tint from car windows at home
Removing car window tint can be frustrating, but it’s easier than you think! Read this step-by-step guide to learn how to remove car window tint yourself in no time at all. You’ll be enjoying the light coming into your car once again before you know it!
Table of Contents
How to remove car window tint
Materials you need :
- Heat Gun
- Razor blade
- Window cleaner
- Microfiber cloth
- Goo Gone (Optional)
If you don’t have a heat gun, you can follow out steps on how to remove tint without a heat gun.
Step 1 – Apply heat using heat gun to inside of the window
Tint film is applied to the inner surface of the window. Switch on the heat gun and apply heat throughout the inside of the window to warm the glue holding it about 2 inches from the window.
Step 2 – Lift a corner of the tint film using the razor blade
While applying heat, use a razor blade to pick a corner and lift the tint film. The film has 2 layers and make sure to get both.
Step 3 – Peel off the tint film
Use your fingers to slowly peel the tint film from the window. Carefully apply heat to the window to loosen up the glue and make sure you don’t burn your hand.
If you don’t apply enough heat it will leave glue on the window. To avoid this you can apply adequate amount of heat using the gun so glue also will come off with the tint film.
Step 4 – Spray glass cleaner to the Window
Next step is to get rid of the remaining glue. Spray glass cleaner to the inside of the window. If you have Goo Gone or WD-40 at home you can use them instead of Glass cleaner for this step.
Step 5 – Scrape the glue with a razor blade
Window cleaner will help you to dissolve the glue and makes it easier to remove. Use a razor blade at 45 degree angle to scrape the glue from the window.
If its not coming off with glass cleaner, you can use Acetone, Goo Gone or WD-40 as these solvents will dissolve the glue much better than glass cleaner.
Step 6 – Apply glass cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth
After you have removed the residual glue, spray glass cleaner again to the window and wipe it off with a microfiber cloth and you’re done.
Step by Step Video
Sometimes you might want to get rid of the annoying stickers on car windows. Here’s how to remove stickers on car windows.
How to remove window tint without heat
If you don’t have a heat gun at home, don’t worry! Here’s how you can remove car window tint without heat.
Step 1 – Spray water to the car window
Spay some water into the outside surface of car window. This will make it easy to place the garbage bag as it will stick to water.
Step 2 – Cut the garbage bag into the shape of the window
Place a garbage bag over the window and cut it using a blade (Use a stainless steel blade to prevent scratching). Keep about 2 inches extra when cutting the bag so we’re not leaving any part of the window behind. As a garbage bag has 2 sides, you only need to do this once for 2 identical windows of the car.
Step 3 – Apply the bag to inside of the window
Spray some water now to the inside of the window and place a garbage bag to cover the whole window. Take a plastic card like a credit card and tuck the edges so the bag fits into the window.
Step 4 – Park the car under the sun for 15 minutes
We’re using the heat from the sun to loosen the glue. So park the car under the sun and leave it for 15-20 minutes
Step 5 – Lift a corner of the tint film
Remove the garbage bag slightly from a corner of the window and using your finger nails or a razor blade, lift the tint film. The film has 2 layers so make sure you pick them both.
Step 6 – Peel off the tint film and garbage bag
Now grab from the edge of the film and pull down. Both the tint film and garbage bag will peel off from the window. Don’t remove the garbage bag at first and the tint film after that. You have to remove them together or else it won’t work.
If you’re lucky the tint won’t leave any glue behind. If there’s residual glue after you remove the tint film, follow the next step.
Step 7 – Clean the window with glass cleaner
If the film is leaving behind glue on the window, you can use Acetone, Rubbing Alcohol, Goo Gone, WD-40 or Glass cleaner to remove it. Apply some to the window and use a razor blade to scrape the glue. After you’re done use glass cleaner for the finishing touch.
You might make scratches on car windows while trying to remove the tint. In that case you can easily repair scratches from car windows by following our guide.
Step by Step video
How to remove tint glue from car windows
Window tint glue can be an incredibly stubborn substance to remove, especially if it has been on the glass of your car for more than just a few days. Many car owners attempt to remove window tint glue with no luck, but there are some methods that are much more effective than others when it comes to removing this pesky adhesive.
This guide will show you what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to removing window tint glue with ease and effectiveness.
Step 1 – Apply rubbing alcohol on to the glue
You can use rubbing alcohol or an adhesive dissolver like Goo Gone or WD-40. Spray the solution onto the glue in the window with a spray bottle.
Step 2 – Scrape with a Razor blade
Rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone you used will help to dissolve the glue and makes it easier to scrape with a razor blade. Make sure to use a new blade without any rust on it and scrape at an angle of 45°.
You might want to spray more rubbing alcohol or Goo Gone depending on the results. After you have scraped with the razor blade, wipe it with a microfiber cloth.
Step 3 – Clean with window cleaner
Spray a window cleaner to the window and wipe it with a microfiber cloth and you’re done!
Rubbing alcohol has many uses to a car user. It can be used from defrosting car windshield to removing windshield stickers.
FAQs on Window tint removal from cars
What will dissolve window tint glue?
Removing window tint glue can be extremely frustrating, especially if you’re trying to tackle the project on your own. You’ll need to invest in some organic solvents like Acetone, Rubbing alcohol or adhesive removers like Goo Gone or WD-40 and household items like Vinegar which will dissolve the glue and makes it easier to remove from windows.
Here’s the full list:
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Acetone
- Adhesive removers like Goo Gone and WD-40
- Vinegar
- Baking soda with cooking oil mixture (1:1 ratio)
Does WD-40 remove window tint glue?
Yes. WD-40 is a multi purpose oil that can be used to remove glue residues after removing window tint.
Window tinting can help keep your car cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. While this comes at the cost of added glare on sunny days and at night, it’s usually worth it to most people. However, if you want to remove your window tint, there’s no denying that the glue that holds it up is going to be difficult to remove—but not impossible and products like WD-40 will certainly help.
Will rubbing alcohol remove window tint glue?
Yes. Rubbing alcohol can be used to remove window tint glue in addition to its many other uses like disinfecting your skin and deodorizing clothes and even entire rooms.
How to remove window tint glue can be a confusing and challenging task, especially if the glue was applied professionally. The most common methods of removing tint glue are using Goo Gone or WD-40, which will fully dissolve the adhesive and restores the window back. If you can’t find them at home, Rubbing alcohol is a good alternative as its solvent properties will help to loosen the glue and remove it from the window.
Rubbing alcohol is a must have for a car owner. It has multiple uses apart from sanitizing and can even be used to defrost the windshield.
How long does it take to remove window tint?
You can remove window tint using a heat gun within 10 minutes. If you don’ have a heat gun you can use sunlight and garbage bags to remove the window tint and this will take about 1 hour.
