tint removal

[lasvegan]

I am re-tinting my rear window and I was wondering if there is an easy way to remove the old tint (other then scraping). I am thinking that acetone or using a pressure washer may work. Any advice you can give would help.Thanks

[br2819]

i wouldn't do that because you may take off the rear defroster with it.

[blink0r]

Pressure washer? Are you aware tint goes on the INSIDE of windows? This idea just doesn't make sense to me, unless you feel like soaking your interior REAL bad.

[lasvegan]

I was thinking about attaching plastic to the rear and opening the hatch back so the water doesn't get inside (thanks for the warning anyway). I have access to a pressure washer (and a ton of plastic so the inside won't get wet) through my night job. I am just looking for some way easier then scraping for hours.

[blink0r]

I think acetone works, or maybe goo remover? Trust me, i have first hand "knowledge" of pressure washers - you'd need to cover your ENTIRE interior, it's soooooooo not worth it

[Get240DiZzY]

Just take it to get done professionally... It's worth it. Trust me.

[GatorS14]

how old is tint if it really old and crappy just keep it moist and scrape.and dont worry about your defrosters because it the tint is old the pros wont even garuntee they wont mess up the defrost lines.so might as well do it yourself unless they garuntee they wont mess up your lines

[Get240DiZzY]

Trust me, it takes friggin ages to get it all off and get the goo from it off too. Get it off and re- done prefessionally.

[lasvegan]

The tint is really old and has a ton of bubbles in it. However, only the rear window is like this, the tint on all the other windows is great shape. I tried taking my car to a "professional" tint shop, but Vegas is full of scam artists. Out of the 3 places I took it to, the cheapest price I got wat $175. Every place was giving me a different BS story about having to re-tint all the windows for some stupid reason or another. I read about using amonia to get the old tint off, I think I am going to try that. Even if I end up scraping the window for 5 hours, it will be better then paying some one $175 to rip me off. I was thinking about using a brillo pad, but I am pretty sure that will sratch my window.

Thanks for the suggestions, and any other advice anyone can give will help.

[MarvynDT]

I took off all the old tint in my car without that much labor. Mix a solution of ammonia (derived from Windex) and rubbing alcohol. Spray it on the your tint rather generously. Then cover the windows with garbage bags. It should just cling to the window if you applied enough of the solution. Let it sit in the sun for an hour and it should be rather easy to peel off.

You may be left with some adhesive residue when you peel it off. Use some citrus cleaner or similar chemical to remove and adhesive.

[Jubs180]

as being a former 'professional' window tinter as you call them. there is no real easy way out on old tint

just get a box of razors.. if you have a steamer use it!one of the best ways for removing tint... the heat helps the glue stick to the tint, and can then just be pulled off.

as for the defrosters.. if you're in a place where you really need them.. be really careful.. take your time.. but more than likely.. they are already toast, and only being held there by the tint.

I would try a small section, a top or bottom line or something.. but if the tint is old as you described.. sad but true, may aswell just scrape away with the razors.

The tint shops that are saying 'you gotta tint all the windows' are just being stupid.I used to retint single windows all the time.only thing is, it is not going to match the rest of the windows when you get it tinted.. but you might not be able to notice the difference too much if the other tint is in good shape and not too faded..

goodluck with it.

-Dan

[Jubs180]

heh.. left out that minor detail.

be careful with the razors, they are carbon blades which are hard..and can scratch the glass..

unless you can somehow find some stainless ones, they are softer and it is harder to scratch with them..

[AZhitman]

I took off all the old tint in my car without that much labor. Mix a solution of ammonia (derived from Windex) and rubbing alcohol. Spray it on the your tint rather generously. Then cover the windows with garbage bags. It should just cling to the window if you applied enough of the solution. Let it sit in the sun for an hour and it should be rather easy to peel off.

You may be left with some adhesive residue when you peel it off. Use some citrus cleaner or similar chemical to remove and adhesive.

This is the correct procedure. Use straight ammonia , but stay away from razor blades, your defroster grid is pretty indestructible but impossible to replace w/o replacing the glass. You MAY want to use a razor to cut slits in the old tint BETWEEN (parallel to) the defroster lines so the solution can get behind the tint.

I watched a guy do my Q rear window with ammonia and a heat gun. Beautiful work and never touched it with a tool.