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Old 08-16-2004 | 08:54 PM
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Default how to remove old window tint?

What do you use to get this crap off of windows? I have peeled away ll of the celophane backing, now just left with the tint material. A razor has not been that successfull. Acetone doesn't work well either. Any ideas?
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Old 08-16-2004 | 09:10 PM
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Default Re: how to remove old window tint?

I used to tint windows for a living a while back. The glue is activated by soap and water. Get a spray bottle and put about ten drops of dishwashing soap in it and add warm water. Spray window and then wipe with 000 (triple zero) steel wool or a good towel and it will come right off.

Most people think the glue is solvent based but it is actually water based.


Good Luck

P.S. I hope you didn't have to remove because of Johnny Law!!!!
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Old 08-16-2004 | 09:16 PM
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Default Re: how to remove old window tint?

Big,

No, no. The law is my friend.

Actually, some of it had blistered over the years. It is on the rear window of my dad's Corvette. The appearance is killing me. If I could get the stuff off, I know he'd be happy as well.

I'll try the soap and water. Hadn't thought of that...
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Old 08-16-2004 | 09:20 PM
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Default Re: how to remove old window tint?

been doing tint for 20 yrs myself. Save the steel wool/soap mess and time. Pull the tint itself off, left with the adhesive layer, wipe it of with paper towels wet with gasoline. It's fast and effective.

After you dampen it w/gas it will also scrape right off like wet putty with an inspection sticker scraper.

Be sure and use FRESH NEW blades at all times, change them often when doing this kind of work, to avoid sratching the glass with a bad edge or a contaminant.

Last edited by Rippem; 08-16-2004 at 09:23 PM.
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Old 08-16-2004 | 09:21 PM
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Default Re: how to remove old window tint?

Try covering the tint heavily with windex, and cover with a trash bag. Let it sit for about 30 minutes and it should peel right off. Good luck.
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Old 08-16-2004 | 09:23 PM
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Default Re: how to remove old window tint?

I have had good luck with soaking the window with window cleaner and using a new razor blade and scraping it off a razor blade width at a time keeping the window wet with window cleaner. You might use several razor blades, as you will have to change to a new one as they get dull.. Hope you dont have a rear defroster on the back window, makes it alot more of a pain...
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Old 08-16-2004 | 09:26 PM
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Default Re: how to remove old window tint?

The tint layer itself will peel right off the adhesive layer with no soaking. It's the adhesive left on the glass that's a pain to deal with.
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Old 08-16-2004 | 09:39 PM
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Arrow Re: how to remove old window tint?

Originally Posted by Rippem
The tint layer itself will peel right off the adhesive layer with no soaking. It's the adhesive left on the glass that's a pain to deal with.
I did the windows on the back of my house as the sun was too intense. 10 yrs later they turned from a dark grey-smoked color to a purple and it needs to go. I have like 25 windows and a sliding door. Sounds like I am in for a nightmare? Easier to change the windows?
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Old 08-16-2004 | 10:00 PM
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Default Re: how to remove old window tint?

I will try all of these tomorrow. I do have a defroster in the rear window.

Thanks for the help.

Bryan
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Old 08-17-2004 | 12:27 AM
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Default Re: how to remove old window tint?

No just some cleanup work, certianly no worse than any other home improvement project.

Use a quality commercial metalized tint instead of dyed. It won't change colors like the cheap stuff. Has a much longer life expectancy, and more reflectivity.

Sun Gard is out of Florida, visit thier website. Good stuff.
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