Have you ever peeled off a window tint that has become smudgy at the corners or has developed bubbles? Only once you peel it, do you realize that there is adhesive residue left behind, sometimes on the entire surface. The leftover glue does not come off with ease—but no worries. This guide breaks down various methods of how to remove window tint glue. Read on to learn some helpful tips!
Is It Possible To Remove Window Tint Adhesive?
Window tints, albeit a nice way of increasing privacy and UV protection, are an external film. A special glue is used to apply the tint to window tint fittings for cars or windows in homes or office buildings. It keeps the film firmly on the window glass.
Thus, you’ll find yourself wondering how to remove window tint glue, as the sticky stuff is pretty stubborn. High-quality window tint glue has qualities of long life and strength (vital, since you want your window tint to stay put well).
That said, it is very much possible to remove the glue that is left behind once the time comes to peel off the tint film. Though it may seem daunting at first, you can achieve glue residue-free windows with the right advice, tools, and techniques.
You can either go for homemade solutions—safer for a window tint novice to use, but may not be effective. Then there are chemical-free ways of getting the glue off, which need a bit of care. Harsher ways of window glue removal, chemical or fully manual, need an expert’s hand.
Why Would Removing Window Tint Glue Be Necessary?
Before we head into the ways of how to remove window tint glue, know why glue removal becomes crucial in the first place. As it is not permanent, you will finally need to take it off (and deal with glue
residue) for many reasons:
1 Change in hue: With time, your window’s tint will change color. It usually develops a blue-purple hue due to the breakdown of dyes in the tint and external factors. This change in color is also a sign that the tint is not really effective for blocking UV rays anymore.
2 Bubbling: If you see bubbles between the window glass and tint film (usually around the corners) it is due to one of two main reasons. Either the adhesive was of poor quality, or the tint installation was done incorrectly. Either way, you will need to replace the tint.
3 Renovation: Sometimes, there is nothing wrong with the window tint itself, but the look factor. Either you feel that is time to try a new trend, or the tint has become outdated. The tricky part is that since your tint is fine and the glue is stable, it is harder to take off!
Make sure you go for expert and reliable installation in the first place, as this will make tint and glue removal easier in the future.
What Is the Best Way To Remove Tint Glue?
You will find various ways when you look up how to remove window tint glue left after peeling off the film. It’s up to you if you want to handle this process yourself or call the pros. Although the former option may be less costly, but the latter may give you peace of mind.
Before you get rid of the adhesive, you need to take off the tint. You can apply some of the glue removal methods to tint removal as well. If you’re careful, much of the glue will come off with the tint itself.
As for removing the glue residue left behind, get a few things to tackle removal easily:
- A plastic scraper or squeegee (rubber blade on a handle) to loosen and scrape off the glue.
- A set of gloves to protect your hands from any chemical methods you may use to remove glue.
- A microfiber cloth (or paper towels) to wipe loose glue and clean smears off the window.
Note: Make sure you pay attention to how to remove the tint and glue and take your time. If you’re not careful, you won’t just be left with glue residue, but also hard-to-remove pieces of window tint!
1. Warm Water & Soap Solution
For the best way to remove tint glue, turn to the good ol’ soap and water mix! Prepare the soapy solution using warm water and make sure to dissolve the soap thoroughly. Cover the frame surrounding the window (whether you are removing glue from a car window or a room window) with a plastic sheet and paper tape to protect it.
Use a soft cloth, sponge, or even a spray to apply the soapy mix to on the window where the glue residue is. Let this mixture sit for about 15 to 20 minutes so that the residue becomes soft and is easier to remove.
Use a plastic scraper or squeegee to remove the now-soft adhesive. You may have to reapply and repeat the scraping for the more persistent sticky areas. Once you’re done, make sure to clean the window and surrounding frame with a clean, damp cloth.
How well does it work: Fairly well—if the tint was already peeling off/bubbling and the adhesive is quite old. For more recent tint work that you decided to replace, soap and water may not be strong enough against the glue!
2. Pure White Vinegar Solution
Keeping the trend going for homemade/easy ways of how to remove window tint glue, we’ve got vinegar solution next. While soap and water are effective, the acidity of vinegar is a much stronger opponent to sticky glue deposits.
Though you may have used vinegar for cleaning glass in the past, the mixture you use is usually a diluted version. You will need pure white vinegar in a spray bottle for this one. Thus, make sure that any metal or wood frame is covered for protection against the acidity of the vinegar.
Spray the gluey areas of the window with the white vinegar spray and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. After that, use soapy water to get rid of the vinegar and scrape off the glue residue. Rinse your window with water to get rid of any effects of vinegar and dry your window with a microfiber cloth.
How well does it work: Vinegar is a good DIY tool for window tint glue removal. However, know that it may not work as well as a commercial solvent in case the glue is SUPER sticky.
3. Commercial Adhesive Remover
Are you unsure about how to remove window tint glue using solvents in your kitchen? If no amount of reapplying and scraping is enough for the extremely sticky residue and you’re going at it way too slow—then use a commercial glue remover to get rid of your window tint’s leftover goop.
A high-quality commercial adhesive remover is ideal for both standard room windows and car windows with tint glue residue. However, know that since this solvent is much stronger than your soap and vinegar solutions, the glue removal process is a more intricate and slow one.
Apply some glue remover to a clean cloth or paper towel. Work in small amounts to avoid wastage and to prevent any harm to your hands. Next, rub the solvent on the glue on windows, meticulously but gently.
Let the glue remover sit on the residue for a few minutes (or for the time specified by the manufacturer). Use your scraper to clear off the glue that will now be soft.
How well does it work: You’ll face a test of your patience given how carefully you have to work with a commercial glue remover. However, the results are well worth the hassle, as this solvent is typically a foolproof way to remove window tint glue.
4. Steamer to Soften & Remove
If you are looking to remove as much glue as possible along with the window tint, use a steamer. You can easily rent one for removing window tint glue, as buying a steamer for this task alone may not be ideal.
Contrary to how it may seem, using a steamer on your window tint is a speedy way to remove it since the steam softens the glue for easy removal. Work carefully: start steaming the tint at one corner, and use a scraper to peel the areas you steamed.
Next, keep peeling while using your steamer underneath the area you started out at. Go steadily but surely, as you want to get the adhesive off along with the tint film. Use the steamer both inside and outside the window on the area where you’re peeling. Keep using a scraper to ensure a precise and clean removal (don’t use a metal scraper/razor blade, you may scratch the glass).
How well does it work: For starters, you can get the window tint plus the adhesive off without any chemicals. Furthermore, the process tackles both tint and glue, so it is actually faster than most other ways to get rid of window tint glue.
5. Heat Gun or Hair Dryer
In case you don’t have access to a steamer and don’t know how to remove window tint glue with chemicals, then a good substitute is a heat gun. You can also use a hair dryer to break down the glue on your window. Like using a steamer, you can use a heat gun or hair dryer for tint removal—while removing the glue!
Warm up one tinted section using your heat gun or hairdryer (make it is on the highest temperature). Maintain a safe distance of 2-3 inches between your device and the window. Use your heat gun or hair dryer on a section for a few minutes before you start peeling. From there on, keep applying heat as you
peel the tint slowly.
After a few minutes of heating the window tint, take a plastic scraper and carefully lift the edge of the tint. Slowly peel the tint away while steadily using heat to soften the glue.
How well does it work: Using a heat gun or hair dryer in place of a steamer is a cost-effective hack, but it may take more time than a steamer. Plus, you need to be careful as these machines run quite hot after a while of use.
Post-Glue Removal Cleaning & Care:
From the guide above, you have gathered that removing glue residue from window tints is pretty manageable. However, while you how to remove window tint glue, you should also know how to care for your windows during and after the removal process.
Here are a few helpful tips to keep your windows protected as you remove the glue:
- Always cover the areas you are not working on. Both metal and wood window frames are susceptible to damage from homemade and commercial glue removal solvents, as well as heat from appliances.
- Once you’re done clearing the windows of glue, rinse with plain, lukewarm water to remove any remaining glue residue + chemical leftover. Quickly dry the wet windows with a microfiber cloth.
- Inspect your window completely to ensure there are no streaks. If you smell the chemical remover strongly, repeat the rinse and dry process.
Additionally, take the covers off the surrounding surfaces only after you’re sure that you have dried off the water and any chemicals. It will take you more time to carry out the extra safety steps, but you’ll be happy when you have the glue off and your windows safe and sound! About website
Window Tint Glue Removal Tips For Your Safety:
It may be daunting to carry out window tint removal as the process is pretty hands-on. Want to know how to remove window tint glue without any harm to your windows, yourself, and your clothes/other belongings?
Here are a few guidelines on smart and safe methods and practices when you remove window tint glue:
- Always invest in high-quality stuff. A good adhesive remover if you’re buying one. A reliable steamer or hair dryer if you opt for a chemical-free removal method.
- You will need a scrapper to remove softened glue in all methods. Go for a squeegee or a plastic scraper in lieu of a metal/sharp scraper. You don’t want to end up with scratchy windows in the after math!
- Wear protective gear, such as high quality rubber gloves shield your skin. Some chemical gluere movers emit vapors that are harmful to eyes and lungs, so use a mask and safety goggles—and work in a well-ventilated area.
Moreover, time your glue removal process right. Tint film glue is easier to work with when it is warmer, while the cold weather makes it more stubborn.
Bottom Line: Remove Window Tint Adhesive with Diligence!
Follow the expert’s advice on how to remove window tint glue and you will get that annoying residue off in no time. That said, DIY methods have their limitations. You can also call professionals in window tint and glue removal. Whichever option you go for, make sure that all the glue is off with your windows in one piece and scratch-free!