Now that we’re ready to begin, let’s start with side windows. This allows you to gain a bit of experience and confidence before you tackle the rear window with its integrated defroster.

Step 1: Window Access

If your window glass is frameless, great! It’s a little easier to remove window tint from frameless windows. If you have a metal door frame surrounding the side glass like on my Mercedes, turn your ignition on and lower the side glass about two inches or so and shut the ignition off.

Step 2: Turn Up the Heat

Now it’s time to heat the window tint film from inside your vehicle, as that’s where it’s attached. Turn on the steamer and allow it to begin emitting steam. Be mindful of the power cord as you work.

Begin to heat the upper left or right corner portion of the tinted glass so you may insert the razor blade under the film to begin to release the tint film. If it doesn’t release right away, just apply more steam heat to the corner area.

Once you get the corner released, apply more steam to the film in an up-and-down motion and slowly start to pull away the window tint film. Don’t force things! Nice and slow ensures great results. I like to make a cut at the upper center of the window once the tint pulls away, so I can cleanly repeat the process on the right and left sections.

Once you pull away both left and right upper sections about halfway, turn the ignition back on and raise the window so you can cleanly remove the lower sections.

After steaming the lower sections, again be patient and don’t prematurely yank on the film to pull it out! You may tear the film, which will be much harder to remove with the upper portion torn away.

Repeat the above steps for all side windows.

The rear window is the most complicated piece of glass to remove tint from, as you must be careful not to disturb the electrical connections of the defroster, which is itself bonded to the glass with an adhesive (though one strong enough to resist the heat). Photo: Brian Armstead

For the rear window, you have to consider the rear window defroster elements embedded in the rear glass. Follow the same procedure, but DO NOT cut across the defroster grid lines or you will sever the defroster’s electrical connections. Just make a small cut at the top left or right, apply steam, and slowly manipulate the razor blade to slowly peel away larger segments while applying steam to the tint film.

Pro tips:

1. I lay a towel across the rear deck to keep steam water from dripping down on rear deck speakers or water staining the deck fabric. If you have a hatchback, safely raise the hatch to begin removal. Safety goggles are especially important if you’re working this way, because you may release steam in an upward direction, which could result in hot water droplets coming down at you.
2. If you take your time, the tint film adhesive will pull away with the film. If residue remains on the side windows, use a razor blade and a quality glass cleaner like “Invisible Glass” to scrape away any remaining glue. NEVER use a razor blade to remove any residual glue on the rear window, as you will cut into and damage rear defroster grid lines. Use a sturdy paper towel and the Invisible Glass instead.
3. When you cut the film at the start of the process, do NOT apply heavy pressure lest you scratch the glass. Gentle pressure is all you need to cut the film to get the pull-away process going.
4. If the lower side glass film is hard to pull out, use a plastic trim tool to wedge between the door glass and door trim to provide a bit of space for easier removal.

All clear! Now remove the discarded tint and put it in the trash. You won’t be able to recycle it. Photo: Brian Armstead

The removed window tint is not recyclable so discard it with your trash. If you decide to discard the razor blades, wrap several turns of duct or masking tape around the blade to help keep our trash removal friends safe from accidental cuts from discarded blades.

So that’s it! Again, if you decide to re-tint, consult your local professionals.