3 Best Ways to Remove Window Tint and Glue

How to remove window tint and glue. These are the 3 best ways to remove window tint from your vehicle. These methods will remove any window tint, and glue. The key is to remove window tint without damaging the glass, or defroster. We will remove window tint with a steamer, black trash bags, and heat gun and razor.
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[@desrosiers3420]

I’m just gonna smash my back window and replace it lol

[@lightning963]

Sounds like fun way to do things 👍👌

[@Jstef09]

I honestly thought the exact same thing after watching the video and purchasing a car with the worst tinted back window I’ve ever seen

[@hardlandsomarriba3800]

Niccolò DeCazzi lmao so what was the reason for the engine light turning on

[@88PLR]

🤣🤣

[@suomynona7261]

DesRosiers I am 100% there with you!

[@th3thin9]

So, i watched this video and ran outside to remove my front side window tints using the first method, so i sprayed some window cleaner on the inside of the windows, covered them with a black rubbish bag, and opened the doors to face the sun, which was extremely strong at the time. After about 30 minutes, the tint came RIGHT OFF in ONE PIECE. I am baffled. Many thanks dude!

[@HumbleMechanic]

That’s awesome. I wish mine did that blolb

[@LOKABABYDOLL13]

I'm going to try it now wish me luck😀

[@anguianorigo]

@@LOKABABYDOLL13 did it work?

[@LOKABABYDOLL13]

@Rigo yes it did it came off in one piece i had to scrap off the remaining glue on my window. But it came off easily since it's so hot took about 30 min to do my 2 back windows

[@rickkstir]

I thought using the bag method caught the glue along with the tint......

[@toritopihuas]

I almost always Trust a man with a patience beard

[@srconcepts1848]

Great video, Charles! I don't think anyone actually enjoys removing old, bad window tint lol. One tip I have to offer: For leftover adhesive, especially for the rear windows with defrost grids, is the 'Pro Strength' Goof-Off in the aerosol can. That stuff is like magic, it's the only thing I've found that actually cuts through the nastiness and won't screw up the defroster lines, which is of course a huge concern. I usually just spray it liberally on a blue shop towel and work it in 6"x6" areas, it'll 'pill' up and come off pretty fast. Saved my neck a few times on back windows.

[@livg.7751]

Awesome, thanks!!

[@t.m.ctinting5666]

O actually use this also 💯 miracle liquid I've put it on a stain on my shirt let it soak and wash it and stain removed the best stuff I buy the big drum

[@Lex-pw7qz]

Thanks for this advice, this was super helpful without damaging anything! 👏🏼💯

[@booneautomotive4174]

I used the first method on a vehicle I was working on at my job and it worked like a champ. Thanks for sharing the knowledge it was very helpful.

[@saadmehdibennani9794]

Thanks !!! that plastic bag + glass cleaner trick was super helpful! I used my hair drier for 15 min as heat source, worked like a charm

[@Sheikh7]

Thanks a lot for this video. I applied the very first way of removing window tint from my car and it worked like a charm. Cheers

[@markporter2642]

I've been tinting for 20 years and own my own shop. I tint anywhere from 60 to over a hundred cars a month depending on the time of year. Let me clarify a couple things: 1. On the side windows all you need are 1" razor blades and soapy water. Scrape the tint off and then scrape any remaining glue. It helps to have an olfa knife to get into the hard to reach areas to get glue/tint out. 2. The trash bag method is only necessary on the rear windshield because it has defroster lines and a razor will damage them. We call it "sweating" the tint off. I use left over tint liners but a trash bag works good too. You do not need Windex, soapy water will do the trick. (Soapy water = a spray bottle of water with a small squirt of dish soap or baby shampoo) What you are doing is creating a layer of steam and trapping it on the tint. What that does is soften the adhesive. After a few of applications of soapy water and a couple of hours you should be able to remove the tint in one piece from the rear windshield. The condition of the tint will determine how long this process will take. It can be anywhere from 1 hour to all day for the bad ones. Typically it takes 2-3 hours. If there is any glue remaining, I use Simple Green, and a non scratch scrubbing pad to remove it. 3. A steamer is handy and can help on over cast or cold days but it's more work and usually leaves more glue to scrub off the rear windshield. 4. Once in while nothing works for a back window. Sometimes the tint has been left there for about 10 years longer than it should and nothing less than razor blading the tint off will get the job done. In that case say goodbye to the defroster. Those cases are very rare and 99% of the time you can get it done with the methods described above. 5. Finally, if you're just going to hack up the tint on your car and destroy your rear defroster please leave it to a professional to remove it. Most of the time when a customer removes the tint they do a shit job and I have to go over their work and finish cleaning it properly. This takes longer than it would have if they had just let me do it in the first place, and I charge them for it anyway.

[@PersonaN007Grata]

Mark Porter Here’s a trick I use for back windows where sweating only took off the clear 1st layer (no matter how careful you were) and left the thin dyed film only to be painfully picked off little piece at a time. Just sacrifice some old film and retint the back window as you would a new car. Obviously you don’t have to be meticulous. Have the customer come back in a day or two (sometimes a couple of hours on a hot day) and sweat it off. The new film will pull most if not all of the old tint. It saves a ton of time which could be spent working on other jobs.

[@markporter2642]

Dangerous One that’s a pro tip, one I’ve recently used myself although in that particular case it wasn’t enough to save that doomed defroster. It’s funny watching some of tips and tricks I see people using which is why I like watching these vids although this guy was pretty good. I once saw someone using a rag and gasoline trying to remove their tint. Ha!

[@PersonaN007Grata]

Mark Porter Glad to see I’m not the only one that’s trying to learn new methods to save ourselves as well as our customers, time and money.

[@Jianemba]

Razorblade and weed. Take your time. But ill try the trashbag method. Removing tint from my used car. And i was worried about the rear defroster.

[@AlexLopez-zv8ng]

Hey how about removing tint from the windshield.?

[@4BillC]

Never had to remove it but have put it on a few times and it came out perfect, not a bubble in sight!

[@CynRacing]

A good tip, pull the tint or vinyl at a very small angle (as possible) to the surface. I find this reduces the residue left on the surface

[@rebeccaloper1497]

This video helped a ton! The previous owners had put a second layer on tint on, one on top of the other. We tried goo gone, letting it soak and then using the razor blades to scrape it. The steamer makes it SOOOOOOO much easier.

[@larrynelson7839]

Great video. Thanks! I have been checking out a lot of KZbin videos and was wondering which method was the best. So thanks for evaluating all three in one video.

[@sharg0]

A note about glass and heating with heatguns etc. There are two things to be careful with. 1 - Keep the temperature as even as possible over the whole window, it is hot/cool spots that cause cracking. 2. Think what's around and/or on the other side so you don't end up with melted rubber seals.

[@user-qc3ki3nf4s]

Can i use a hairdryer instead of a heat gun??

[@Michaelb-uc3rz]

@@user-qc3ki3nf4s I was thinking the same thing, a hair dryer gives a more even heat and shouldn't melt plastics.

[@jamesgoswick2030]

I was thinking Leave the defroster/heater on in the car with the windows up for a few minutes

[@sharg0]

@@jamesgoswick2030 Consider this, when parked in the sun on a hot summer day the film should hopefully stay. Can your defroster make it noticeable warmer? (I've had cheap crap fall off...)

[@Sloppyjalopy123]

Good stuff, I'm dealing with this on DSM right now. It can be a challenge.

[@angelica.JaneRomer0.bagginses]

Thank you so much for this! My car didn't pass inspection because my windows were too dark. I didn't have the extra cash to get it removed in a shop. Thank you!!!

[@Ayo_Streetz]

Angelica Salazar which method did you use??

[@omancore]

Black bag tip works. Just tried it. Thanks!

[@HumbleMechanic]

awesome!

[@DetroitTintStudio]

Very nice explanation! I tint for a living and you definitely hit the nail on the head. We share the same experience with the trash bag, I've never had it work consistently in a timely fashion so I usually resort to a steamer on the back glass and a razor on the doors. Keep some adhesive remover handy for some more difficult jobs. The older the film, the more difficult it is to remove. It can be a very time consuming job!

[@deltacharlieecho4732]

I can't believe this video is 2 years old. Thanks for all the help over that time Charles.

[@randyd4658]

I'm new to your channel but I've been watching your channel but I like the method steaming and lots of sun and warm day.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you!

[@HeavyK.]

The steamer was awesome. I also used the heat gun for a few minutes on the outside edge to get it started. Great video. Thanks.

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

I used my wife’s cheap steamer that she uses for clothes and to disinfect things without harsh chemicals. No scraping required. Just steam and pull, steam and pull, steam and pull. Took about 10 minutes per window.

[@terriedwards4543]

Thank you so much for this video, tint came off so easy with the black bag method.

[@WanderingDad]

Would love a review of the cordless impact. Also your opinion of Makita tools in general, they seem to be my favorite right now.

[@saltire546]

Steamer seams like a good idea ill give it a try on rear window which i messed up when carrying a welder in the back and it moved and scraped all the tint in the window .No point in paying the tinter extra cash to remove old tint , thanks for sharing .

[@Dukeofpizza]

Thank you!! I did the garbage bag trick and it worked so well!!

[@davebaum7018]

I'm wondering... how does spraying windex on the plastic help in effecting the glue adhesion? The tint isn't liquid permeable. Is it for retention, to hold and even out, the heat applied? Thanks for posting the video, very helpful!

[@wyattoneable]

Thanks for the information. My brother is struggling with this job so I'll make sure he takes a look at your video.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank man

[@melissag237]

Tried the windex method and it made it easier. Thanks!

[@nicostenfors5690]

After i replaced the timing belt plugs on my 1987 1.6 carbureted mk2 golf it runs rough. Is the timing a tooth off?

[@yomiz7676]

what percentage would you go with on the tint ?

[@midnightlaw1]

Thank you so much for the tips and humor!

[@brotherbrian1]

There used to be some industrial cleaner in a spray can called "Get Off", by the makers of Goof Off. I used it to get the old tint off of an '86 F-150 that had been on there since day one. I just spayed the hell out of it, and shut the doors and left it for about 30 minutes. When I came back, I scraped it off with a putty knife, and it was just mush. Cleanest that window had looked in 20 years!

[@HumbleMechanic]

Probably banned. Thanks California lol

[@brotherbrian1]

Probably. It was pretty potent. I had to wear a respirator with it outdoors.

[@ricardodesouza7229]

Does it work the for the windshield? I liked the first and last options. What about the glue residue?

[@worldsails2000]

I know I'm late in the game but with the glass cleaner method you need to make sure that you use one with ammonia in it. I used this method to remove the tint in my car. It was a nice sunny, 80 degree day and let it soak in for about an hour and it worked very well.

[@joshuaroman4753]

What about the main back window that’s tinted the big one in the back is it the same to get rid of?

[@mikedoingmikethings702]

Is GILA tint film spray OK to use? Any brand recommendation?

[@jacquifussell5547]

Brilliant! I lifted the car boot to angle the glass to the sun. Put on the black plastic bag with windex. Left it whilst I had lunch. Then it peeled off easily in one piece. After that I spent 20 mins using orange glue & goo remover from my supermarket to get rid of the glue. All up, far quicker &cheaper than taking it to a specialist.

[@PAStreetScene]

Great tutorial

[@davidlawhon9303]

Thank you for your video, it was very helpful.

[@Andrew-zv4fm]

If I were to tint the windows on my car, I would start with a light tint/no tint on the front driver's side/passenger side front winders and get darker as they go back. If it is possible to do that.

[@samueldeter9735]

Is there risk of damage from heat with a steamer like a heat gun?

[@kevinsteeno3726]

Good timing I need to retint my rear window. Definitely taking it to a shop I don't have the patience for tinting

[@ilikeboost4764]

Kevin Steeno the rear is the hard one too because of the defrost lines which can peel off.

[@josueescalante2885]

Method # 1 worked perfectly with me.

[@martinc.4518]

Thank you for sharing!

[@ProfessionalDad]

Sun & bag method heated our back windshield perfectly. Thanks! Now the adhesive, that stuff sucks. But we did have luck with “awesome” spray from dollar tree

[@jurnee-y]

Was that all you used. I just peeled off my front windshield but it left the glue residue and don’t want to use the wrong product to mess up my glass

[@RawGreySun]

What part of NC are you in? Hope to be coming up from ATL soon in my 03 GTI VR6. Take care.

[@danielnl319]

Hey Charles. quick question would you use aftermarket or oem timing chains kit for 24v vr6 (ECS or OEM)

[@HumbleMechanic]

I think I used aftermarket on my VR6t build. It’s probably about all the same today. Check out either ShopDAP OR FCPEuro.

[@danielnl319]

Okay thanks ;)

[@nbsmar]

first method worked thank you !

[@cold-frontin_penguin7902]

Only problem with this technique on side windows is that the sunlight doesn't reach the windows at that angle. Works great for the rear glass though

[@rickmorris3729]

Thanks bag process worked perfectly!

[@avenger25]

For stuck on hard glue on the glass, I use a Scott towel and Sally Hansen Nail Polish Remover, Strengthening (pink). It melts the glue really good.

[@avenger25]

I tried the teal version and clear Equate brand and it doesn't work as fast as the pink from Sally's

[@KYNQxEdz]

Searching for a easy method because mine has been on for way over 10 years and the methods I've seen doesn't work that nicely, the tint i want to remove is on the trunk just like your R32 but mine is all just cracking up from wear n tear over the years with the sun 🌞 Any other tips

[@KIKI4444]

Great vid🤙🏼

[@LeahLarsoncrazycakelab]

Does the Windex and trash bag thing damage the defrost lines at all?

[@HumbleMechanic]

It shouldn’t

[@josearcelay2128]

Awesome thank you for the tip

[@brandonbentley8532]

I just used the windex and razor blade to get the glue off in cold weather. Time consuming but easy. I've not had good luck at least in winter using the other methods or products.

[@teknykill]

Got the Ceramic tint . Need to remove tint off my jetta it has the bubbles . Thx for info

[@ElectroVeeDub]

ProTip: I used to work in a tint shop when I was a kid... Use acetone and a razor. It's much more effective than just Windex. But be careful where the acetone drips or you might damage the door-card.. Sometimes removing the glass itself is advisable.

[@phildouglas9086]

There's no reason to use toxic chemicals to remove film. Formula 409 dissolves window film adhesive.

[@JohnSRosamond]

I thought you had tried to remove the tint on this car already and had damaged the defrost lines. Didn't you say you might replace the glass or the whole hatch with the German market version -- to get a wing or something?

[@HumbleMechanic]

yea The footage is older. I never did get a new hatch/glass. Just going to leave it. LO

[@robertelee2797]

Just got a old dodge truck with very old horrible tint. Will try the iron and wet rag method along with heat gun and see which works better.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Keep us all posted on which works best for you

[@robertelee2797]

@@HumbleMechanic I had some time to try the different methods this morning on a 1988 Ram pickup that probably had the tent on since it was new. My conclusion is the heat gun is most effective. Just be cautious. You must careful to get the tint and glass evenly hot almost to the point of the tint melting. When you're doing it right the tint glue and surface plastic layer all comes off in one piece. Thanks for the video

[@jadizzle]

Haha I was waiting for you to say just pay to have it removed, that’s what I’m for sure doing

[@MiamiZombie2012]

I bought a cheap Civic years ago and of course everything was blacked out. Steam definitely got the tint off the easiest. Brake cleaner for the tail light tint.

[@sock979]

Thank you so much for a great video I personally hate window tint and I just want to use mustang and someone did a garbage job of the rear window which is the window I'm most don't want to because I can never see out the back enough so thank you so much for this thank you for making a very good video appreciate it

[@jonsmith1259]

For the bag method, use glass cleaner with Ammonia. Add a couple splashes of straight ammonia to the glass cleaner. Let sit 20 min, respray, and let sit 20 min more. Did the steam yesterday on my car with 10 year old tint. Many bubbles, steam to remove tint, glass cleaner with a couple splashes ammonia added, white scrub pad, glue came right off!

[@georgevenetsanos7364]

Is the same for tinted windows that come from the factory as car accessories? Thanks!

[@HumbleMechanic]

No, that is not a film on the window like this is.

[@georgevenetsanos7364]

@@HumbleMechanic Many thanks

[@BigLee-gw8zt]

Thanks!👍

[@pwrbyford68]

I just moved to NC from FL and the inspector said my tint was way too dark. I didn’t even think about tint when taking it in...I guess, I’ll give these tips a try, so it can pass inspection. Thanks

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yeah you only get 35% on cars in NC

[@pwrbyford68]

@@HumbleMechanic btw I used a heat gun....Next time I’ll pay someone, not worth the effort lol

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahaha I feel this!!!

[@DetroitJim97]

Steamer works like magic!

[@behramcooper3691]

Can I use a hair dryer instead of a heat gun or steamer?

[@HumbleMechanic]

You can, it will just take longer.

[@AZDESERT2024]

Wits the ammonia in the windex that helps with removal. Use Straight Ammonia and it will lift right off after setting an hour or more - old tint may require a couple ammonia applications.

[@margoanderson7128]

Love this 😂👍👍

[@mishadow2685]

Thats my fav way for door windows as well. Remove the window all together. Just "seems" faster and less tedious.

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

Be careful with steam!! It will loosen glue on tint but also glue on trim pieces, headliners, etc. You could easily end up doing some expensive damage.

[@lilbans]

boiled water simple . not too hot an some thick rags did it on my mustang

[@davidwalle5025]

Review the impact

[@carlosroshi5517]

Thanks man

[@juniordominguez8321]

I don't know if somebody put this already but a heat gun works really good and is only like 10 to 15 dollars

[@xweesnawx8x]

I have yet to see anyone deal with the issue I’m having. So the dark part of my tint is chipping off and leaving behind a warped foggy clear layer. I tried soaking it in window cleaner and then taking a razor to it but it’s not working. I also live in Hawaii so I don’t have to worry about applying heat.

[@reneecooper5574]

I have the same problem saw this video, havent tried it yet, hope it helps kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnexnp5mebxgbZI

[@Enlightenment246]

Just been busy with this today, 🙄 used hairdryer to get the plastic off and as l didn’t have any recommendations in my house l used Webber Braai Cleaner, worked like a bomb, best ever.

[@Enlightenment246]

Thank you for the inspiration, never thought of trying different products in the past until l saw your channel.

[@4987will8]

My tint was so old the top layer came off but left all the glue which is hard like a rock. Tried every solvent and cleaner but can't shift it. Any suggestions thanks Steve

[@MrKeithmckenzie]

Ammonia sun and razor blade worked well for me

[@Chops473]

Dishwashing soap (e.g. dawn) mixed a little water in a spray bottle with a blade.

[@Voltomess]

I want to remove tint from all my windows so I did the driver window today using a heat gun, I don't know what I did wrong but after the ting came off my whole window is covered in glue.

[@Tigerfire75]

What happens if say someone wipes out the sun and you no longer have it to use?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Lol I think ugly tint is the least of the issues

[@HumbleMechanic]

Did you get a notification for this video?

[@SuperNineleven]

Sure did

[@DigitalKudzu]

Yes

[@HumbleMechanic]

AWESOME! Thank you ./

[@HumbleMechanic]

glad to hear. I worry about people not getting notified.

[@pnrcomps]

yup via email...

[@walterbehrends6212]

would a wall papper steamer work

[@HumbleMechanic]

oh maybe that would work awesome!

[@telecaster305]

Well luckily I live in South Florida!

[@robertherrera419]

I'd like to see the impact reviewed. 😊

[@carlacramasta5201]

Have you combined the first and last?

[@HumbleMechanic]

That’s what I ended up doing I think.

[@thechronic555]

My first car had purple tint when i bought it and my dad told me to use acetone to remove it. Seems like it worked well enough..

[@douglashenry4059]

The sun technique worked for me and Windex cleaned all the glue off.

[@forsa-gb8cx]

Is it ok to use isopropyl alcohol to remove the adhesive?

[@avenger25]

Won't do much

[@avenger25]

WD40 is quite effective on glue

[@gaylefriedman3456]

I liked your idea of throwing a rock to repair all glass and tint. I'll never do such a nasty deed!

[@CarsSimplified]

About to remove some tint to make a car legal in my current state. Really, REALLY not looking forward to removing the rear glass tint; it is a four seat coupe with a very long rear window full of heater element lines with inconsistent gaps.

[@charleswp71]

De-laminated tint sucks big time. My back window has cheap do it yourself job on it that looks awful, gaps in the seams and bubbling, so taking it to tint world and paying the extra $50 to have it removed and good ceramic tint put on. Side windows were a breeze to redo.

[@AaaBbb-qo7un]

Can we use hair dryer rather than the steamer ?

[@HumbleMechanic]

Yep. Heat gun works too

[@stymiesnerdly771]

I was under the impression that ammonia based window cleaner was the KEY to the garbage bag method. The theory being the ammonia penetrates the film & breaks down the glue while the sun adheres the film to the bag for removal.

[@HumbleMechanic]

I used both and neither worked great

[@ThomasAnderson-fy8fn]

I successfuly removed my rear tint without damage to the defroster lines. But it left a hazy blurry residue im assuming which is from the glue. 91%rubbing alcohol wont dissolve it either

[@CRAZYRUSTYVW]

great content dude, stumbled across the vr6 build did you ever finish it ?

[@HumbleMechanic]

I had it running, then toasted the clutch. LOL Actually just pulled the front off to rehab a few things.

[@CRAZYRUSTYVW]

@@HumbleMechanic oh that's no fun, I've subbed to your Channel, I look forward to seeing more vr6 videos, I have a daily project vw golf my self,

[@HumbleMechanic]

Today is your lucky day. I just shot an update. Well I guess tomorrow is because that’s when the video will be out

[@purexoxo6282]

Hot tricks life saving 😎