5 Proven Methods to Remove Window Tint from a Car

A step-by-step guide for the most effective ways to remove car window tint

Looking to remove window tint from your vehicle? In this article, we’ll walk you through different removal methods as well as instructions for each method. Regardless of the removal method, it’s important to be cautious throughout each step as any negligence can result in damaging your vehicle and/or stripping away the color.

Method 1: Removal Through Heat

This is a clean and easy method if you have a heat gun or a hairdryer on hand. This method works well for tint that is in good shape. Old tint may rip or tear, leaving film on the window.

What to do:

1. Place the heat gun, or hair dryer, on its highest heat setting.
2. Hold the heat gun about two inches away from outside of the window glass.
3. Start in one corner of the window and apply the heat for about 30 seconds. You should start to see the tint peel upwards. 
4. Once the film begins to peel, use your finger or a razor blade to pull the film off the glass.
5. Next, use the heat gun again to apply heat where the peeling tint meets the glass and begin to slowly pull off the tint until completely removed.

Method 2: Soap & Scrape Method

This method is one of the most common removal methods. It does require more supplies and effort than the heat method, but it’s more likely to leave a cleaner result. 

What you’ll need:

• Dish Soap
• Glass Cleaner
• Microfiber Cloths
• Razor Blade
• Spray Bottle
• Paper Towerls
• Garage Bags
• Water

What to do:

1. Make a small cut in the corner of the film using the razor blade. This will create a tab that you’ll use to pull the film from the window. 
2. Using the tab, go ahead and begin peeling the tint back. (Note: The film will not always peel in a single piece. You might need to tear off in sections.)
3. Once removed, mix the dish soap and water in a spray bottle and spray your windows. 
4. Grab the razor blade and carefully scrape any remaining tint from the windows. Make sure you don’t put too much pressure into the window as this can permanently scratch the glass.
5. Lastly, clean your windows with the glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth.

Method 3: Soap & Newspaper Method

If the above methods don’t happen to work out for you, try this one. This method is similar to the soap & scrape method minus all the manual effort. You’ll need the same supplies, plus newspapers.

What to do:

1. Mix dish soap and warm water in a bucket and then apply this mixture to the inside of the window.
2. Right after you apply the mixture, lay a newspaper on the top of the wet window. Let the soap and newspaper sit for about an hour. If you notice the newspaper drying in some sections, go ahead and add more soap and water to the outside (this may need to be done every 15 minutes depending on temperatures and climate).
3. After one hour, use the razor blade to peel off the newspaper. You’ll want to see the tint lift up as well as you do this. 
4. Remove the remaining film with your blade and then clean the glass with glass cleaner and cloth.

Method 4: Steam Clean Method

This is great method if you have a steam cleaner on hand, ie. PureSteam. This is one of the most effective, and easiest, methods in removing tint film from your windows.

What to do:

1. Steam the inside and outside of your car windows for a few minutes until the glue adhesive begins to melt
2. As the glue melts, you can then use a razor blade to peel off the tint. It should be easy and smooth.
3. You should only have a little bit of glue left over on the tint. Go ahead and use glass cleaner and a cloth to polish the window.

Method 5: Solar Peel Method

This is the last of the top main methods people use to remove window tint. This can be a tedious and time-consuming method, but the most interesting. This method is most effective when done on hot, sunny days.

What to do:

1. Spray the outside of your car windows with a soap and water mixture.
2. Cover the windows with blast plastic trash bags. Take time to smooth out the bag so that it lies flat with minimal bubbles and wrinkles.
3. Use a tarp or a similar cover to protect the interior surface near the windows.
4. Spray an ammonia solution to the inside of all windows and cover it with a trash bag. (Note: Wear a mask so that you don’t inhale the fumes). Let the windows bake in the sunlight for about 25 minutes.
5. Remove the trash bags from both sides of the windows.
6. Grab a corner of the film and begin to peel the tint from the glass. You may need to use a razor blade to remove any remaining adhesive.

Tips for Post Window Tint Removal

No matter the method you choose to remove window tint, it’s likely that you’ll be left with windows that might need some post tint removal TLC. To get that clean window glass look back,  remove leftover adhesive and specks of window tint film by using a soap and water solution in a water bottle and letting this mixture soak on the glass. Use a blade, carefully, to remove any imperfections. Another great, and highly recommended, option is to purchase #0000 steel wool. Make sure to only buy the #0000 as anything higher can leave you with permanent glass damage. You’ll want to mix dish soap with warm water in a bowl, then dip your steel wool into the solution. Lightly rub the windows in small circular motions. Try to avoid too much pressure and large movements. Finally, use a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth to polish off your clean windows.

Looking to Install New Tint? Make Sure Your Tint Follows the Window Tint Laws in your State

If you are looking to install new tint or if you simply found these methods helpful and would like more tinting guides, check out WindowTintLaws.us. Stay up to date on your state’s legal tint limits as well as how to shop for or install car window tint.