Anyone familiar with removing window tint?

"Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!" (patrickgruden)
02/14/2020 at 18:26 • Filed to: None

A few years ago when I purchased my vehicle I had all of the windows done. At the time, the shop I had do the tint put my inspection sticker on the tint. They said when I’m due for inspection to just come back and they’ll remove the sticker, which they did with no fuss.

Problem is, the inspection station refuses to put the sticker on tint, and indicated I needed to cut out a 6x8 square on the windshield for the sticker. So my question is, how hard is it to remove a section of window tint? I was assuming I can follow the same principal for cutting other things. I was planning on outlining the area with painters tape, and cutting out my rectangle with an exacto knife. Is it that easy or am I missing something?

Doggo for your time

DISCUSSION (13)

DipodomysDeserti > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/14/2020 at 18:44

It’s a bit of a PITA, but removal a small section shouldn’t be too bad. They sell razor blade holders which work well as scrapers. I think I used windex as a solvent when I removed all the tint on my E30.

Mario Lacayo > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/14/2020 at 19:00

Use a steam iron like the one used to iron clothes. Is a lot safer and spray windex. That should make it easy for you to remove old tints

Shamoononon drives like a farmer > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/14/2020 at 19:14

Does that dog need some hugs ? I got some.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/14/2020 at 19:26

I know the pros use steam to remove it, but I’m not quite sure how that would translate to only removing a small area without damaging the rest.

notsomethingstructural > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/14/2020 at 19:27

I actually would not spray windex. Ammonia will release tints and paper tape will absorb it and release the good part of the tint at the border. Not good. I would get a flexible ruler and score the part you want to remove and try to pry up a corner and peel slowly. I wouldn’t use tape unless you want to use it as a guide, just makes it more likely to pull at the good tint.

Clean up with non-ammonia glass cleaner, or if you must, windex very lightly applied to a low-build MF towel. The lower build of the fiber will cut harder on the glass to get the adhesive up.

I’m not an expert in tints but I am a decent detailer, YMMV.

Mid Engine > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/14/2020 at 19:56

the inspection station refuses to put the sticker on tint, and indicated I needed to cut out a 6x8 square on the windshield for the sticker.

I’m thinking a swift kick in the balls will change their snarky attitude :)

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/14/2020 at 20:16

idk

Ive only heard of it being done to the whole window

Thisismydisplayname > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/14/2020 at 21:30

If you’re just doing a section you may want to go at it dry. A scraper type razor blade will work to cut and remove the adhesive after the film is off. But if you use ammonia containing cleaners you may disrupt the film you don’t want to remove.

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Shamoononon drives like a farmer
02/14/2020 at 21:46

He was sitting on my lap pouting because I wouldn't share my dinner with him. Lol

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Mid Engine
02/14/2020 at 21:48

Yeah, that would be my preference as well. But, the whole legality of that is in question. Thankfully I have a very light tint on my windshield so it shouldn’t look that bad when I have to remove a section.

Ben / Pwtpro.com > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/15/2020 at 09:04

I would get a cheap olfa blade and holder. You can use tape on the outside as a template to help you make straight cuts on the inside. Just make sure your intersecting cuts meet and are cut thoroughly. At this point you can use the blade to slowly and carefully peel out the section you want to remove. At that point I would mix up a 50/50 solution of windex and 90% alcohol. Spray it on the exposed adhesive and softly scrubb it with a white scrubb pad . Spray again and use paper towels to wipe off solution and adhesive. You might have to repeat this process a few times to get it all. Just be careful not to scrubb the existing film you want to keep. The solution will not hurt the existing film on a temporary basis.

My two cents

P rofessional Window Tinting of Central FL LLC

Pwtpro.com

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Ben / Pwtpro.com
02/15/2020 at 09:11

Thank you! Oddly enough I had just bought a cheap O lfa blade and was going to go this route. Glad to know my thinking was pretty sound.

Ben / Pwtpro.com > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated!
02/16/2020 at 08:35

Your original idea was correct! Just take your time doing it.