How do you strip old window tint?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL USA
How do you strip old window tint?
I used a razor blade to strip my old window tint on my two side windows. I am scared that if I used a razor blade to strip the rear hatchback it will strip the defrost lines along with it. Is there a way to do it that will save the defrost lines?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 346
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From: southwestern Michigan USA
Re: How do you strip old window tint? (schang)
Definitely keep the razor blade away from the defroster tape. Sometimes you can get lucky and get a corner "lifted" and peel it from there, when it rips just repeat the process until you get it all. Or you can get some 3M adhesive remover or something comparable and go that route. I dont think it would hurt the defroster elements but you better check with somebody that knows for sure before you go for it.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,130
Likes: 7
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: How do you strip old window tint? (purple jinx)
I agree with Jinx..a good glue or adhesive remover works well.
Heres what we did when I detailed cars for a living at the dealer.
First peel back the tint...spray alot of windex or water as you peel away.Get all the tint paper off first.
Sometimes you get lucky and theres no BLUE tint glue stuck to the window.Still need to use the adhesive remover to wipe the sticky film off.
Use a good glue or adhesive remover and plenty of rags to wipe/spray on the glass, let it sit and rub off.
What also helped speed things up..spray windex on the glass and with a razor blade, take off the blue glue film stuck on the glass VERY CAREFULLY between the defroster lines...youll get 80 percent off this way.
You need to work slow and have plenty of new razor blades around to throw away the ones that dull fast.
Then use the glue remover or adhesive remover and wipe it all off and then clean the glass with windex or a good glass cleaner.
It takes alot of patience but it will come all off.
Good Luck!!You can do it and its not as bad as you might think.
Heres what we did when I detailed cars for a living at the dealer.
First peel back the tint...spray alot of windex or water as you peel away.Get all the tint paper off first.
Sometimes you get lucky and theres no BLUE tint glue stuck to the window.Still need to use the adhesive remover to wipe the sticky film off.
Use a good glue or adhesive remover and plenty of rags to wipe/spray on the glass, let it sit and rub off.
What also helped speed things up..spray windex on the glass and with a razor blade, take off the blue glue film stuck on the glass VERY CAREFULLY between the defroster lines...youll get 80 percent off this way.
You need to work slow and have plenty of new razor blades around to throw away the ones that dull fast.
Then use the glue remover or adhesive remover and wipe it all off and then clean the glass with windex or a good glass cleaner.
It takes alot of patience but it will come all off.
Good Luck!!You can do it and its not as bad as you might think.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 700
Likes: 20
From: Derby Kansas
Re: How do you strip old window tint? (schang)
Here's a sight with really good info: http://www.tintdude.com/remove.html
Racer
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: Durham NC
Re: How do you strip old window tint? (schang)
Easy and cheap way is to try to find a corner and pull the tint off. Then use a hair dryer or heating gun to heat the adhesive while wiping with a mixture of vinegar water About 50/50 mix. Easier with 2 people, one heating the glass from the outside while the other does the wiping.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 335
Likes: 0
From: MANTEO NC USA
Re: How do you strip old window tint? (dbelnap)
those are good ways off getting the tint off but when it comes to getting the glue off you can take some windex go to the dolllar store and buy the plastic wire brush pad. spray the window with the windex and and rub with the pad wipe with dry cloth every now and then and the glue should peel right off for you.
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Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 14,577
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From: Michigan in the summer, Florida the rest of the time
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'11
Re: How do you strip old window tint? (schang)
Here's how I got the tinting off from my convertible's rear window:
1. Peel back (or use a razor to get started) one corner of the tinting.
2. Grab the loose corner and gently pull off the entire sheet (mine came off in one piece)
3. Use Goof-Off or Oops gum remover - you'll find it at Wal-Mart
4. I had to repeat step 3 about 3-4 times
5. Windex cleans up the remaining glue
Took about 15 minutes. Advice came from someone on the Forum about a year ago. Worked great!
Brad
1. Peel back (or use a razor to get started) one corner of the tinting.
2. Grab the loose corner and gently pull off the entire sheet (mine came off in one piece)
3. Use Goof-Off or Oops gum remover - you'll find it at Wal-Mart
4. I had to repeat step 3 about 3-4 times
5. Windex cleans up the remaining glue
Took about 15 minutes. Advice came from someone on the Forum about a year ago. Worked great!
Brad
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: southwestern Michigan USA
Re: How do you strip old window tint? (schang)
schang - as far as where to get it... if you have a body shop supply store in the area or know someone who works at a body shop itself, see if they have it or can order it for you.
