Author Topic: Window Tint/Film removal  (Read 4794 times)

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Offline cruisindub

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Window Tint/Film removal
« on: March 14, 2012, 12:17:34 AM »
Hi all,

The window tint on our windows is bubbling and streaking, all fuzzy and just plain terrible.
In a moment of frustration, I started attempting to peeling it off, except left all the residue and glue behind.
The missus got upset when I gave up and got myself another beer and left it for a while, (that was a few weeks ago,.... about December) Shes now giving me grief about taking the old tint off, and doing it properly.
I HAVE scoured google and searched loads of different options, so what I would like to know, what are the tried and tested methods of tint/film removal and whats the 'easiest'??
Whos actually done it and proved its easy and not a great deal of stress?

Thanks all in advance.

p.s., their our house front windows, so the wife is even more so upset....
Why do people ask "What the hell were you thinking?"
Obviously I was thinking I was going to get away with it and not have to explain it....

Offline fridayman

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #1 on: March 14, 2012, 01:00:20 AM »
Have you tried using stanley/utility knife blades?

Online Hairs

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #2 on: March 14, 2012, 05:46:50 AM »
I read, i think it was Lcool, that guys were using a heat gun or was it a hair dryer on the hottest setting, you wouldn't use a heat gun on the hottest setting.
They mentioned that the glue and all come off in one go.
Or use one of them steam gun thingy's see on telly. You need to melt the glue.
It's going to be messy.
Here is one link Window tint removal troubling you? Just add heat!
Hope this helps.
 :cheers:
« Last Edit: March 14, 2012, 05:51:34 AM by Hairs »
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Offline jwb

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2012, 05:53:07 AM »

Too bad the glass isn't cracked :-)
Easier to replace than peel off :-(

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Offline griz066

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2012, 06:34:22 AM »
Might be easier to have a game of "Front yard cricket" and hit a few "sixes" ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D if you know what I mean, then just call the insurance company. :cheers: :cheers:
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Offline bushrat

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #5 on: March 14, 2012, 08:41:30 AM »
you could try this
DIY how to remove window tint FAST AND EASY Small | Large
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Offline Matto

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #6 on: March 14, 2012, 09:24:51 AM »
Hi Cruisindub,

Personally, I wouldn't use a blade. You can score the glass and then when you re-tint, it looks terrible.

Heat is your friend. A heat gun is your best bet. I've done it with a hairdryer before, but you've got to have a stonkin' hairdryer and it's a bit more work. I've not got a steam gun, but have used a spray bottle to mist water on while using the heat gun before, and that does seem to work well. Basic heat guns are pretty cheap these days (plus it's a good excuse to buy a new toy). Just be careful if it's cold where you are, and you wack a heat gun straight onto the cold glass...

If you're having trouble grabbing the film to peel, consider using a credit card or plastic paint scraper. Go gentle (you want to get under the film and lift it, not scrape at it from above), and it's less likely to do damage than a sharp blade.

For car windows, you can take them out and submerge them in a hot bath of dishwashing detergent - works a treat. Not so good for house windows though.

Once you've got the tint off, you can clean up any left over glue residue with WD40.  Try it on the section you've already done. Spray it on, let it soak, then hit it with an old rag. Don't be afraid to add more WD40 as you go. Fantastic stuff.

Apologies if this is too basic.

Good luck!
Matto :)
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Offline terravista

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #7 on: March 14, 2012, 09:40:24 AM »
We removed the tint off the rear window in a Saab.
Tried scraping, but was deterred by the demister wires, tried the heat gun approach with limited success.
The best way we found was by spraying the tint with Windex, letting it soak for a minute or two, and rubbing the tint and glue off with paper towelling.
Took a bit of effort, but one hour of work, and all was clean and residue free.
If you have glass replacement insurance, the window could accidently break, and you would save the effort.

Offline Fivid

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #8 on: March 14, 2012, 07:16:35 PM »
With a piece of glass as large as a house window be wary of heating one area too much as the glass will be prone to cracking if heated in one spot only.  We have even had problems with large shop front windows cracking when the glass is airconditioned on the lower half but the top section of glass is above ceiling height and warms up more than the lower area.

 :cheers:
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Offline jd

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #9 on: March 14, 2012, 08:21:31 PM »
Removed the old tint on the cruiser the other day. Used a razor/scraper blade and used acetone to remove all the glue residue. Surprisingly easy job till i got to the rear window with the demister wires, lucky i live in north Queensland and have never used it anyway. Heat does help sometimes to remove the tint with the scraper. :cheers:

Offline Swannie

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #10 on: March 14, 2012, 08:38:33 PM »
As long as you spray plenty of soapy water and use brand new razor blades regularly, you will be able to remove all tint and the glue with minimal fuss.
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Offline gonfishen

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #11 on: March 14, 2012, 08:38:50 PM »
I aways use goo remover, you can buy it at most supermarkets it is in an orange bottle but sometimes a clear spray bottle, it will remove all most any type of glue or sticky stuff.
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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #12 on: March 14, 2012, 08:44:12 PM »
Check on Youtube, there are lots of demonstrations.


Offline Burnsy

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #13 on: March 14, 2012, 11:50:04 PM »
I had our 80 retinted ate last year, only cost $80 extra for them to remove the old.  Money well spent I say :cup:
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Offline whitey1

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #14 on: March 15, 2012, 12:00:07 AM »
Razor blade and thinners. And a bit of windex to finish with

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Offline cruisindub

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #15 on: March 15, 2012, 12:15:21 AM »
Thanks guys, all much appreciated.
Going to have another crack at it tomorrow.

The good wife won't let me get away with it any longer.  Have to make some progress on it.

Will update with my attempts, ....or revert back with another request for assistance. (Or encouragement)

Cheers cruisindub
Why do people ask "What the hell were you thinking?"
Obviously I was thinking I was going to get away with it and not have to explain it....

Offline Tjupurula

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #16 on: March 15, 2012, 12:41:04 AM »
Tanami track and travelling hot days with the window open and the corrugations rattling everything.  Removed mine without a trace over a 2 year period.  (Lost my top false teeth somewhere on the track as well).
Regards
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Offline Spurio

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Re: Window Tint/Film removal
« Reply #17 on: March 15, 2012, 05:14:26 AM »
Spray any ammonium based cleaning liquid on the tint, let it sit for 10-15 minutes or so and it literally falls off.