I did a search for this, but only came across posts talking about how dark everyone's tint is.

Has anyone removed their own tint? If so, was it difficult? My TL has tint, but it's streaking. I want to get it re-done but don't want to pay practically double to have the old crap removed. Is this something I could get done in one Saturday or one weekend?

Advise/opinions would great very much appreciated!

 

It's not too difficult..you can buy ammonia spray at your local autozone soak it for about half hour then use a razor blade to peel it off

 

Yes, you can remove it quite easily. I usually leave the car in the sun, and then lower a window, or use edge of razor blade to start to peel up one edge, then pull away from that edge towards the opposite corner of the window. After you get the largest piece off, then use a spray bottle with soapy warm water and spray that on the window and run the razor blade over the adhesive that is still on the window. It should come off very easily, just need to wipe off the excess adhesive here and there until the window is clean. Sometimes and exacto knife comes in handy to get under the gaskets around the window, because you want to get that all clean before applying new tint. I let the tinter do the rear window, only because I would rather not mess with the defroster. Hope this helps, it is really easy, plus saves you money.

 

Years ago I had tint removed from a window and the guy sprayed it with ammonia then placed a black garbage bag on it and let it soak in direct sunlight for a while. If I remember correctly the tint basically peeled right off.

 

^^ Do this for the rear window because you don't want to mess up the rear defroster. Let it sit in direct sun for a good hour or so. The Glue from the tint should melt and the tint should pull off easy. If its not coming off easy spay more ammonia and let it sit some more time in the sun. DO NOT even attempt to use a blade on the back window. The other windows on the door you can go at it with a razor all you want. You wont mess them up with a razor Just be careful not do hurt urself or the door panel with the razor. Just be prepared with window cleaner to remove all the glue from the windows, as it will get messy. I use to work at a Local Tint shop and use to do this all the time. Its an easy process but if you don't feel comfortable take it to a local tint shop and have them remove it. They will charge you probably 1/2 of what it cost to put the tint on but they will not mess things up if they know what they are doing. Plus plan on leaving you car with them because it takes a while to do this and waiting for you car will take forever.

 

I just started with a razor blade and pulled it off used some steam and it peeled right off!

 

Use a razor blade to get the edge lifted and then peel it back. Unless the tint is extremely old it should come off in one piece. To clean the adhesive I just sprayed it with a car window cleaner, allow it to soak in for a couple minutes and just scrape the adhesive off.

I usually use a cleaner without ammonia because I hate the residual odor on the inside of the car. It is really easy.

 

You also in addition to these use a heat gun to loosen up the glue, then just peel right off

 

Thanks y'all. Looks like the tint project will have to wait now until I dig the window motor of my door and get that fixed. It doesn't sound too bad though. I really appreciate all the advice.

 

I was just going to say, "You'll probably want to get your window of the door first."

 

If you plan on re-tinting. I would have them remove it. If you are not re-tinting. soap & water in a spray bottle. spray on & use a razor blade for the side windows. The back window is more tricky cause of the rear defroster. use something that produces steam & heat up the back window with the steam. pull of the tint & use steel wool with soapy water. clean up. done.

 

Bought a clothes steamer from walmart for about $20. Real easy to come off. Just make sure that you leave the steam on long enough to loosen both layers of tint. It's a b**** if the layers separate as you have to do each window twice. The only tough spots are down where the windshield and back window meet the dashes.....I did my old Lex LS400 in about two hours. Good luck.

 

+1. Easiest method by far and you'll avoid razor scratches.

 

Clothes steamer or Simple Green sprayed on the windows, with a black garbage bag pressed against it, after letting it sit in the sun for a few hours.