How to Remove Old Window Tint

Window films use a variety of adhesives and usually vary from one manufacturer to another, as such the ease of film removal will vary. These instructions are primarily for flat glass film removal (homes, offices, etc), however a similar method can be used on vehicle windows*

What you need;

Thoroughly wet the film on the inside surface of the window, then cover completely with sheets of newspaper and soak it. Depending on age of film and other factors, it is best to keep the newspaper wet for half an hour to an hour. This will allow moisture to penetrate the film and help loosen the adhesive' grip on the glass.

Remove the sheets of newspaper as neccessary, keeping the remaining sheets wet, as well as the film area you are removing. 

Using a razor blade type scraper (or similar), scrape in a sweeping 'arch' movement with approximately half the blade under the film. This removes the film in curved strips and is easier than using the scraper in a 'chipping' method**

Some films will almost fall off the glass, whilst others wil require continuous scraping and 'elbow grease'. 

Once all the film is removed, spray the window again, use a fresh scraper blade and go over the entire window to remove any film or adhesive residue. Spray again and squeegee dry. Your window should now be plain glass again, and ready for re-installation of new film for another dozen years or so.

* a similar method can be used for removing old film from vehicle side windows; however, rear screen film removal is best done with the use of a 'steamer', or by taking the vehicle to a tinting shop for professional removal to minimise the risk of damaging rear screen demister wires.

If the car does have demister wires on the rear screen, use a 'steamer' to loosen the film and remove film slowly by hand - Do Not Use a Scraper, use '00' grade steel wool and detergent/water mix to remove residue adhesive (this method should leave demister wires intact and functional).

A steamer should be used with cautuion, and only on Toughened or Heat Strengthened glass; never use on laminated or plain glass, the heat from the steamer will cause the glass to shatter. 

** 'chipping' is just pushing the scraper fully under the film and trying to force it further under - this blunts the blade very quickly, and uses more 'elbow grease'.