How to Remove Car Window Tints With a Heat Gun
by Jennifer Long
You may come across a dozen or more reasons for removing car window tint. You may have purchased a used car that has damaged or faded tinting. You could also just be tired of an existing tint job. Regardless of the reason, you know that the tint should come off. You can pay an automotive tinting company to do this for you, but if you’re on a budget, removing your own car window tint can save you money.
Step 1
Use the heat gun on the outside of the window to warm the adhesive and tinting on the inside. If you heat from the inside, you take the risk of melting the tint to the window. Try to keep the heat gun between 4 to 6 inches from the glass and heat until the window is warm to the touch.
Step 2
Start in one corner and peel off the tinting from the inside. You must work slowly to avoid tearing the tint and having small pieces to work with. Reheat the outside of the window as needed to keep the adhesive pliable.
Step 3
Use the razor blade, in the casing handle, to help you remove the tint. Place the razor edge at an angle so that the sharp angled edge of the blade contacts the glass.
Step 4
Spray the adhesive remover on to the window when you have removed the entire tint, covering the entire area where the tint was previously attached. Allow the remover to sit for 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 5
Use the razor and the steel wool to help work the tint adhesive from the window. To avoid large messes, wipe removed adhesive and remover away as you complete a section of the window.
Step 6
Reapply adhesive remover and scrape again, if needed, until all traces of adhesive are gone.
Step 7
Use window cleaner and paper towels to wash away any residue from the windows.
References
Tips
- If you can't find a heat gun, you can use a hair blow dryer.
Things You'll Need
- Heat gun
- Steel wool pads, 000 size
- Liquid adhesive remover (spray bottle type)
- Clean cotton rags
- Flat razor blades
- Razor casing handle
- Paper towels
- Window cleaner
Warnings
- Be extremely careful when working with the razor blade to avoid cutting yourself.
- Take care when using the steel wool and the razor blade on services with defrost lines and wiring on the window.
