There are lots of different reasons why you might decide to get your window tint removed. You might be looking to sell your car, and think that your car will value higher without the tint, or you might simply fancy a change.
Alternatively, you might be looking to remove your window tint because it has become damaged and requires replacing. Whatever the reason, there is no denying that it is expensive to get your window tint removed by a professional.
For this reason, you might be considering removing the tint yourself. If so, you might be wondering what the best method is for this. One of the most trusted methods for removing window tint is using a hairdryer, but how do you do this?
And how do you ensure that it won’t damage your windows in the process? In this quick guide, we’ll be taking a look at how to remove your window tint using a hair dryer.
Can you use a hairdryer to remove window tint?
Yes! You absolutely can use a hairdryer to remove window tint. As we have said, this is one of the most trusted methods by people who choose to undertake the job themselves.
The great thing about a hairdryer is that it works very similarly to a heat gun, so it simulates the same effect that a professional would get when removing an existing window tint. The heat of the hairdryer will penetrate the material of the window tint, making it easier to remove it when the time is right.
When window tint is being applied to windows, most professionals will use a heat gun to make the material easier to handle. The heat stretches the tint material, making it easier to use it to cover your windows.
When it comes to removing this tint from your windows, the same principle applies, but just in reverse. The high temperature of the hairdryer will cause the tint material to peel away from your windows, making it easier to remove them yourself. So, let’s take a look at how you do this.
How to remove Window Tint using a Hairdryer
Now, let’s take a look at how you remove window tint using a hairdryer. We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to make it easier for you to follow, but first, here’s a list of everything that you need to do the job.
You will need:
- Hairdryer
- Glass Cleaner
- Cloth
- Razor Blade/Knife
- Paper Towels
Once you have gathered all of these materials, then you are ready to get started. Follow this guide to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Step One: Turn on Your Hairdryer
The first step in this method requires you to use your hairdryer to heat up the window tint on your car’s windows. To do this, you should turn your hairdryer to its highest heat settings, and get up close to the window tint.
The best places to target are the corners of the tint, as these are the weak spots. So, hold the hairdryer around 2 inches away from the corners of the window tint until it begins to lift. This will usually take around 30 seconds to 1 minute. When the tint begins to lift, you should then be able to pry behind there with your fingers, or with your knife/razor blade.
Step Two: Begin Peeling the Tint
When the window tint begins to peel, you shouldn’t turn your hairdryer off. Instead, you should keep the hairdryer on the tint, remaining at the same distance as before.
Continue to do this as you peel the tint back, as the heat from the hairdryer will break down the glue holding the tint to the glass. Carry on peeling the tint until it pulls away entirely from your window.
Step Three: Remove the Adhesive
Once your window tint has peeled away from the window, you might find that the glass is still stained with marks. These marks are likely the adhesive that was used to hold the tint to the glass.
So, you will next need to remove these marks. To do this, you should use your cleaning cloth. Most of the stains should simply wipe away, but you can use a hairdryer to remove any stubborn stains that remain.
Step Four: Clean and Repeat
After that, all that you need to do is give your window a clean to ensure that no adhesive remains. To do this, take your window cleaner and the paper towels that you gathered earlier. Then, your window should be as good as new. Simply repeat this for all the windows that you want to remove the tint from.
Summary
In short, yes, you can use a hairdryer to remove window tint. This is actually a very popular DIY method because it is easy enough to do, and it doesn’t cost much. So, if you want to remove your window tint, consider this method.