How to Get Bubbles Out of Tint
by Aaron Ratliff
Air and dirt on the surface of your car's glass can cause the tint on your vehicle to bubble up. While this causes no direct harm to your vehicle, it is unsightly and can be a dangerous distraction while driving. You can have a professional completely replace the tint on the affected window, or save yourself money by removing the bubbles using one of two methods.
Puncture the Bubbles
Step 1
Warm the tint on your vehicles windows by placing it in the sun or by using a hair dryer.
Step 2
Spray a small amount of water onto the surface of the window tint. Apply only enough water to lightly dampen the surface.
Step 3
Use the tip of a small sewing needle to puncture a hole in each air bubble. Do not move the needle in any direction, as doing so may cause the tint to rip.
Step 4
Hold the plastic card at a 45-degree angle, and gently work your way over the surface of the tint, starting at a position that is below any bubbles. Work your way over the bubbled areas slowly so you do not risk tearing the tint.
Step 5
Dry the surface of the window with a lint-free cloth. Inspect the tint to ensure the bubbles are gone and that no tearing occurred.
Remove the Tint
Step 1
Dry the surface of the window completely with a lint-free cloth.
Step 2
Melt the adhesive under your window tint by directing the warm air from a hair dryer over the affected area.
Step 3
Gently peel back the corner of the window tint that is closest to the bubbled area. Make sure you remove enough tint that the bubbled area is no longer adhering to the glass.
Step 4
Apply a thin layer of window tint adhesive to the back of the window tinting and place it back onto the surface of the glass.
Step 5
Spray the surface of the window tint lightly with water. Use a squeegee to remove the water and any air under the surface of the tint.
Step 6
Dry the window using a lint-free cloth. Inspect it for the appearance of any bubbles or other damage.
References
Things You'll Need
- Hair dryer (optional)
- Needle
- Plastic card
- Water spray bottle
- Lint-free cloth
- Window tint adhesive
- Squeegee
Warnings
- When puncturing the bubbles in your window tint, be sure the surface of the tint stays wet at all times. Working with dry tint is more challenging, and increases the chance of it ripping.
Writer Bio
Based in Asheville, N.C., Aaron Ratliff started writing as a journalist for his hometown radio station in 1997. He is currently a North Carolina licensed Emergency Medical Technician and a certified personal trainer. Ratliff is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in health promotion at Appalachian State University.
