removing window tint from a vehicle without damaging the windows? (Page 1/3)
maryjane OCT 30, 07:31 PM
Driver's side and passenger's side +rear window are tinted too dark, and IMO, darker than my state's regulations allows.You cannot see inside from outside, once inside, I cannot see the passenger rear view mirror. How do I get it off easily and safely (without scratching the glass)
F150 truck, if it makes a difference.
theogre OCT 30, 08:22 PM
There are Tint Removal chems @ many part stores etc.

Think is just acetone etc in another label w/ directions to use it for the application.

can be a pain to use because many things "eat" glue can do major damage to trim etc below the glass.

Try careful scraping to start then Iso Prop Alcohol or Citric "Glue Gone" to release the glue layer.

State law in most places...
"Ban" most tint level & types on Front D & P glass.
Other side & back glass can be Tinted a lot but not "Mirror" tint make to reflect light because Sun hits it then blinds other drivers.

Many models have "Limo Tint" on most glass as OE Standard Options but isn't just for selling vehicles. Those often have a "weaker" AC to meet EPA etc rules.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 10-30-2023).]

Doug85GT OCT 30, 11:34 PM
I have removed tint using razor blades. You can even get a cheap scraper/holder for them.

This one is from Wal*mart but you can find them at most hardware and tool stores.
ls3mach OCT 31, 05:17 AM
Steam is the way the pros do it. I've done it a few times, it's still a process, but the steam helps remove the glue. For me it was worth it to pay the extra for the tint company I've used in OKC for 15 years just to do it when they re-tint.
82-T/A [At Work] OCT 31, 07:23 AM
I concur with what Doug said. A clean / new razorblade is the easiest way to get stuff off of glass. The ONLY place you do not want to use a razorblade, is on the inside of the windshield because it's laminated for safety. All the other glass will be a perfect pane of glass.

99% of the time, if the window has some factory tint or the PPG sound deadening... it's usually meshed between two pieces of glass... so the glass on the inside and outside will just be glass. This is how I used it from my 2002 Ford Explorer when I went to go get it inspected several years back. They told me I had to remove the tint, so I did it in the parking lot with a razor and then they inspected it again and passed me.
Hank is Here OCT 31, 08:00 AM
Steam and plastic razor blades cut down on scratching.
maryjane OCT 31, 08:38 AM
I've never heard of plastic razor blades. Where would I find them? Never noticed any in the men's aisle where the rest of the shaving/grooming stuff is.... (I only recently switched from a Gillette double edge 'safety razor' because the blades were getting hard to find so I'm not all that savvy about razors.)



After driving only Janes 2013 Dart for 18 months, this truck feels HUGE.
On the down side, I have only 8" to spare getting it to fit far enough inside the 2 car garage for the garage's overhead door to close.. My nice roomy neat garage ain't roomy no more...

[This message has been edited by maryjane (edited 10-31-2023).]

Hank is Here OCT 31, 01:01 PM

quote
Originally posted by maryjane:

I've never heard of plastic razor blades. Where would I find them?



They are more of a "tool" than for use on your face. Look at NAPA, Advance auto, Ebay, Amazon, etc.
css9450 OCT 31, 02:47 PM
I need to remove the ancient tint from the rear window of my Fiero. It has turned purple from age!

Aren't the defroster wires there on the surface or are they buried in the glass? I admit I've never looked close enough because the tint is in the way.
theogre OCT 31, 05:42 PM
⚠️ Fiero & many more including many current models have "printed" defog heaters on rear glass & easily damage scrapping anything off inside of them.

Plastic blades may help or not depending on sticker/tint. Metal single edge blades are not in shaving dept in most stores too. Look in tools.
Both are NOT SAFE for Defog Glass w/ printed heaters.

Steam can help but make sure you don't heat the glass in spots. That can stress the glass unevenly & side/rear glass can turn BBs.