How to remove window tinting film?

Ryce Stallings · 03-01-2005, 01:26 PM

I purchased rear quarter windows that have a dark tint (inside film) that I want to remove. Do you just use a razor blade or what? There must be an easy way!

vash · vash's Garage

Any tips on removing window tint??

kqw · 03-01-2005, 01:34 PM

There are a few step to remove that tint.

Things you will need:

Saran plastic wrap
spritzer bottle and water
Glass cleaner

Take the water spritzer bottle and soak the window.

Take the saran wrap and place it on the tinted side of the window.

Turn on you heat and or place your car in direct sun.

After a while, the tint will begin to bubble and peel off.

Patience

vash · vash's Garage

i did this in the winter time and it was not fun. but i got a verbal from a cop. i managed.

cicsprog · cicsprog's Garage

mine just peeled off....if done carefully...used some mineral spirts to remove the guu

jfpound · 03-01-2005, 02:33 PM

I used 409 cleaner instead of water. It disolved the glue.

jtkkz · 03-01-2005, 02:34 PM

I know someone who owns a tinting shop, and he said they use a steamer to remove old tint.

DW SD · 03-01-2005, 03:13 PM

Just did the same thing with my new 1/4 windows. I used simple green and a heat gun and a razor - not in that order. The SG breaks down the glue after the tint was stripped. The razor scrapes the "goo" which is SG and glue.

The heat gun will allow you to peel off the large pieces, first.

strupgolf · 03-01-2005, 03:31 PM

If you pull it off, do it slowly, the glue will come off too. If you do, it wont be hard. If you dont, it will take forever to get the glue off.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

I used acetone in a well-ventilated place, worked great!

Eric Coffey · 03-01-2005, 08:24 PM

I went through this on a couple occasions on previous 911's that had old, brittle tint. The best stuff I found to take it off was an industrial amonia-based product specifically made fo tint removal called C64 (or C-64).

DonMo · DonMo's Garage

Window tint hates ammonia based cleaners. It works on the glue. Use heat to get it started and then spray ammonia (diluted) on the glue area and keep at it. Patience. Heat gun is a big help, Harbor Freight will sell you one for under $20.

alfizzo · 03-02-2005, 03:51 AM

i had tint from the 70's on a florida 911. i peeled the 1st layer off then took the goo off with the steam zapper and a razor blade. the steam works great.

Ryce Stallings · 03-02-2005, 07:42 AM

As usual a wealth of knowledge!

alfizzo · 03-02-2005, 09:29 AM

the rear window with defrost is a different story. kqw has the right idea to remove tint off deforst lines.

maxhofer · 03-02-2005, 11:00 AM

I used a small household steam cleaner. The vapor loosens the film, then you just peel it off. In my case the film had two separate layers, try to peel them off together.

88911coupe · 08-25-2013, 09:54 AM

Max noticed what I just figured out...I appear to have TWO layers of film. Is the older layer factory? Did Porsche put window film on 88 Carreras? I called a local window tiny company, Altamere, here in Dallas and they charge $400(!) for their "ceramic" film PLUS $50/hour to remove film and clean up so I'm going to do that myself. Just wondering if I should also remove the original film...

bradf · bradf's Garage

I agree with maxhofer..I used all the tricks listed here but the one that worked the best was my steam cleaner..worked like melting butter..a little clean up after but went fast..
brad

bradf · bradf's Garage

two layers here also..the key is to go slowly do not rush it..you may get burned but the slower you go the layers will stay together..move the steam nozzle with the film as you peel..

def300s · def300s's Garage

I used a steamer to remove mine. Like folks have said, go slow. You want the glue to come off with the film. It's a real pain if you get in a hurry and peel the film off and leave the glue on the window.