One of the trickiest tasks you’ll have is removing tint from a rear window. Removal is simple and inexpensive even though the tint on your car or home windows is overly dark, damaged, discolored, or bubbling.
Now the question is, how can you fix it, and should you do it yourself? Removing the tint from the windows will likely result in a sticky mess requiring a lot of elbow grease.
Despite putting in a lot of sweat equity, you might need help to fix the back defroster.
There’s no need to waste time washing off the color and razoring away the glue. The most convenient and least destructive approach is to use a steamer. Also, it is possible to spray the windows with ammonia, wrap them in trash bags, and then peel off the tint after the sun and ammonia dissolve the glue.
Let’s get into the process of removing tint from a rear window.
What is Window Tinting?
Window tinting involves applying a thin film to a window’s glass surface. It makes it easier to control the temperature inside a building by reducing the amount of sunlight passing through the glass.
Additionally, tinted windows can reduce glare and improve privacy.
There are a variety of window tinting films available on the market, each with its own unique properties. UV rays are absorbed by some films, while others are designed to reflect them.
The right window film can provide many benefits, but it is important to choose one that meets your needs. Choosing a suitable film and ensuring it is correctly installed can be difficult without the help of a professional installer.
But suppose you need to remove window tints but are having difficulty. You can use these tricks to make your life easier!
Does Rear Defrost Mess Up Tint?
The tint on your car windows can definitely be affected by rear defrost. If the tint is not properly installed, the defrost can cause it to bubble and crack. You should take your car to a professional if you notice any signs of bubbling or cracking. For further protection, make sure the rear defrost is turned off once it has completed its job.
What are the Reasons to Remove Tint?
Tinted car windows pose three challenges, each with its own reasons for wanting to get rid of them.
Reasons related to aesthetics
Tinted windows aren’t always desirable, even if they’re in excellent condition. Due to the fact that the adhesive is likely at its strongest, this can be the most frustrating situation. When it comes to undamaged tint film, however, heat methods are effective. In addition to looking terrible, bubbled film cannot be fixed. When it bubbles, the first instinct is to peel it off, but that can leave a less attractive mess of glue and tint chunks. Positively, the bubbles are caused by a failing adhesive, making them easier to remove.
Discoloration
If your window tint turns a purplish color over time, you might want to consider replacing it. With the tint’s UV blocking ability diminishing as it turns purple, the issue goes beyond aesthetics.
This color change is caused by non-metallic dyes breaking down and cannot be repaired. The solution to this problem is again to use heat.
Removing Tint From a Rear Window: What are the Tools and Equipment Required?
Make sure you have the right tools available before you start removing window tinting from your car. This removal process will require the following tools:
- Heat gun
- Razor blade
- Scraper
- Spray bottle
- Cleaning solution
- Face mask
- Safety glasses
- Safety gloves
Before you begin the project, gather these supplies and make sure they are working properly so there aren’t any issues.
Is Removing Window Tint From Your Car Difficult?
Window tint can usually be removed from your car without too much difficulty. In order to ensure a seamless job, you should get the right tools and materials.
Besides the quality of the tint, the quality of its installation, and the length of time it has been on the vehicle, other factors determine how difficult it will be to remove the window tint.
Peeling off the tint in one piece is a fairly simple process if you can start to remove it right away. It can quickly turn from an easy job to a nightmare if the window tint peels or rips off.
Removing Tint From a Rear Window: Steps Explained!
Removing tint from a rear window is not an easy task. To get started, you can follow these two steps:
- Using The Steamer
- Using The Ammonia
1. Removing Tint From a Rear Window Using The Steamer
Preparing the Rear Window
Get in your car and open the door to peer through the tinted glass. Open your window just a bit until you can see the top edge of the shade. Since steaming generates moisture and heat, parking the car in a well-ventilated place or outside is essential.
Start with the front windows because they are more accessible, and if your back window can get frosty, do that one last. By practicing on a practice panel, you can perfect your method for removing the tint without disturbing the defrost lines.
Preparing the steamer and steaming the windows on both sides
Prepare the steamer as the manufacturer directs, typically filling it with water and letting it heat up. Adjust the steamer’s temperature to be suitable for use in automobiles.
For this task, you can use any portable garment or upholstery steamer. Start by steaming the window’s exterior, keeping the steamer a safe distance away (around 2.5 to 5.1 cm). Then, steam the inside of the glass to remove the dirt. Use lengthy, sweeping motions from the top down to heat the glass uniformly.
You can dissolve the glue by steaming the outside of the window.
Applying Steam to the Tint
Hold the steamer about 2–3 inches away from the tinted area of the rear window. Start steaming the tint vertically, working from the top of the window downwards. Apply steam to one section at a time, focusing on small areas to avoid excessive moisture buildup.
Peeling the Tint
After steaming for about 30–60 seconds, use a plastic scraper or credit card to lift the corner of the tint film gently.
Be cautious not to scratch or damage the window. Once a corner is lifted, slowly and carefully peel the tint away from the window. Apply more steam and peel if the tint doesn’t come off quickly.
Removing Adhesive Residue
After removing the tint film, adhesive residue might be left on the window. Scrape off as much residue as possible with a plastic scraper or credit card. Be gentle to avoid scratching the glass.
Alternatively, you can use a razor blade at a low angle to carefully remove stubborn residue. Be careful not to damage the glass.
Cleaning the Rear Window
Once you have removed the tint and adhesive residue, clean the rear window thoroughly using a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. This solution is best for removing all leftover residue on Windows.
2. Removing Tint From a Rear Window Using The Ammonia
Mask your vehicle’s door panels or window frame.
Tape tarps or plastic sheeting over the inner door panels or window frames to protect them from ammonia. Avoid using newspaper or anything else that might absorb the ammonia since it would eventually be rendered useless.
Ensure you have adequate protection for the controls and speakers in your car.
Cut black trash bags to fit windows.
Cover one of the windows with a black waste bag and sketch its shape with a metallic marker. You must cut it out and separate the bag into two pieces to use it inside and outside the window. Iterate this process for all the available windows.
Soap the windows and place rubbish bags on top.
Create a solution by combining dish soap and water in a spray bottle. It’s excellent for removing tough stains and grime. Give the bottle a good shake, then spray each window’s exterior. After that, cover the glass fully with a waste bag and set it aside.
The soapy water makes attaching the trash bag to the glass easier.
If you can’t get to the exterior of your windows, you can skip this.
Spray ammonia and cover windows with rubbish bags.
Put ammonia into a second spray bottle. Saturate the inside of a window with water, and then push a trash bag against it to seal it. The liquid’s weight should be enough to keep the plastic in place, but you may always apply masking tape to be safe. Keep doing this for each window.
Instead of ammonia, you can clean the inside of your windows with water, soap, or baby shampoo if you don’t have any on hand.
Soak in the ammonia for at least an hour.
Allow the ammonia to work its magic on the tint adhesive while the glass is still warm from the sun. Do this in the summer on a hot, sunny day.
Take off the plastic wrap and take off the tint.
To grab the window, please take off the trash bags and use a razor to peel away one of the corners of the tint. Carefully start at one side of the window and work to the other, pulling the tint away from the glass.
Take your time and avoid tearing the tint! If it does, push the razor beneath the tint’s edge to lift and remove it.
Remove window glue using ammonia and steel wool.
Once you’ve removed all the tint, respray the window with ammonia. Use fine steel wool to remove any remaining glue. Then, use the newspaper to remove the dirt and liquid.
If the adhesive doesn’t come off quickly, try to scrape it off with a razor, but be careful not to harm the window.
How To Remove Very Old Window Tint?
When removing very old window tint, the adhesive can be tricky to remove because it has become brittle over time. Using a combination of products will help you remove the tint safely. To remove as much tint as possible, first clean the glass with a glass cleaner and then use a plastic razor blade. The remaining adhesive and tint should then be broken down using a window tint dissolver. The tint and adhesive residue can then be completely removed using a microfiber cloth. You should be left with clean, fresh windows if this is done properly.
In the creation of window films, there are some that are flawless and some that are not, and some will go well before others. The best way to save money or avoid having to replace the tint for several years is to have a professional install it for you. A window tint must be removed both from the film and from the adhesive. When window film is removed, the adhesive is broken down with heat.
Window tint can be removed in several ways, and it is often thought to be the most convenient. The window must be thoroughly cleaned after the film and adhesive have been removed. After a window has been scratched, it must be replaced. Your home or business can benefit from Window Film Depot’s window tint removal services. It is strongly recommended that you hire a professional to install window tint due to its
importance to its longevity.
Are there Any Other Solutions?
Window tint can be tedious to remove from a car window, but you don’t have to. A fabric steamer or ammonia can be used to remove the tint from window film, or you can spray ammonia or 70% or 91% isopropyl alcohol directly on the film.
The solution can be applied directly to the tint using ammonia or isopropyl alcohol solutions. The chemical seeps in and loosens the adhesive, so the tint remains untinted. It is important to wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling ammonia, since it is toxic.
It is also possible to steam one corner of the tint. This technique should allow you to peel off the film. In spite of the fact that the film should be completely removed, a sticky layer of adhesive will remain on the surface. Use a razor to scrape away the adhesive layer if you’re having trouble removing it.
Regardless of which method you choose, removing tint from a window can be challenging. When you are patient and follow the proper precautions, you can effectively remove the tint from your car’s windows.
How to Remove Window Tint Glue Residue?
Once the tint itself is gone, you’ll need to know how to remove window tint glue. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen as efficiently as one would hope. All of these methods are effective in removing any remaining gunk.
Alcohol
A bottle of 90 percent isopropyl alcohol makes quick work of leftover glue, and it’s one of the most affordable and effective solvents on the market.
For smaller spots, use a rag and spray bottle, while for larger surfaces, use a spray bottle and rag. As you work, make sure the area is well ventilated and avoid breathing in the fumes.
In addition to removing oily residue from the inside of a windshield, you can also use isopropyl alcohol.
Goo Gone
Removing leftover tint glue is easy with this popular glue remover. You won’t be able to remove the tint itself with this method.
Nail Polish Remover
A microfiber cloth, nail polish remover, and elbow grease are all you need to remove glue. Even though this method requires a little extra effort, the results will be worth it.
Scrubbing
To remove glue residue, use hot, soapy water (we recommend Dawn) and a car ice scraper on a warm day. In addition to being a safe method, it also gives you an excuse to clean the interior of your car.
How To Remove Rear Window Defroster?
Using the right tools and following the correct steps can make removing a rear window defroster easy. The defroster needs to be unplugged or flipped off by first turning off the power. The next step is to carefully remove the defroster strips from the glass using a putty knife or screwdriver. Make sure you take your time when removing the adhesive, since it can be very sticky. To get rid of any residue left behind after removing the strips, use a glass cleaner to clean the glass. The defroster can then be powered back up after the strips have been replaced. In the end, you should have a rear window defroster that can be removed and replaced after following these steps.
How to Replace Your Film?
Old window tint is typically removed so that a newer, higher-quality film can be installed. A quality window tint offers a wide range of benefits, and once you’ve used it, it’s hard to go back!
We offer professional window tint installation services, as well as a large selection of high-quality films, to help our customers remove their old window tint.
The Tint Guy’s professional technicians can help you upgrade your car’s current window tint if it’s worn out or otherwise in need of replacement. Choosing the right film is key to ensuring that it looks great and lasts for years (unlike previous solutions). We can help you make sure it is installed correctly according to your preferences and needs.
Will Removing Window Tint Damage the Defroster?
When removing window tint with a defroster, you need to be very careful since it’s generally a pretty straightforward process. Damage to the defroster lines on the vehicle is very easy.
The scraper is the most common tool used to damage defroster lines during the removal process. The defroster lines are easily nicked or lifted when you push down to get behind the tint. Those lines will not function properly even if they have a small cut.
When people remove window tint, they usually damage the defroster lines by pulling up the defroster lines with the adhesive of the tint. The glue must be loosened up a bit before being removed from the window.
Removing Tint From a Rear Window: What is the Cost?
You may be wondering how much it costs to remove your car’s window tint if you are considering hiring a window tint service. Window tint removal costs typically range from $60 for all four side windows to $85 for the windshield and rear windows, depending on your vehicle.
A service station worker cuts extra PPF from the edge of the installation area with a focused gaze.
Professional Window Tint Removal
It is understandable if when you read this guide, all you can think about is that this is a job that you don’t want to do. If you want to do it yourself, however, you’ll need to hire a pro.
Depending on how many windows you need to remove tint from and where you take it, you can expect to spend between $100 and $250 on this method.
Compared to a small shop in Iowa, a professional window tint shop in southern California will charge much more to remove window tint.
The good news is that removing window tint on your own isn’t all that hard, and you’re unlikely to mess anything up if the price is higher than you would like to spend. Wouldn’t it be great if you tried it first?
Final Thought
Finally, you have got some idea of removing tint from a rear window. It’s manageable removing tint from your rear window. Just follow the steps or tweak it here and there. Most importantly, be careful about safety cautions, especially when working with Ammonia.
Please choose a suitable method for your specific situation, whether using a steamer, heat gun, or seeking professional help. Whichever method you choose, remember that patience is key.
Take time and work slowly to avoid damaging the window or any surrounding components. Once the tint is removed, remember to clean and maintain the rear window to ensure a clear and pristine result.
FAQs
How long does it take to take the tint off the back window?
As a general rule, a four-door car takes about two hours. Because of the defrosters, removing the tint from the large back window takes the most time. It’s best to let a professional remove window tint.
Do windows get damaged if the tint is removed?
If you try to remove the window tint on your own, you could damage your car in a way that can’t be fixed.
Is it easy to take off the tint?
To put it simply, the film will come off with little trouble. To help it move, use a sharp blade and some soapy water.
Can a hair dryer be used to take off window tint?
Drop the window about half an inch to get to the edge of the tint film. Put the exterior and inside of the window under the heat of the hair dryer or gun. Use the razor blade to peel away an edge carefully. Remove the film carefully by heating it and working slowly along the leading edge.
Can you remove the tint from the back window defroster?
Use a heat gun to warm the tint, then peel it off. Remove a corner of the tint from the top with a razor blade. Don’t touch the lines with a sharp blade if you don’t want to damage them. Use long, strong movements to pull the film and plastic from the window.