Best Way to Remove Window Tint
Probably the best way to remove all window tint at once is with ammonia and a garbage bag. This method works best in sunlight, but you should protect your car’s interior (door frames, seats, etc.) from ammonia splashes to prevent damage. You can also use soapy water instead of ammonia, but it may not work as well. If this works for you, try the next method.
1. First, remove any buildup from the surface of the tint. Protect the door frame and other trim with thick plastic and secure it with tape. Open the window slightly to expose the top edge of the tint.
2. Place a black trash bag (black is best because it absorbs sunlight well) on the outside of the window and roughly cut out the outline of the window (it doesn’t have to be perfect). You should now have two identical black garbage bags: one to stick to the outside of the window (or spray the outside with soapy water, which will just help the wrap stick to the glass), and one to stick to the inside later.
3. Once the outside of the window is covered with plastic wrap, spray the inside of the window thoroughly with ammonia (Windex works well for this). Cover the still-wet surface with a garbage bag. Use tape if necessary.
4. Leave the window in the sun for 1-2 hours, allowing the ammonia to be absorbed into the tint and loosening the tint adhesive. Do not let it dry and check if necessary.
5. After exposure, use a razor blade to lift a corner of the tint/bag layer at an angle. Pull it off with your hands.
6. Remove any adhesive residue and use a glass cleaner.
Other Ways to Remove Window Tint
As before, be sure to remove anything on top of the tint before removing the tint itself, then lower the window slightly to expose the top edge of the tint.
Hair Dryer or Heat Gun
This method uses heat just like the steam method, but with dry heat instead. The heat should loosen the tint and the adhesive, but you’ll need to keep peeling the tint off to prevent it from cooling and re-sticking to the glass.
1. Start at a corner and heat a small section, keeping the hair dryer about 1-2 inches away to avoid the tint getting stuck to the hot hair dryer head.
2. Peel the tint off, preferably starting from a corner, before heating and peeling the next section. Repeat this process until the entire window is done.
3. Be sure to peel the tint off slowly to avoid tearing it, or it will be even harder to remove than it started.
Soapy Water/Newspaper
This method is similar to the ammonia or soapy water/plastic method, but may be more convenient depending on what materials you have in your home.
1. Prepare the soapy water and spray it on the inside of the window using the same steps as spraying the ammonia.
2. Cover the inside glass with newspaper and make sure the newspaper stays wet for a few hours (you can spray again if necessary).
3. Now try to lift the newspaper and tint together. Remove any remaining adhesive and clean the glass with an automotive glass cleaner.
Tips for Removing Adhesive Residue from Window Tint
Adhesive residue can be removed by rubbing the window at an angle with a razor blade. However, it’s easier to apply a solvent to a microfiber cloth and rub the adhesive with it.
Isopropyl alcohol (the highest concentration available) usually works best, but you can also try ammonia or nail polish remover. Goo Gone works well too.
How much does professional window tint removal cost? If you hire a professional to do the stain job, it will cost you $100 to $200 total on your vehicle. If you then remanufacture your vehicle with the same company, you may be able to get a discount. Call around to get the best price.
If you have more money than time, it may be best to leave this job to the professionals, but anyone with a little patience can do it at home.
