12-27-2016, 09:06 AM | #1 |
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Window tint removal?
My recently acquired 228i has tinted windows that are a little dark for my taste. Is window tint removal a major pain? I've never had a car with the tint and wondered if it is something that can be done without damage or is it best left to the professionals. Any input from those who have "de-tinted" would be appreciated.
Thanks. PS: I searched this forum, but didn't find any info, which means it was probably right in front of my face in BOLD letters... Last edited by N2S2; 12-27-2016 at 09:16 AM.. |
12-27-2016, 09:43 AM | #2 |
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Check YouTube, there are a lot of videoes there.
General approach is to use a heat gun or blow drier to soften the glue then peal off the film. I did this on a old e36. I would be nervous about doing it to a frameless window though. |
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12-27-2016, 11:31 AM | #3 | |
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12-27-2016, 01:11 PM | #4 |
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A hand-held clothes steamer works great for this. They are silly cheap on Amazon, $20 or so. I had to remove all the tint on a P38 Range Rover that I bought in Texas to pass inspection in Maine.
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12-27-2016, 04:11 PM | #5 |
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The pro who works on my cars says he prefers steam to remove tint and clear bra over heat guns or hair dryers. I haven't done that work myself but just had the discussion the other day with him about a friends car and he suggested steam.
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12-31-2016, 11:17 AM | #6 |
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I'm on the other side of this. A little (at that time) bubble was left by the installer in driver's window. I didn't pay attention to it. Now each time I use my window it makes a sound because it has grown to 3cm wide and less than 1cm tall. How can I "paste" that back to where it belongs? Is the adhesive still there and I just need to apply heat or what would you suggest? Thanks !
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12-31-2016, 01:07 PM | #7 | |
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12-31-2016, 06:31 PM | #8 |
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Oh snap!
Thanks! Will take it back then Don't want to risk the whole piece just for that tiny mishap
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01-01-2017, 10:09 AM | #9 |
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I had to re-tint both of my BMWs after moving from TX to NC, where there's a 5% maximum-tint difference. I used the best tinter in the area and the charge for removing the old tint was pretty reasonable and there was no damage to the antenna/heating wires on the rear window. Biggest effort required is removing the adhesive residue after the film comes off (not much effort required there). Tinting is best left to the pros, as you can always take your car back if there are any defects, bubbles, etc.
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01-01-2017, 05:31 PM | #10 | |
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Thanks!
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01-08-2017, 11:14 AM | #11 |
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Did it myself. Pulled the old film off quickly, most of the glue came with it. Used adhesive remover and thick paper towels to get the glue off. Used a microfiber towel and some mineral spirits to get the rest of the residue off. Glass cleaner to finish. Saved $100 for removal.
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01-08-2017, 01:42 PM | #12 | |
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I haven't taken mine to the shop. Nor have they answered the phone. Might need to take a look into other shops. Hope they can match the tint if original shop won't respond.
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12-27-2023, 03:13 PM | #14 |
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I don’t find window tint removal a major pain, but it can be a tedious and time-consuming task for me. I can do it myself, but I may risk damaging my windows or leaving adhesive residue behind. That’s why I prefer to leave it to the professionals, who have the right tools and techniques to remove the tint safely and effectively.
The average cost of window tint removal for a whole car ranges from $50 to $200, while the cost per window ranges from $35 to $60. |
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12-27-2023, 04:09 PM | #15 |
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You can easily remove it yourself too. BTDT, several times. Lived in a state that basically doesn't allow it at all, plus I hate it anyway.
A hair dryer and ammonia based glass cleaner is all it takes.
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12-28-2023, 02:27 PM | #16 |
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Ammonia, black trash bags and solar power (sun) make tint removal easier. I'm sure there are articles & videos with the details.
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12-28-2023, 04:15 PM | #17 |
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As was previously mentioned, just be exceptionally careful with the back window if you want your rear defroster to continue to work. It is easy to damage the grid.
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