Removing Window Films

Window tint and the adhesive that adheres it to the glass is difficult to remove. While it is generally best done by experts, the consumer can remove it with appropriate materials and care. The process involves heating the film with a hair dryer or a steamer to soften the adhesive, pulling the film off in small sections, and dissolving the glue with a strong ammonia solution which may then be wiped off.

Some professional tinting companies remove the glass during tint installation for a perfect finish, making removal of the film very difficult for the novice. As a side note, IGU ( insulated glass units)should not have hair dryers put to them to remove film.

This technique is for the heated rear window. One way to remove the film is to create humidity inside the vehicle. This is done by using soapy water, a black bin bag, and the sun (sometimes difficult in UK!!).

1. Cut open a large black bin bag, along the bottom and one side.
2. Lay the bag on the outside of the rear window.
3. Trim to the size of the rear window glass.
4. Remove to the inside of the car
5. Spray the inside of the back window with soapy water (water and a few drops of baby soap).
6. Lay the bin bag inside the window, as flat as possible against the glass, also as wet.
7. Shut all doors and make sure the windows are shut.
8. Try to aim the rear window to the sun.
9. Let sit for about 15 minutes, check to see if you can see a difference in the way the adhesive looks. Grab a corner of the film and try to peel it, if this has worked the film will almost fall off. If it is still hard to get off, try again, with the soap.