The thing we love most about home window film is the ability
to completely remove it without a trace. There are several reasons you might
want to remove it from tenancy agreements, accidental damage, age or just
wanting a change.
Removing your home window film can be a daunting task for
many homeowners. As such the team at ALLCOOL always recommend
hiring a professional
to safely remove your home window tinting to avoid
any mishaps.
If you are feeling adventurous however you can follow the
below guide to safely remove your home window
film.
Before you dive in you want to make sure you have all the
right materials and tools. The below materials should be applicable for most
window films however dependent on the age and quality of the film you might
need heavier-duty equipment.
Now you're setup with all the right equipment, you can get
cracking on removing the window film.
The first thing you need to do is soften the film by
spraying it with a soapy water solution. If you’re working with a particularly
stubborn film, you might want to consider adding ammonia and vinegar to better dissolve
the adhesive. If so, ensure you have ample ventilation to let the ammonia escape
and always use gloves.
For the best results, we suggest letting the film soak
overnight.
Once your window film is softened, you’re ready to remove
the window film. Removing the film during the day during peak sunlight will
help you greatly as the warmer the film is the easier it will be to remove.
Now take your Stanley knife and score a corner of the window
film and gently pull. Dependent on the age and state of your window film it
should be quite easy to pull off however if it’s being stubborn consider
applying more of your solution to soften the film and letting it soak.
This part of the process may take some time, it’s important
to be patient and if you get stuck use your window scraper to help pry the
window film off the glass.
Now you should have been able to successfully remove your
home window film!
You’ll likely find some glue residue left behind. Dependent
on how much glue is on the surface you should be able to take your window
scraper or razor to gently remove it.
Once the glue has been removed you will need to clean the
glass. Apply a liberal amount of glass cleaner to a sponge, rag or cloth and
wipe down your windows, removing any remaining excess.
After completing this last step your windows should be back
to their original form.
If the window film you’re attempting to remove is very old
or of lesser quality, you might need to try some other techniques.
- If your solution isn’t doing the job, consider
using a hairdryer to heat the window film and break down the glue gradually.
- If you want to avoid using harsh chemicals like
ammonia to remove your home window film use a hand steamer. A hand steamer will
work similarly to the hairdryer to break down the glue, making it easier to
remove.
- Another alternative method is spraying the film
with your soapy water/ammonia/vinegar solution and covering the window in cling
wrap. This will trap the solution on the film and help accelerate the softening
process.
Need help with your window film removal? Perhaps you don’t
have time or the whole process seems like too much hard work. Why not leave it
to the professionals at ALLCOOL Window Films?
Having fitted home window films in Perth for over 35 years
we’ve seen it all when it comes to windows. Our team has the experience and the
expertise to ensure your windows are in good hands!
Our team operates all over the greater Perth metro area including
Willetton, Scarborough, Karrinyup, Midland, Fremantle, Bayswater, Joondalup,
Applecross, Cottesloe and Cannington and all surrounding suburbs.
To receive assistance with your next window film solution talk to our friendly team
today.
