How to remove tint from car windows

Is your tinted window too dark, scratched, discoloured, or full of bubbles? Or maybe you're ready to upgrade to a newer, more advanced film? Don’t worry—removing car window tint doesn’t have to be a headache or cost you a fortune. In fact, you can tackle it yourself without hours of scraping and scrubbing. Here are two simple step-by-step guides to removing window tint, plus a few handy tips to make the process even easier. Let’s get started!

Window tint removal process

While plenty of people go the professional window tint removal route, you can absolutely tackle this at home as part of your car maintenance if you’ve got the right tools and a little know-how. Depending on which tint removal method you choose, here are some of the tools you may need:

• Professional or clothing steamer
• Heat gun or hair dryer
• Ammonia solution
• Spray bottle(s)
• Liquid dish soap
• Microfiber cloth
• Newspaper

Removing window tint using a steamer

Using a steamer is a great way to remove window tint—it’s quick, effective, and gentle on your windows. The steam loosens the adhesive, making it much easier to lift and peel off the tint without any hassle. You don’t need fancy equipment, either. While a professional steamer works best, a simple clothing steamer will do the job just fine.

Pro tip: When using a steamer, start with the door windows and save the rear window for last, especially if it has defrost lines. This way, you’ll get some practice with the technique before tackling the more delicate job of the rear window, where you want to avoid damaging those defrost lines. We will now go over the steps to remove window tint with a steamer:

1. Roll down your window a bit

Start by rolling your window down a bit—just a little over half a centimetre. This small gap gives you better access to the edges of the tint, making it easier to peel off. It’s a quick, simple step that ensures you have a clear working area and can remove the tint without too much hassle.

2. Steam your windows

Begin by heating the tint with the steamer. Hold it about 2.5 to 5 centimetres away from the glass and apply steam evenly, first to the outside of the window and then the inside. Use long, smooth motions from top to bottom to heat the glass evenly, making the tint soft and easy to remove.

3. Start peeling the tint film

Use a razor blade to gently lift a corner of the window tint. Take your time and work carefully around the edges, slowly peeling the tint away from the window. If the corner of the tint won’t budge, just hit it with a bit more steam and give it another go.

The key here is to go slow and steady—this helps prevent any damage to the glass and gives you better control. Using a razor blade makes it easier to grab hold of the tint and remove it effectively. Just be patient and peel slowly for the best results.

4. Begin pulling off the tint film

Once you’ve got the corner of the tint lifted, start peeling it off slowly and evenly. Go from the top of the window down toward the bottom, taking your time to avoid tearing the tint or damaging the window—or the defroster if you’re working on the rear window.

Keep applying steam as you go, especially on any stubborn spots. The key here is patience. If you try to rush it, the tint might tear, which will only make the job harder. But if that does happen, it's okay—just use the razor to lift the edge again and keep peeling. Also, stay mindful of the glass and defroster lines to ensure everything comes off smoothly.

5. Remove any remaining adhesive

After peeling off the window tint, some sticky glue residue might be left behind. No worries—you can easily clean it up with adhesive remover or a mix of commercial cleaner and water (just go half and half in a spray bottle for easy application). Spray it on the window, scrub the glue spots with a non-scratch pad, and then dry everything off with a paper towel or microfiber cloth.

This step is key to getting your window completely clean and residue-free. Take your time and use gentle scrubbing motions to make sure you don’t miss any spots.

Removing window tint using ammonia solution

Most people know ammonia works great for removing window stickers, but not everyone realizes it’s also a fantastic window-cleaning product—and yes, it can even remove window tint!

This method works best on a hot, sunny day since the sun’s heat helps the ammonia break down the adhesive holding the tint. Therefore, for the ammonia method, consider adding it to your scheduled summer car maintenance. If you’d prefer to skip the heat gun and go with an ammonia solution instead, here’s how to do it:

1. Cover your door panels

To keep your interior door panels safe from ammonia, cover them with tarps or plastic sheeting. Just tape them in place to secure it. Also, don’t forget to protect any electrical components in your vehicle, like switches and speakers, to avoid any accidental damage.

2. Cut large black garbage bags

If you’ve got black trash bags handy, use them to cover your tinted windows. Start by cutting the bags to match the shape of each window. You’ll need two pieces for each window—one to cover the inside and one for the outside. Tape them in place.

3. Spray the outside of the windows

Once your trash bags are in place, peel back a small section from the outside. Grab a spray bottle, fill it about three-quarters full of water, and add a squirt of dish soap. Give it a good shake, then spray the outside of each window thoroughly. After that, lay the garbage bags back over the windows to cover them again.

4. Spray the inside windows with ammonia

Be sure to wear gloves and a mask (or a respirator) for this step—it’ll help protect your skin and lungs from ammonia irritation.

Peel back a small section of the plastic bags from the inside windows. Fill up another spray bottle with ammonia and generously spritz the inside of each window until the entire window is completely saturated. Then, lay the garbage bag back over the glass to cover it snugly. This helps lock in the ammonia and makes the process even more effective.

5. Let the ammonia soak

Let the ammonia soak for 1–2 hours, giving the sun time to heat up the glass. The warmth helps the ammonia break down the adhesive holding the tint. This trick works best on a hot, sunny day in the middle of summer—perfect weather for the job!

6. Peel away the old window tint

Remove the garbage bags, then grab a razor and carefully lift a corner of the tint so you can get a good grip on it. Slowly peel the tint away from the glass, working from one edge of the window to the other. Take your time to avoid ripping it. If it does tear, it's okay—just slide the razor under the edge again to lift it and keep going. Again, stay mindful of the glass and defroster lines to ensure everything comes off smoothly.

7. Remove any remaining adhesive

You can stick with ammonia to clean off the adhesive—it works just as well as an adhesive remover and doubles as a window glass cleaner! After you’ve peeled off all the tint, spray the window with ammonia again. Use fine steel wool to scrub away any leftover adhesive, and then wipe everything clean with a newspaper. If any sticky spots are stubborn, carefully use a razor to scrape them off—just be gentle to avoid scratching the glass.

Alternative methods for removing window tint

If steaming or using ammonia doesn’t work for you, don’t worry—there are other ways to remove window tint. You can try using a heat gun or hair dryer or stick to the good old razor blade method. Keep reading to find out more:

Heat gun/hair dryer

If you don’t have a steamer, a hair dryer or heat gun can get the job done, too. Just keep in mind—it’s a slower process, not as effective, and you’ll likely have more adhesive to clean up afterward. Plus, be careful not to overheat the glass to avoid any risk of it cracking!

Here’s how to do it: Gather your supplies—a razor blade, cleaning solution, and your hair dryer or heat gun. Warm up the tint with the heat source to loosen the adhesive, then use the razor blade to lift a corner and slowly peel it off. Go easy to avoid damaging the window. Once the tint is off, clean the window thoroughly with your solution and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth to remove any leftover adhesive.

Razor blade and soapy water

If you’re going the razor blade route, all you need is a razor blade, soapy water, and a soft cloth. Once the windows are clean, grab some dish soap and water to tackle the tint. Apply the soapy solution generously to the window, and gently use a sharp razor blade to scrape away the tint. Be careful here—too much pressure can scratch the glass.

This method takes a lot of patience, so don’t rush. Start by thoroughly soaking the tinted window with the soapy solution. The more it’s soaked, the easier it’ll be to lift a corner of the tint film and start peeling. Use the razor blade to help get under the edge if needed, and peel slowly to avoid tearing. If you hit a stubborn spot where the tint won’t budge, just apply more soapy water and give it another go.

Why do people tint their car windows?

Window tint is a thin plastic film—usually made from a material like polyethylene terephthalate (PET)—applied to the inside of a car’s windows. It’s designed to block out some of the visible light and heat, making your ride more private and comfortable. It also helps protect your car’s interior from sun damage, like fading, cracking, and other wear caused by UV rays. Plus, it also protects you and your passengers from harmful UV rays and can make your car windows more shatter-resistant for added safety.

Are tinted windows legal?

Window tinting is pretty popular in Canada, but the rules about how dark you can go—and which windows you can tint—depend on your province. For instance, Ontario has specific window tint laws based on which part of your car you’re tinting.

So, are tinted windows legal? The short answer is yes (in Ontario), but the limits vary depending on the window and the province. Make sure to check your local laws before you tint!

Can tinting your windows affect your car insurance?

How window tinting affects your car insurance can depend on your insurer and local rules. Generally, tinting is considered a minor modification and doesn’t usually impact your coverage. However, it’s important to let your insurance company know about any changes you make to your car, including window tinting. Not disclosing modifications could cause problems with your coverage or even lead to claim denials down the road. Better safe than sorry!

Will car insurance cover window tint repairs?

Whether car insurance covers window tint repair can get a little tricky—it all depends on your policy, what caused the damage, and the extent of your coverage. First, it’s important to know what kind of policy you have. The most common types of car insurance in Canada include:

• Liability car insurance
• Accident benefits coverage
• Collision car coverage
• Comprehensive car coverage

Each of these policies handles coverage differently, and not all will include window tint repair. Next, we'll explore the remaining coverages:

Collision coverage

If you have collision coverage, you're typically covered for collisions with another vehicle or stationary object where you're deemed at fault for the accident. If you're involved in a collision and your windows are damaged, your policy might cover both the window repair and the reinstallation of the tint.

Comprehensive coverage

If you have comprehensive insurance, you’re typically covered for things like hail, floods, vandalism, or theft—basically, those “acts of God” or unexpected events that can cause window damage. In cases like these, your policy might cover both the window repair and the reinstallation of the tint, as long as it’s tied to a covered event. Always check with your insurer to understand exactly what’s included in your coverage.

Exclusions and limitations

Further, car insurance policies always come with their fair share of exclusions and limitations, and window tinting is no different. Things like regular wear and tear, poor installation, or damage from a pre-existing condition usually aren’t covered. So, if your window tint starts bubbling because it’s old or wasn’t applied properly, chances are you’ll have to handle the cost of repairs out of pocket.

Get car insurance from BrokerLink today

If you want to learn more about how tinting your windows could affect your car insurance, or if you're looking for a car insurance quote, reach out to BrokerLink today. One of our licensed insurance advisors would be happy to answer any questions you have about car insurance.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

Get an auto insurance quote [phone]