removing tint from windows

Z

zannard

If I only had more time.
I know this isn't much of a detailing item, but any suggestions on removing tint from windows. I know about using a razor blade and ammonia on the side windows, but looking for anwsers for the rear window with the defroster. I have found some suggestions on the web about using ammonia and a trash bag, letting it sit in the sun for 30 minutes and peel.

Looking for something a little better or a product that will remove the tint. What do tint shops use?

ANy ideas are welcome.

thanks in advance.
 
My suggestion: Let a professional do it.

It is really easy to mess up your rear defrosters and it would probably only cost you about $20 to get the tint removed. The hassel of trying it yourself + the fact that you would be much more likely to dammage something is probably worth it.

I had the driver and passenger tint removed on my old truck, $20 bucks to do both windows, took them about 10 minutes max.
 
I always used a brillo pad or steel wool on the glue left behind after you peel the tint off of the defrost lines. Works pretty good. It doesn't take too much pressure to get the glue off, but still be careful about the lines.
 
When we trip windows we "sweat" it off on a sunny day spray pro 409 onthe back window and tape a trash bag over the window after about 30-60 min drop bag and the tint should peel right off use the 409 to get the rest of glue off then go over the window with a glass cleaner.Remember to look over the defrost lines very well if you plan on getting your rear window redone
 
If you do try the DIY route this may help-
Removing Window Tint:

When old window tint starts to bubble, the glass looks like it has light splotches disbursed over dark tint, this occurs when the tint's adhesive eventually dries out, at which point bubbles start to appear. The typical warranty on window film is two years against cracking, bubbling or delaminating. You may be tempted to try to repair the damage, but one bubble indicates that the glue is nearing the end of its life cycle.

Instead, remove all of the film. This will save time and money whether or not you intend to re-tint the glass yourself or take it to a shop. No special tools or talent are necessary to remove old window film. All you need are a few common items and a sunny day.

This applies to all tinted windows, particularly ones that have defroster lines, which can be damaged by razor blades. As such, heat and chemicals are the best ways to proceed on this type of glass. This rear-windshield job took about an hour and a half.
Methodology
•Old tint can be removed with fairly common items, including black rubbish bags, Isopropyl Alcohol, steel wool and a razor blade or knife.
•Spray the window's exterior with soapy water, cover it with a black trash bag, smooth the plastic flat, and then trim the bag to fit the glass. This will absorb heat, which makes the film expand so that both layers will peel off together.
•Inside, protect any close-by upholstered surfaces, and then spray the window film with undiluted Isopropyl Alcohol, ensure that the spray reaches all the way to the edge.
•Trap the Isopropyl Alcohol against the tint with another trash bag or, for small windows, plastic wrap. Then let the window bake in the sun for about an hour to soften the tint's adhesive.
•Lift a corner of the film with a fingernail or, failing that, a razor blade. Be careful not to nick the defroster lines. The film should peel off in whole pieces; keep the tint moist with ammonia as you strip. Use a razor blade to scrape off any tint that didn't peel.
•Remove glue residue with 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner (PN 08984) and 0000 (Super Fine) steel wool, wiping with paper towel as you go
•Finish by removing the exterior trash bag and cleaning both sides of the window with glass cleaner.

Information resource- Tintdude.com Ric Wellman 2004
 
togwt is about the same method we use but remember not all tint is made the same I have striped windows that looked like it would be a piece ofcake went to peel it off and and 1"x1" pieces the whole back window those take forever its when the tinted layer seperate[sp] from the layer with glue. most of the time it is straight forward but brands and age take affect on film also how much time a vehicle spends outside
 
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