I have been a professional window tinter in Vero Beach
Florida for over twenty years. Removing old automotive window film can be hard
work, but with a few tips and techniques it can be a little easier.
There are many manufacturers of window film, and all of them
come off different. 3M, Solargard, Llumar, Johnson, Aegis, are all different
manufacturers (and there is a myriad more). There are also many different lines
by each manufacturer. For example: Solargard has Supreme, Galaxie,Quantum,HP
Smoke, Ultra Performance, and even more that they carry for just automotive
window films.
All of these film manufacturers and types come off
differently. With so many different possible types of window film you have to
start from square one to find out which tip or trick is going to work for your
particular application.
Step one. The vehicle needs to be completely cool and in the
shade. The best would be first thing in the morning before any sun has heated
up the glass. You want to pick at a corner, and start to peel the film. You
need to pay extra attention here.
There are two ply's to the window film. There is a layer of
adhesive to the glass, a ply of film, another layer of adhesive, and the top
ply of window film.
If both ply's do not come together... STOP! it is very
important that both ply's come together only leaving glue residue behind. If
this is not happening now we need to try step two.
Step two. Now we want the vehicle in direct sunlight. The
hotter the better. You are going to pick at a different corner again trying to
get both ply's to come together while peeling. If this attempt does not get the
film to peel with both layers intact we need to move to step three.
Step three. Still in direct sunlight, and hopefully hot as
this will not work with sunny and 35 degrees outside. This is for 80 plus. You
need to use a black garbage bag, and cut it out to the shape of the window. You
are going to spray the window with windex or even a mixture of soap and water.
It really doesn't matter as long as it is wet. The place the bag over the film
on the inside. The wet will make it stick, and let it sit for twenty plus
minutes. Give it a check after the time, and wet it again. After another twenty
plus minutes try a corner again, and see how it peels. You are basically trying
to steam it like an envelope at this point.
If this step does not work you are left with two choices.
You can either go out and purchase a wallpaper steamer, or razor blade it off.
The razor blade will work much better after it has been softened with the
garbage bag, and make it easier if you decide to scrap it off.
Step four. I am assuming one of the three steps/tricks may
have worked, and left you with an adhesive on the glass. If this is the case
the adhesive will come off with a little elbow grease. You want to use a WHITE
scour pad or one that is safe for glass. I green scouring pad will scratch the
glass! Make sure it says it will not scratch glass on the package. Next you
want to make a strong solution of ammonia and water. Two cups to a quart spray
bottle. You are just going to wet and scrub.
