All car window film deteriorates with age and has to be removed. Two of the most common symptoms of dying film are the dreaded “purple film” and the “bubbling film”. Purple film is caused by non-metallic dyes in the film breaking down and changing color. Bubbling film is a sign that the adhesive used to apply the tint to the window is failing.[1] After a single bubble appears, many more will follow. If you attempt to remove the window tint simply by peeling, you’ll probably end up with a sticky mess on the glass that will take several hours to scrape. Here is how to prevent this from happening.
There are several reasons to have tinted windows on vehicles, including additional protection from UV rays, a degree of privacy, and cosmetic appeal. Over time, however, the elements and general wear and tear can take a toll on tint.
Window tint damage can manifest as bubbles, scratches, or peeling along the edges, which is not only unattractive but reduces its efficiency as a UV protectant and privacy screen. Extreme temperatures – either hot or cold – can initiate separation of the tint film from the window’s glass. Once separation begins, evident through bubbles or peeling, it quickly worsens. While you may be tempted to simply peel damaged tint off of your vehicle’s windows, the sticky residue left behind can take hours to scrape. Removal of car window tint is a far less intensive job than putting tint on. There are several effective DIY methods to remove window tint. Try one of these five proven methods that use easily accessible materials and limited know-how.
