Removing Tint from Windows

If you are one of those individuals who don't particularly like bright lights, then chances are you may be interested in putting some tinted film on your windows. Over time window tinting film can (and will) come off. When it does, the film doesn't really do all that much and can often become a distraction rather than the help it was meant to be. In such situations removing tint from windows is about the only real option that you have.

There are several options that you could use to begin removing tint from your windows. Unfortunately some will require a bit more work on your part than others. Listed below are two of the most effective, and easiest methods available for removing the window tint film. Keep in mind that even though these methods are particularly easy, they will require that you work with hot items so be careful.

With Heat

1. Use a steam iron. Carefully hold a steam iron about 1-1/2 inches away from one of the corners of the window film. Hold it there while it is emitting steam until you can begin to lift up the corner.
2. Peel and steam. Begin to slowly lift up the corner of the film that you just steamed loose. As you are lifting up the corner, apply more steam to help loosen up the glue. If you pull up too hard or to quickly you may break the tint or only pull up the first layer or two of the tint. If this happens you may end up leaving behind the glue which can be even more difficult to remove. Continue to do this until you have completely removed the section of the window tint.
3. 3. Press a towel and steam again. Once you have removed as much of the film as you can you will find that there are still areas that have a sticky residue left behind. Place a clean, old towel onto the window, and the glue should hold it up. Carefully ironing the windows should help to remove the last bits of the glue.
4. Clean as normal. Once you have finished removing the last of the glue you can begin to clean the window. Simply clean the window as you normally do, and you will then be finished. You can either replace the film, or leave the window as it is. The choice is up to you.

With a Steamer

1. Steam the film. Utilize a fabric or clothes steamer and turn it on. Before you turn it on make sure that you have carefully read the instructions and that you fill up the water reservoir completely. Place a towel at the bottom of the window to help catch any loose glue.
2. Focus on a single section. The extreme heat and steam from the clothing steamer will significantly cut down the work that you have to do. However, while you are utilizing this method be sure that you focus primarily on a single section before you proceed to the next.
3. Allow the heat to work. By focusing the heat and steam on a single section you will be able to help heat up the glue and work the film loose. After a while, the glue will begin to run down the window and should be able to be collected with the towel you placed down earlier. Carefully lift up the section that you have been working on and proceed to the next.
4. Finish cleaning up glue. Once you have finished removing all the film, you may find that there is a little bit of glue still on the windows. Use a razor blade, the steamer, or even a chemical cleaner to remove the remaining glue. Clean up your window as you normally would, you are now finished.