removing residue glue at back window of car.

[Amrit1]

I removed 5 years old window tint from back window of my car as it was bubbly. Now there is glue residue all over. How do I remove the glue? Which blade and chemical to use so I do not damage defroster lines of car. Car is HYUNDAI Elantra 2019 model

 

if that matters.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Amrit1. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about removing window tint residue.

Since you're dealing with glue residue on your car window, I’d recommend reaching out to an automotive specialist or a professional who deals with window films for advice on how to safely remove the residue. My concern is that using cleaning products or tools that aren't specifically designed for this purpose could damage the window, particularly the defroster lines. For example, certain chemicals or abrasive tools might cause hazing or strip off the lines that are crucial for the defroster.

It’s always best to consult someone who has experience with automotive window treatments to ensure the right method and materials are used, preventing any potential damage to your vehicle.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Amrit1]

Actually I want to become a tinter. So trying to re tint my car first many times before taking any jobs. Front ones I cleaned with multi-purpose cleaner and razor stainless steel blade. But this back window is scaring me atm. Kindly recommend something if you can, will really appreciate!!

[MitchellMc]

I totally understand your desire to re-tint your car and get some practice in before taking on jobs @Amrit1. However, my expertise is in the home improvement space, and I’m not as familiar with the specific products or techniques used for tinting and removing residue from car windows.

That being said, I strongly recommend reaching out to a professional window tinter who can provide you with the right advice on which products and tools would be safe to use, especially when it comes to protecting the defroster lines and the window surface. They’ll have the experience to guide you on the best methods for cleaning and re-tinting your car windows without causing any damage.

Let me tag some of our helpful members @dave1, @Nailbag and @Jewelleryrescue to see if they have any thoughts.

Mitchell

[Amrit1]

Okay, Thankyou 

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Amrit1 

Well the challenge to removing tint ad this applys to house hold tint too.

Is to heat it up in a uniform manner  so when you start peeling the film is warmed and less prone to tearing apart.

How do you heat up the tint.  Have you ever laid polypipe in the sun and it goes soft and flexable very similar principal at work here,

Well for un tint method No. 1 

1 This  seams a  little strange at  first but works. Get large black plastic bags and push one onto the watered sprayed tinted window from the outside of the car is easiest poking it into the corners just like as if you are tinting the window now cut the plastic bag about 30mm larger than the window with a razor blade .  Now from the inisde of the window spritz it wet again so plastic sticks reapply  plastic window shape you just cut and open  the window and poke 30mm out side and close the window on it. Use plastic scraper or credit card to poke plastic tight into the corner.  Side window  panels just spritz and stick on the inside.  

Now park the car in the sun 20-30 mins the black  plastic heats up heating the film layers too. Tinted house  window normally on the hot side of house in the sun already.

Start at the  top leave  plastic bag on and use a razor to start peeling the film glue layer and tint layer at the same way gently pull at a rough 45 degree angle.  Take extreme care pulling slow and  gentle.

2  Older tint use same a   above with extra 5% soapy water  in 95% water and use a  credit card or  plastic scraper to assist slide under the tint at the glass join.

3  7 year old tint (bubbly) use  method one.  May need to scrape window tint with razor blade combinded with a use of a steamer.

4  Untested  -    A  warm  hot air  gun set to around 70 -80  degres temp my work the same preheat all of glass area first.  one person now  heats  the other peels warmed tint?

If you want to remove  old vinyl signage heat the  car up in the sun and use a  flexable soft scraper to minimise cuts and multiple stripe  forming.

Take you time start smaller areas for practice.

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @Amrit1 

I wrote a book on window tint but failed to directly address your issue.

I would use a steamer on your rear window with a fine edged plastic scraper as it provides moisture and heat at the same time.

Steam / soak the window the day before may help pre soften the old  glue layer.

But the other problem is the stuck-on demister tapes so you will need to walk a fine line here so they are not un stuck in this process.

Given you are learning here I would  take it to a reputable  pro and learn directly from them while they do the  job and what gear they use.