How Can You Remove a Factory Window Tint?
by Darla Ferrara
Removing the factory tint from your car windows can be quite a task. Tint film is composed of two layers. When pulled, the top layer may come off without too much trouble but leave the second layer behind. The most effective system includes pulling both layers together. If done incorrectly, you may spend hours scraping off the stuck pieces of tint. With the proper steps, you can remove the factory tint yourself and save the money a professional would charge to do the job for you.
Windshields
Step 1
Remove any obstructions from the window, such as the rear brake light.
Step 2
Spray the outside of the window with water and then cover it with plastic. Cut away excess plastic so that the tarp is roughly the shape of the window.
Step 3
Lay a tarp across the rear deck and seats. Cover the front dashboard with plastic. Spray the inside of the window with pure ammonia. You may want to wear a face mask. Ammonia is very strong.
Step 4
Cover the ammonia-soaked window with plastic and secure the plastic with tape.
Step 5
Park the car in a sunny area. Leave the car for one hour.
Step 6
Peel the tint off the window. Remove the plastic from the corner of the window. Leave as much the window covered as possible so the ammonia does not evaporate.
Step 7
Spray the corner again with ammonia. Use a razor to pull away the corner of the tint. Be careful not to cut through any defroster lines or antennas. Once the corner rises, grab the loose piece with both hands and pull it away from the window. Pull slowly and with consistent pressure; the goal is to pull the film off in one piece. You will pull the plastic off as the tint pulls away from the window. If necessary, spray ammonia as you pull. If the tint film breaks, spray ammonia and use the razor to restart it.
Step 8
Scrub off the adhesive residue stuck to the window once the film comes off. Spray the window glass again with ammonia. Use a fine steel wool pad to scrub off the adhesive.
Step 9
Spray the window with window cleaner and wipe it down with paper towels or newspaper.
Side Windows
Step 1
Spray the window down with warm, soapy water. Let soak for two or three minutes.
Step 2
Use a razor blade in a holder and cut an opening in the tint.
Step 3
Slide the blade under the tint at the opening you cut. Pull enough of the tint film away so you can grasp it with your hands.
Step 4
Pull the film, using both hands, away from the window. Remove the film in segments until the window is clear.
Step 5
Spray the window down again with warm, soapy water. Scrape away any adhesive residue. Clean the window with spray cleaner and paper towels.
References
Things You'll Need
- Razor blades
- Plastic tarps
- Spray bottles
- Ammonia
- Protective face mask
- Electrical tape
- Fine steel wool pad
- Window cleaner
- Paper Towels
- Warm water
- Soap
Warnings
- There are risks involved in removing tint film from windows. You may damage the defroster and antenna wires embedded to the window's surface.
Writer Bio
Writing since 1999, Darla Ferrara is an award-winning author who specializes in health, diet, fitness and computer technology. She has been published in "Mezzo Magazine" and Diet Spotlight, as well as various online magazines. Ferrara studied biology and emergency medical technology at the University of Nebraska and Southeast Community College.
