Tips for Fixing Peeling Window Tint

Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Vadym

Window tinting is a popular choice for many car owners, as it provides privacy, blocks UV rays, and reduces heat inside the vehicle. However, over time, the adhesive used to apply the tint may deteriorate, leading to peeling and bubbling. This not only affects the aesthetics of your car, but it can also impair your visibility while driving.

If you notice that your window tint is starting to peel, don’t worry! There are several steps you can take to repair it and restore its functionality. First, gather the necessary supplies: a spray bottle, soapy water, a scraper or razor blade, a heat gun or hairdryer, and a squeegee or clean cloth.

1. Clean the area: Start by cleaning the affected window thoroughly with the soapy water solution. This will remove any dirt or debris that may be contributing to the peeling. Be gentle and use a soft cloth to avoid scratching the glass.

2. Remove the peeling tint: Carefully peel back the tint using a scraper or razor blade. Be patient and work slowly to avoid damaging the glass. If the tint is stubborn and doesn’t come off easily, you can use a heat gun or hairdryer to soften the adhesive and make it easier to remove.

3. Apply heat: Once the old tint is removed, use the heat gun or hairdryer to warm up the window. This will help reactivate the adhesive and ensure a better bond with the new tint. Be careful not to overheat the glass, as this can cause damage.

4. Apply new tint: Cut the new tint film to fit the size of your window and spray the adhesive side with the soapy water solution. Gently apply the tint to the window, starting from the top and working your way down. Use a squeegee or clean cloth to remove any air bubbles and ensure a smooth application.

5. Let it dry: Allow the newly applied tint to dry for at least 24 hours before rolling down the windows or cleaning the glass. This will give the adhesive enough time to fully bond with the window and prevent any peeling or bubbling.

By following these steps, you can effectively repair peeling window tint and enjoy all the benefits it provides. Remember to be patient and take your time to ensure a proper and long-lasting repair.

What is Window Tint?

Window tint is a thin, transparent film that is applied to the interior surface of windows in vehicles and buildings. It is designed to block a certain amount of sunlight from entering the space, reducing the amount of heat and glare that gets inside. Window tint is commonly used for privacy, as it can limit the visibility from the outside while still allowing occupants to see out of the window.

Window tint comes in various levels of darkness, measured as a percentage called visible light transmission (VLT). The lower the VLT percentage, the darker the tint and the less sunlight it allows through. Different jurisdictions have different regulations regarding the legal limits of VLT percentages, so it’s important to check your local laws before applying window tint.

In addition to providing privacy and reducing heat and glare, window tint offers other benefits. It can help protect the interior of vehicles and buildings from fading and sun damage by blocking harmful UV rays. It can also enhance the overall appearance of a vehicle or building, giving it a sleek, custom look.

Window tint is typically made of a polyester film that is coated with a thin layer of metal or dyed to achieve its desired properties. The film is applied to the windows using special adhesives and techniques to ensure a smooth and long-lasting installation.

Over time, window tint may start to peel or bubble due to factors such as sun exposure, age, or improper installation. In such cases, it is important to repair or replace the damaged tint to maintain its effectiveness and appearance.

Why does Window Tint Peel?

Window tint can peel for a variety of reasons:

Understanding the causes of window tint peeling can help you take the necessary steps to prevent it from happening and ensure a longer lifespan for your tinted windows.

Preparation

Before you begin repairing peeling window tint, you’ll need to gather some supplies:

• Heat gun or hair dryer: This will be used to heat the adhesive on the tint.
• Plastic scraper or window tint remover: You’ll need this to scrape off the peeling tint.
• Window cleaner: It’s important to have a clean surface before applying new tint.
• Lint-free cloth: This will be used to wipe down the window after cleaning.
• Measuring tape: You’ll need this to measure the size of new tint needed.
• Window tint film: Make sure to choose a high-quality film that matches your needs.
• Spray bottle: This will be used to apply soapy water to the window.
• Edge trimming tool: Use this tool to trim the excess tint from the edges of the window.
• Razor blade: A razor blade can be used to remove any stubborn adhesive residue.

Once you have all the necessary supplies, you can move on to preparing the window for the repair process.

1. Clean the window: Use a window cleaner and lint-free cloth to thoroughly clean the window. Make sure to remove any dirt, grime, or residue that may be present.

2. Measure the window: Use a measuring tape to measure the dimensions of the window. This will help you determine the size of the new tint needed.

3. Remove any existing tint: If there is any remaining peeling tint, use a plastic scraper or window tint remover to gently scrape it off. Be careful not to damage the window or surrounding areas.

4. Preheat the heat gun or hair dryer: If you are using a heat gun, set it to a low or medium heat setting. If you are using a hair dryer, set it to a high heat setting. Allow the heat gun or hair dryer to warm up before using it on the window.

5. Fill a spray bottle with soapy water: Mix a couple of drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Shake well to ensure the mixture is well combined.

6. Protect the surrounding areas: Use painter’s tape or plastic sheeting to protect the areas around the window from any potential damage during the repair process.

Once you have completed these preparation steps, you will be ready to begin repairing the peeling window tint.

Gather the Necessary Tools

Before you begin repairing the peeling window tint, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools. Having the right tools will make the process easier and more efficient. Here are the tools you’ll need:

1. Soapy Water: This will be used to clean the window before applying the tint adhesive.

2. Razor Blade or Utility Knife: You’ll need a sharp blade to remove any leftover tint and adhesive.

3. Heat Gun or Hair Dryer: A heat gun or hair dryer will help soften the adhesive, making it easier to remove.

4. Plastic Scraper or Credit Card: You’ll need a scraper or credit card to gently scrape off the tint and adhesive.

5. Glass Cleaner: After removing the tint and adhesive, you’ll want to clean the window thoroughly.

6. Microfiber Cloth or Paper Towels: These will be used to dry the window after cleaning.

7. Tint Adhesive or Tint Film: If the peeling is minor, you may simply need to apply new adhesive or film to fix the issue.

8. Window Tint Solution: If you need to completely remove the old tint, a window tint solution will help dissolve the adhesive.

By gathering these tools beforehand, you’ll be prepared to tackle the task of repairing your peeling window tint.

Clean the Window Surface

Before attempting to repair peeling window tint, it’s important to thoroughly clean the window surface to remove any dirt, dust, or debris. This will ensure proper adhesion of the tint film and provide a clean surface for a seamless repair.

Here are the steps to clean the window surface:

1. Gather the necessary cleaning supplies, such as a glass cleaner, microfiber cloth, and a razor blade or rough sponge.
2. Spray the glass cleaner onto the window surface and let it sit for a few seconds to loosen any dirt or grime.
3. Use the microfiber cloth to wipe the window in circular motions, removing the dirt and grime.
4. If there are any stubborn marks or residue, carefully use the razor blade or rough sponge to gently scrape them off. Be careful not to scratch the glass.
5. Once the window surface is clean, use a dry microfiber cloth to dry the area completely.

By thoroughly cleaning the window surface, you will ensure that the repair process is successful and the tint film adheres properly. This will help prevent any future peeling or bubbling of the window tint.

Removing the Peeling Tint

If the window tint on your car is peeling, it is important to remove it before applying a new one. Here are some steps you can follow to remove the peeling tint:

1. Start by spraying the tinted window with a mixture of soapy water. This will help to loosen the adhesive and make it easier to remove the tint.
2. Using a razor blade or a scraper, carefully lift one corner of the tint film. Be gentle to avoid damaging the window or leaving any residue behind.
3. Once you have successfully lifted the corner, slowly and evenly peel off the tint film from the window. Take your time to avoid ripping or tearing the film.
4. If the tint film is not coming off easily, you can use a heat gun or a hair dryer to warm up the adhesive. This will help to soften the adhesive and make it easier to remove.
5. As you peel off the tint film, continue spraying the window with the soapy water mixture. This will prevent the adhesive from drying out and sticking to the window.
6. Once you have removed the tint film, there may be some adhesive residue left on the window. You can use a window cleaner or adhesive remover to clean off the residue. Follow the instructions on the product for best results.
7. After the adhesive residue is removed, clean the window thoroughly with a glass cleaner to ensure a clear and streak-free surface.

Removing the peeling tint can be a time-consuming process, but it is necessary to do it properly before applying a new window tint. By following these steps, you can ensure a clean and smooth surface for your new window tint.

Soaking the Tint

One of the first steps to repair peeling window tint is to soak it. Soaking the tint helps in separating the adhesive from the glass, making it easier to remove. Here’s how you can do it:

Note: Be careful not to scratch or damage the glass while using the razor blade or scraper. If necessary, use a plastic scraper to minimize the risk of scratching.

Soaking the tint not only helps in its removal, but it also softens the adhesive, making it easier to clean off any residue left behind. In the next section, we’ll discuss how to remove the adhesive.

Scraping off the Tint

If your window tint is peeling, you’ll need to carefully scrape it off in order to prepare your window for a new tint or simply revert it to its original state. Here are the steps to effectively scrape off the tint:

1. Gather the necessary tools: You will need a few items to remove the peeling tint. These include a heat gun or hair dryer, a plastic scraper or a straight-edge razor blade, glass cleaner, and a clean cloth or paper towels.
2. Prepare the area: Park your vehicle in a well-ventilated area to ensure proper airflow during the tint removal process. Open all the windows to regulate the temperature and prevent the accumulation of fumes.
3. Warm up the tint: Use the heat gun or hair dryer to heat the peeling tint. Hold it about 5-6 inches away from the surface and move it around in a circular motion. The heat will help loosen the adhesive behind the tint, making it easier to remove.
4. Start scraping: Once the tint has been heated, carefully lift the edge using your fingers or a plastic scraper. Hold the tint at a 90-degree angle and slowly peel it off. If you encounter resistance or the tint is not peeling off easily, stop and reapply more heat to the area.
5. Remove the adhesive residue: After the tint has been fully peeled off, you may notice some residue left behind. Use a straight-edge razor blade or a plastic scraper to gently remove the adhesive. Be careful not to scratch the glass surface. Note: Check local regulations before using a razor blade, as it may be prohibited in some areas.
6. Clean the window: Once all the tint and adhesive have been removed, spray the glass cleaner onto the window surface and wipe it clean using a cloth or paper towels. Make sure to remove any remaining residue or streaks.

With these steps, you can effectively scrape off the peeling window tint and restore your window to its original condition. Remember to exercise caution and follow all safety instructions, especially when using a heat gun or razor blade, to avoid injury or damage to your vehicle.

Video:

Peeling window tint and finishing the altima