Removing Window Tints

[ol' dirty]

I have just bought a 3 series compact which has been barried right up & im trying to get it back to a decent, subtle standard.

Any ideas on how to actually remove the film without scratching (or having to replace) the glass?


Thanks in advance

[chris.mapey]

I'd have a chat to your local window tinting place. Most will be able to remove it for you (for a small consideration )

Alternatively you can have a go yourself using a hair dryer to soften the adhesive first...

[wildoliver]

Its actually seriously easy with the right tools.

I assume were talking side windows and rear screen here?

What your hoping for is that it was a cheap job and they didn't strip the glass out to do properly. Chances are it will be.

Tools.

Heat gun (hair dryer at worse.)
Glass scraper (razor blade in holder)
Brake cleaner
Glass polish

Get the blade under the edge of the window film. Grip and rip off, blade off any bits left and excess adhesive. Clean window with brake cleaner, finish with glass polish.

That will be fine for side windows, if the rear screen is also barried then you need to use the heat gun to soften the film as you really don't want to rip the heating elements off, so get it nice and warm and gently peel from side to side heating as you go.

Don't blade the rear screen as you will break the elements.

[ol' dirty]

Excellent! I was hoping it would be an easy job- that said, it's going to be a right pig now.

But no- it's just the front & rear side windows that have had the barry treatment!

Thanks for the advice

[wildoliver]

If it's just side windows it's easy, about 5 mins a window.