There are several ways to remove window tint glue easily without going to an auto shop. Let’s explore them.
Step 1:
Ensure that your tint glue is thoroughly cleaned and has no dirt or debris trapped inside. To do this, use warm water to dub a sponge or a towel and melt away any trapped dirt.
It's essential to use a gentle cleaning cloth and avoid harsh scrubbing to prevent any scratching on the window. The next step is to let the water dry up so there is no barrier between the heating process and the glue for the next step.
Step 2:
To melt the glue, use a heat gun at moderate heat and go in a linear motion. You may want to test the heat level on a minor part of the glue first. In case you don't have access to a heat gun, you can also use a blow dryer, in which case you should use the maximum heat setting.
Once the glue becomes liquid and starts to run down, use a cleaning solution such as a car shampoo or detergent to rub it all away. In cases of a more stubborn glue that is still sticky, using an alcohol-based solvent or a vinegar solution may be quicker.
Step 3:
Once the glue is fully melted, make sure the cleaning solution doesn't make it run down the window. In this case, the adhesive can settle down into the base of the window and become harder to reach. Covering all the grooves at the bottom with a newspaper or towel can help keep the glue away as well.
Using Alcohol-Based Solvents
A high-quality tint is made to last and doesn't come off very quickly. For this reason, some might not react very quickly to the heat and may need something more substantial. In such a case, using alcohol-based solvents can do the job more effectively and without extra effort. Below are some robust solutions that can get the glue off within a few minutes.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is readily available and can help soften up the thick layers of glue. However, they may be too gentle and need to be left on the surface for more time. To start, dab some alcohol onto a soft cloth or a thin towel and apply it throughout the window surface.
Allow it to stay on for a few minutes and rub away only a tiny area of the window to check if the glue comes off.
It is important to note that this form of alcohol is still flammable and should be used with precaution at all times. It is also a robust solution, and having your windows open or using them under an open sky is essential to prevent suffocation or any allergic reaction.
Using a Vinegar Solution
You don't always need to use a vinegar solution, as rubbing alcohol should get the job done in most cases. However, vinegar being more abrasive and stronger than alcohol, you can get a spotless removal.
To start, you simply need to fill a spray bottle with a slightly diluted vinegar solution with water. Make sure you only spray it precisely on the window and avoid contact with the car's paint as it can dull its shine as well.