If your car's tints are also bubbling or fading and eventually minimizing its overall aesthetics, then it's your high time for car tint removal. Plus, constant exposure to harsh UV rays and other climatic conditions, along with daily wear, often leads to peeling or fading of your tint film in the long run. The solution - removal of old tint before installing a brand-new one. However, one question still remains the same among car lovers: should I hire a professional or do it myself?
Therefore, here in this detailed car tint removal guide, we'll thoroughly discuss everything, whether it's how to remove tint glue residue or how long tint removal takes, to help you decide what works for your precious car.
Why Is Tint Removal Necessary?
Just like any other product, window tints can also wear out over time. Here are a few signs of when to replace old window tints:
- Bubbles or peeling edges that significantly reduce visibility.
- Discoloration or purple hues from constant UV exposure.
- Blurry or hazy windows that reduce overall driving clarity.
Moreover, old or damaged tint not only affects the aesthetics of your car but can also result in poor visibility and safety over time. That's why removing it with meticulous precision is crucial to ensure that your windows stay in good condition before installing a new tint film.
DIY Window Tint Removal: A Budget-Friendly Option
Although DIY tint removal is quite inexpensive, it still requires optimal time, patience, and, of course, the right tools. Furthermore, the best way to remove window tint at home usually involves loosening the adhesive and gently peeling off the film without scratching your car's glass.
Additionally, here's the step-by-step DIY window tint removal process:
- Loosen the Tint Film: Heat the window by using a hairdryer or steamer. The heat easily softens the adhesive, making the tint easier to peel.
- Peel the Film Slowly: Start from one corner, using your fingernail or a plastic scraper to lift the edges with utmost care. Then, slowly pull the tint back in order to avoid potential tearing.
- Remove Tint Glue Residue: After removing the film, spray the glass with gentle soapy water or adhesive remover. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before wiping it down with a microfiber cloth. This step is very crucial for removing any sort of leftover glue completely.
- Clean the Window: Clean the window with a glass cleaner to ensure that the glass is completely spotless before applying a new tint.
Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Window Tint
Although DIY removal looks quite simple, lots of car owners end up making mistakes that can significantly damage their windows in the long run. Thus, here are some of the most common mistakes you must avoid:
- Using metal blades: They can easily scratch or permanently damage the car's glass.
- Rushing the process: Patience is the ultimate key in every process, and pulling too hard may leave adhesive patches behind.
- Skipping adhesive removal: Leftover glue can affect the overall look and bonding of the new tint film.
DIY Tint Removal Risks
Here are some potential downsides that you must consider before directly jumping into the process:
- Uneven removal: You may leave behind ugly streaks or adhesive residue.
- Time-consuming: A full tint removal may take up to at least 3-5 hours for newbie DIYers.
- Higher re-tinting costs: Mistakes during DIY removal might require expensive professional correction later on.
Professional Window Tint Removal: A Smarter Investment
Professionals use the latest tools and industry-standard techniques to remove old tint without harming the glass or defrosters of your precious vehicle. Here's how professionals remove window tint:
- Inspection and Preparation: Experts inspect the film?s condition to analyze the type of adhesive used and choose the safest removal approach.
- Steam-Based Tint Removal: Professionals use industrial-grade steamers to gently lift the tint film from your car's glass. Ultimately, the heat softens the adhesive evenly, ensuring smooth tint removal.
- Adhesive Dissolution: Specialized adhesive removers effectively dissolve glue residue without scratching the vehicle?s surface or damaging the major heating elements on the rear glass.
- Proper Cleaning: The windows are thoroughly cleaned and prepped for re-tinting to ensure a flawless new application.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional Tint Remover
Choosing professional services offers lots of benefits apart from convenience:
- Precision and safety: No risk of potential damage to windows or defrosters.
- Time efficiency: Professionals can complete the process in almost 30-60 minutes.
- Promising results: Ensures spotless glass ready for new tint installation.
Window Tint Removal Cost: DIY vs. Professional
???
The window tint removal cost usually varies greatly depending on various factors such as the size of your vehicle, the number of windows, and the current tint?s condition. For instance, DIY removal may cost around $20-$40 for basic tools and cleaning supplies. Professional removal, on the other hand, typically costs around $80-$150 for a complete car, depending on the overall complexity.
Therefore, while DIY may save money in the beginning, professional removal saves precious time and ensures top-notch preparation for re-tinting, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose to remove your tint yourself or hire an expert, ensuring the process is done in the correct way is non-negotiable. DIY methods may be cost-effective, but they often come with potential risks, such as glass scratches or residue issues. However, professional window tint removal, on the other hand, ensures meticulous precision, saves time, and prepares your vehicle perfectly for a new tint application.
Want to give your precious vehicle a new look? Then, stop looking any further and contact Muntz Tintz today to schedule your car window tint replacement services at affordable rates.