How Do I Remove Old Window Tinting Film that has Bubbled or Distorted?
No matter how much you take care of your window, you will need to remove your window tint, especially if it has started to show signs of wear and tear. If you have enough money for professional help, then you can simply call on professional installation personnel who would be happy to do the job for you. However, you should know that spending money on professional fees and charges is not a necessity. With the right tools and a can-do attitude, you can go about this task by yourself. No need for professional fees. All that you need is some elbow grease!
There are two things that you should look out for in assessing whether you should already replace your window tinting: purple film and bubbling film. Purple file refers to the uncharacteristic discoloration that happens when the non-metallic dyes in the film starts changing their hue. Bubbling film is evident when certain parts of the film start detaching from the surface where it is applied, usually caused by the deterioration of the adhesive that was used to install the film. Once you notice any of these signs, then it is time that you remove your old window tinting and apply a new layer.
There is no doubt that you have asked this question: how do I remove old window tinting film that has bubbled or distorted? Well, here are four simple ways through which you can deal with this kind of problem and bring your windows back to its former glory.
Use Ammonia and Sunlight
If you choose to go with this technique, then you have to make sure that you remove your window tinting film during a hot day and when the sun is up. To start, cut garbage bags to mirror the size and shape of your window and use your cut sheets to protect the window’s frame. Apply a thin layer of ammonia on the glass where the tinting film is applied and use another sheet of plastic to cover this part. Make sure that it is completely secured because ammonia fumes can be flammable and harmful. Leave your makeshift removal system under the sun for a few hours. After some time, your old window tint should peel off with the plastic, leaving your window like new.
Steam it Off
Using a steamer is perhaps the easiest way through which you can remove old window tinting film that has bubbled or distorted. Using your normal garment steamer, heat the surface by steaming it from an inch away. This will melt that glue that holds the film in place and, slowly but surely, melt the tint off of your window. Continue the process until the tint has completely peeled off. Just a word of caution: the result will not look as clean as you would want it to be. Don’t worry because using a piece of cloth, some adhesive remover, and some elbow grease will remove all unwanted residue.
Use the Old Fashion Way
If you have more than enough time in your hands, soap, newspaper, a razor blade, and a good dollop of adhesive remover should help you remove old window tinting film. Apply a good amount of detergent on the film surface and use sheets of paper to cover it. Leave the surface to dry for about an hour or two. Make sure that you reapply another coating of detergent every 15 minutes or when the newspaper starts going dry. Get your hands on a razor blade and use it to scrape off the newspaper and the film. Make sure that you use long strokes when doing this. Use the adhesive cleaner to remove any residue.
Peel it Right Off
Once window tinting film has started to bubble and distorted, it is a sign that the adhesive used to apply the film has already started to deteriorate. Believe it or not, if you are careful enough, you can use your bare hands to peel the film right off! Peel off one edge and use both of your hands to peel off the film, one big chunk at a time. Easy does it. Do not pull or tug hard for this will cause the film to break. The slower you do it, the more you will be able to leave the film intact and remove it in one smooth pull. However, it will be possible that some residue will remain on the surface. Don’t worry for your trusted soap and water will be able to detach them from your window and clean them right off.
