How do i remove window tint w/o damaging the rear window defrosters?

i did my other windows with a spray bottle and a razor blade

but if it do that with the rear window it would take time and don't want to damage the rear window defrosters

any tips?

and please don't say "take it to a professional window tint company" because i just want to remove the tint and thats itHow do i remove window tint w/o damaging the rear window defrosters?
take it to a professional window tint company. otherwise you're going to remove more than just the tint.
I have just used a home steamer," The Shark" to remove the tint off the rear glass. Removed the tint, more steam and paper towel to remove the glue. No razor blades. No damage to defroster lines.

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How do i remove window tint w/o damaging the rear window defrosters?
Check the auto parts stores for liquid window tint film remover (assuming you have the film-type window tint, that is). Be very careful using it, because it could loosen the adhesive that holds the defroster lines on as well.



Or try this:



Window Tint Removal



Time: 1-3 hours



Materials:

Warm sunny day

Tarp

Large plastic garbage bag

Undiluted Ammonia

Windex (a glass cleaner)

Paper towels

Fine steel wool

Razor blades



Tools:

Slotted Screwdrivers

Phillips Screwdrivers





Tips: The difficult thing about removing tint is that most film is constructed of two layers of tinted polyester. When you try to peel the film off the glass, the top layer will usually pull right off leaving the second layer behind. This second layer will not peel off, it will just flake and tear like a price tag.



Step 1:

To over come separation between layers you must soften the adhesive so that both layers peel at the same time. This is very important, if you peel the just the top layer, you may as well just use razor blades as there is no way to peel the second layer off without picking at it for a few hours. You MUST try to peel both layers at once.



NOTE: You are more than likely to damage one or more of your defroster lines, when this happens, the cut line will not work anymore. Some cars have radio antennas mounted alongside the defrosters made of the same material. If you damage these, your radio antenna will not work! Be careful! Taking it to a tint shop to be done greatly increases the odds of saving the lines, but even a tint shop can not promise to save your lines, sometimes the film is just to far gone.



Step 2:

First, clear the window of any obstructions, like the brake light, speaker covers etc.



Step 3:

Next cut open the garbage bag so that it will be big enough to cover the entire window. Spray some water on the outside of the back window and the lay plastic bag over the glass. Cut away excess plastic so that it is now roughly the same shape as the glass.



Step 4:

Next, lay a tarp over rear deck and seat, spray ammonia liberally on the inside of the back window. (Ammonia is very strong, I suggest you hold your breath during this step) and cover ammonia soaked tint with the plastic bag so that it won't evaporate.



Step 5:

Park the car with rear window facing the sun for about an hour. The film should now be ready to peel.



Step 6:

When you are ready to start peeling, leave the plastic in place so the ammonia wont dry. Get the peeling started with a razor blade in a corner where there are no defroster lines. Try to peel film off in one piece. If the ammonia dries as you peel, the glue will get hard again, so spray a bit of ammonia on the area as you peel.



Step 7:

Once the film is peeled you will need to scrub the adhesive off with ammonia and fine 0000 steel wool.



Mop up scrubbed areas with paper towels before they dry. Finish up with window cleaner and paper towels.



Removing tint from side windows

Soaking is not nessesary here. You may want to use a simple razorblade holder. Cut a notch onto the upper area of the film so that you have a piece to pull. Try to peel the film, it will probably come off in two or three pieces. Spray the remaining adhesive with soapy water, and scrape the adhesive off with a razor blade, avoiding the edges of the glass until last to keep the blade sharp. You may need to use a few blades as they dull quickly. Finish up with window cleaner and paper towels. Inspect for missed glue (its clear and hard to see)



Another way to strip using steam



If you have access to a Jiffy steamer or similar steam machine, you can make quick work of stripping. Apply the steam to a small spot for a few moments and use a blade or the spout of the steamer to peel the area just steamed, when you have enough to hold, just peel slowly as you steam just ahead of the area you are peeling.



This will bring both layers of tint off and sometimes the adhesive too, without presoaking for an hour.
spray the window with ammonia and apply a thick black garbage bag. the bag will melt to the tint and you can pull it off. it sounds goofy but it worksHow do i remove window tint w/o damaging the rear window defrosters?
you dont... unless you want to try using a heat gun to peel it off, dont know how good that would work though
Professionals use a steamer to easyly remove the tint without damaging the defroster. Unless you have that, you'll end up damaging the defrosters or have a really crappy rear glass.
If you are very good with hand to eye coordination, use a razor and cut lines between the rows of the defroster. Peel the tint using the edge of the razor and spray hot soapy water between the film and the glass. Do not peel back too hard, or you may damage the defrost lines. Let the soapy water do the job. Be extra careful at the point where the defrost line goes from horizontal to vertical (this is a weak spot).



The big problem here is if you damage the defrost line, it is repairable, but not easy to do and it doesn't look too good.



You may want to spend a few extra dollars and let a professional do it.



Good luck!



Greg