Rep Power: 0

I have searched threads. I need DIY on easiest way to remove tinted windows. I just bought a 95 civic and i am really not a big fan on tinted windows. Anyone know what to use?

 
Rep Power: 361

By far the most often asked question is "How do
I remove this old, purple, bubbled tint off the rear
window without destroying defroster lines?"





Time: 1-3 hours


Materials:

• Warm sunny day
• Tarp
• Large plastic garbage bag
• Undiluted Ammonia
• Windex (a glass cleaner)
• Paper towels
• Fine steel wool
• Razor blades
  

Tools:

• Slotted Screwdrivers
• Phillips Screwdrivers
  

Tips: The difficult thing about removing tint is that most film is constructed of two layers of tinted polyester. When you try to peel the film off the glass, the top layer will usually pull right off leaving the second layer behind. This second layer will not peel off, it will just flake and tear like a price tag.

Step 1:

To over come separation between layers you must soften the adhesive so that both layers peel at the same time. This is very important, if you peel the just the top layer, you may as well just use razor blades as there is no way to peel the second layer off without picking at it for a few hours. You MUST try to peel both layers at once. Step 2:
First, clear the window of any obstructions, like the brake light, speaker covers etc.
Step 3:
Next cut open the garbage bag so that it will be big enough to cover the entire window. Spray some water on the outside of the back window and the lay plastic bag over the glass. Cut away excess plastic so that it is now roughly the same shape as the glass.
Step 4:
Next, lay a tarp over rear deck and seat, spray ammonia liberally on the inside of the back window. (Ammonia is very strong, I suggest you hold your breath during this step) and cover ammonia soaked tint with the plastic bag so that it won't evaporate.
Step 5:
Park the car with rear window facing the sun for about an hour. The film should now be ready to peel.
Step 6:
When you are ready to start peeling, leave the plastic in place so the ammonia wont dry. Get the peeling started with a razor blade in a corner where there are no defroster lines. Try to peel film off in one piece. If the ammonia dries as you peel, the glue will get hard again, so spray a bit of ammonia on the area as you peel.
Step 7:
Once the film is peeled you will need to scrub the adhesive off with ammonia and fine 0000 steel wool.

Mop up scrubbed areas with paper towels before they dry. Finish up with window cleaner and paper towels.
Removing tint from side windows
Soaking is not nessesary here. You may want to use a simple razorblade holder. Cut a notch onto the upper area of the film so that you have a piece to pull. Try to peel the film, it will probably come off in two or three pieces.
Spray the remaining adhesive with soapy water, and scrape the adhesive off with a razor blade, avoiding the edges of the glass until last to keep the blade sharp. You may need to use a few blades as they dull quickly. Finish up with window cleaner and paper towels. Inspect for missed glue (its clear and hard to see)

 
Rep Power: 361

Another way to strip using steam

If you have access to a Jiffy steamer or similar steam machine, you can make quick work of stripping. Apply the steam to a small spot for a few moments and use a blade or the spout of the steamer to peel the area just steamed, when you have enough to hold, just peel slowly as you steam just ahead of the area you are peeling.

This will bring both layers of tint off and sometimes the adhesive too, without presoaking for an hour.

 
Rep Power: 0

doesn't amonia make tint peel off?? i've heard that amonia based cleaners like windex will make tint peel away.

 
Rep Power: 258

Some of the best stuff our tinter use to use at a shop I used to be at was oven cleaner to take the glue off. It practically melted away, its awesome.

 
Rep Power: 0

this is very useful...i guess i should wait until summer to peel my tint off. this should be stickied.