Removing old window tint

[Tmack201]

I need to remove the old window tint on back side windows. Looking for guidance on best procedure and/or products. I did some research and some products are only for plexiglass, others for polycarbonate. The tint has adhesive. Also, when I replace it, any suggestions on product to use?

[Hank]

@Skates97 has done some good writeups about installing static cling tinting. No idea how to get adhesive tinting off . . . .

Your local car window tinter may be of assistance, rear windshields with defroster wires can't be scraped off, either.

[LANCECASPER]

55 minutes ago, Tmack201 said:

I need to remove the old window tint on back side windows. Looking for guidance on best procedure and/or products. I did some research and some products are only for plexiglass, others for polycarbonate. The tint has adhesive. Also, when I replace it, any suggestions on product to use?

I wouldn’t use a heat gun, but I might use a hairdryer at a distance so as to not harm the window. It’s going to be a long and painful process. The adhesive residue could be removed with a gentle citrus base product. Test it on an area that won’t show. Talk to a local plastics company that deals in plexiglass and they’ll know what works. Or call Great Lakes, the company that makes our windows.

[N201MKTurbo]

From the web:

I suppose ive been lucky in tha fact that any plexi removal ive done hasnt been too bad. I've been able to peel the film layer and scrub off the excess adhesive with one of those sponges with the white netting around it, cant think of the name of it.....

I also use a product called De-Solve-It to loosen the adhesive, works great. I get it at one of my many local Wally Worlds..

De-Solve-It is a citrus based solvent.

[Skates97]

5 hours ago, Tmack201 said:

I need to remove the old window tint on back side windows. Looking for guidance on best procedure and/or products. I did some research and some products are only for plexiglass, others for polycarbonate. The tint has adhesive. Also, when I replace it, any suggestions on product to use?

If/when you put tint on again do not use any that has adhesive. If you read the boxes they say specifically not to use on plexiglass. The static cling stuff works great and peels off clean, but won't come off unless you want it to. I have mounted GoPro cameras with suction mounts to the static cling I have on the back windows and they hold just fine.

[A64Pilot]

I would try steam, from one of the smaller steam cleaners that have the steam come out of a smaller tube. My reasoning is that the adhesive is water based and the energy from the steam may likely help dissolve it, I would not try dry heat. be careful to not get too hot

Get a corner to peel up slightly, then try the steam while pulling on the film slightly.

You don’t want to use any kind of window cleaner with ammonia I don’t think, not sure on that, just what I’ve been told

Edited March 9, 2022 by A64Pilot

[Tmack201]

Are our side, rear windows plexiglas or polycarbonate?

[carusoam]

1 hour ago, Tmack201 said:

Are our side, rear windows plexiglas or polycarbonate?

PMMA… polymethylmethacrylate… aka plexiglas….

Best known for its visual clarity…

No polycarbonate yet…

-a-

[Tmack201]

Thanks, Carusoam!