Removing Window Tinting Without Hiring A Pro
Buying a car with window tinting already in place is great unless that tint happens to go beyond the levels allowed by law or it is aged and peeling. If it is time to remove an old tint job and make way for new work or just a clearer view, this can be done at home. The job will require some serious elbow grease, but there really is no need to hire a pro.
The first thing you will want to do to get the job started is collect some supplies. You will need a warm, sunny day or a good hair dryer, a tarp, black plastic garbage bags, straight ammonia, a window cleaner, paper towels, razor blades and a fine-grade steel wool.
Window tint is generally applied with two layers, each of which will need to come off. Ideally, you will want to be able to peel both layers of tint at the same time. This will help you avoid the need for razor blades and hours of scraping. Before starting, make sure you know which side of the glass the tint has been applied on. Professionals generally put tint on the inside, but amateur jobs might involve an outside application.
To get the job done, follow these steps:
Remove obstructions ' Make sure you have complete access to the window you want to work on. This means removing things like speaker covers, decorations or even a third brake light.
Cut the garbage bag to fit the window ' You will want to cover the outside of the window with the bag, so make sure it is cut to fit the window as closely as possible. Spray water on the outside of the window and place the plastic over it until it fits snugly.
Protect the interior of the car ' Use the tarp to protect the inside of the car from damage during the removal process. Make sure to fully protect the area where you will be working initially. The tarp can be moved as you go.
Use the ammonia ' Spray the window with the tinting film fully with ammonia. Take the garbage bag off the outside and put it snugly over the tinted window to prevent ammonia from evaporating.
Leave the car in the sun ' Let the ammonia work on the adhesive for about an hour by setting the car in the sun to bake. If the day is not warm enough to heat up the adhesive and the bag, move things along with the hair dryer.
Start peeling ' Pick a corner that is free from defroster lines and use a razor blade to help create an edge. Ideally, you will want to peel off the tint in a full sheet, taking both layers as you go. If the ammonia starts drying as you go, make sure to spray again.
Clean it up ' When the tint is off, you will have some adhesive left behind. Spray it directly with ammonia and use the steel wool to gently remove it. Once the sticky stuff is gone, clean window surfaces with a standard cleaner and paper towels.
Removing tint does take time and elbow grease, but it does not call for hiring a pro. If you have the time and a little patience, you can get it off and save yourself some money in the process.
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