Top 7 Reasons for Car Window Tint Peeling and How to Fix It - Auto Service World (2024)

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Car window tint brings a wide variety of benefits to drivers. These films reduce glare from the sun and other exterior light sources, improving visibility and safety on the road. The film also reduces the amount of heat entering your car, making driving more comfortable on sunny days.

Plus, tints protect your car’s interior from fading, shield your skin from harmful UV rays, and enhance your privacy and security. Also, tints can enhance your car’s appearance, helping you stand out on the road.

Given these benefits, it’s understandable why peeling car window tint can pose a problem. In this article, we’ll cover the common causes of window tint peeling and how to make your tints last longer.

1. The Tint Was Poorly Installed

In most cases, window tint peeling occurs due to poor installation. If you got the tint done recently and it’s already peeling off, you might be suffering the consequences of shoddy workmanship.

Applying tint to car windows is a process that requires great care and expertise. There are different types of tint materials, and some are more challenging to install than others.

If the job is rushed or done by amateurs, the films are bound to peel off much sooner. Window tint can also form bubbles and creases when it’s not installed properly. These will not only reduce visibility but also cause the tint film to come loose.

If you suspect your tint is peeling due to a bad installation job, the best solution is to replace it. While you can go anywhere for an auto tint service, remember that only a few shops do it right. For instance, Colorado drivers might easily get expertly installed auto tint in Englewood, CO.

2. The Tint Is Showing Its Age

Car window tints have a lifespan regardless of material quality. After years of exposure to the sun, rain, snow, and other elements, the tint can fade, peel, and degrade.

At some point, the adhesive that binds the tint film to the window breaks down, causing the tint to detach. This often starts at the edges, leading to peeling and curling. Peeling can also result from ruptured bubbles between the tint and the window as the film deteriorates with age.

Modern, high-quality tints can last up to 10 years with proper care. But it’s generally a good practice to replace your car window tints every five to seven years.

3. You Used Low-Quality Tint with Weak Adhesive

The strength of the adhesive on the tint determines how well it binds to the window. If the adhesive isn’t strong enough, the tint will start peeling off sooner than expected.

There are tints for every budget. While low-cost tint materials may be cheaper to purchase upfront, they usually come with weak adhesive. This results in the need for more frequent replacements.

4. The Window Surface Was Not Sufficiently Prepared

Before tint installation, window glass should be thoroughly cleaned to remove dust, dirt, grime, residue, and other particles. Applying the tint over a dirty surface can prevent it from adhering tightly. Plus, foreign particles can rupture the tint, causing peeling.

Also, applying the tint on wet glass can cause it to come off more quickly. It’s important to prepare the glass surface properly before beginning the tinting process. This ensures the tints stick firmly to the window glass.

5. You Rolled Down the Windows Too Soon After the Tint Job

It takes some time for tint adhesive to cure and bond firmly to the glass after installation. Tint experts say that the process takes at least two to three days. During this time, it’s best not to use your car’s windows. If you roll down the windows too early, there is a high chance of the tint coming off.

6. You Are Exposing the Tint to Too Much Heat

While tints can withstand many harsh conditions, they’re certainly not invincible. Repeated prolonged exposure to extreme heat can break down the tint adhesive quickly, leading to peeling.

7. You Used Harsh Cleaning Agents on the Tints

When you have tinted windows on your car, it’s important to choose your cleaning agents carefully. Some agents may offer thorough cleaning after a particularly dusty trip, but they can be too harsh on the tint, causing it to peel off quickly.

Get a Professional Car Window Tinting Service

No matter the car you drive, window tints are a valuable investment. Properly installed tints protect against UV rays, improve driving comfort and safety, and increase fuel efficiency.

Low-quality products and poor installation jobs are some of the most common causes of car tint peeling. Invest in high-quality tint materials and a professional tinting service to ensure your tints last as long as possible.

Top 7 Reasons for Car Window Tint Peeling and How to Fix It - Auto Service World (2024)

FAQs

How to fix tint that is peeling? ›

By carefully cutting away the bubbling or peeling portions with a razor blade, you could intervene to prevent further damage. For larger areas of damage, however, the best solution is usually to remove the old tint and replace it with new film.

How to fix window tint film? ›

Peeling tint may need to be replaced. Sometimes you can fix it by rinsing it in soap and water and then using a squeegee to place it back in place, making sure to smooth out any bubbles first. However, it is generally better to mark a square around the damaged area and cut it away with a razor blade.

Does window tint peel off easily? ›

There are two aspects to window tint removal: removing the film itself and removing the adhesive. If done appropriately, peeling the film off should be fairly easy. However, if done wrong you may end up with tiny bits of film left on the window that you'll spend lots of time peeling and scraping at.

Can tint be reapplied? ›

Old film can be removed and you can tint that window again. But anytime the tint has been damaged you can't fix it. It must be removed and retinted. If the tint is in good condition and you just want it darker, another film layer can be applied over it.

Why is my tint flaking off? ›

Some of the causes of window tint peeling can be poor installation resulting in the formation of bubbles, the use of poor quality tint that is easily destroyed by UV rays, and the glue used to bind the tint starting to break down after years of sun exposure.

What is the best way to cure tint? ›

That means keeping your windows rolled up for 48 to 72 hours and avoiding car washes or other locations where your new tint is likely to receive extra moisture. Give your new tint time to fully dry and you'll reap the benefits for years to come.

Can I use a hair dryer to dry window tint? ›

In conclusion, while it is possible to use a hair dryer instead of a heat gun for window tinting, it is not an ideal substitute. The insufficient heat and the potential for damage to the device may lead to poor results and could end up costing more in the long run due to the need for reapplication or repairs.

Can you use Windex on tint film? ›

Avoid using Windex and paper towels: While these products may effectively clear off dirt and debris, they could damage the tinted window film or leave behind streaks.

When to use a heat gun on tint? ›

Managing Creases

If you encounter creases while installing the tint film, try the following steps: Use the heat gun to reheat the area with the crease gently. Apply pressure with the squeegee to smooth out the film as it becomes pliable.

What is the best adhesive remover for window tint? ›

Rubbing Alcohol: Dampen a cloth or paper towel with rubbing alcohol and apply it to the glue. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrape off the softened residue. Baking Soda Paste: Make a thick paste by mixing baking soda with water. Apply the paste to the glue and let it sit for 15-20 minutes.

How long should you not roll your windows down after tint? ›

In most cases though, you should wait at least 3-4 days before rolling down your windows. This ensures that the tint adheres to the glass properly and is set in place. If you roll them down too soon, you risk deforming or damaging the tint – something nobody wants after investing good money into their car's windows.

Does window cleaner ruin tint? ›

Can you use glass cleaner on tinted windows? You can use some glass cleaners on tinted windows, but you should avoid ones that contain harsh cleaning chemicals. The most important ingredient to check for is ammonia. If a glass cleaner contains ammonia, it's best to avoid it all together.

How to fix peeling tint on windows? ›

Fixing a Peeling Tint

Peeling tint is often caused by poor installation, and it's one of the most challenging problems to fix. The tint will peel away from the window as the adhesive deteriorates. This issue can be corrected by using a razor blade to scrape off the existing tint and then reapplying a new one.

Why does my window film keep falling off? ›

Window film usually slides off after glue hardens from exposure. The tint might peel slightly or so much that the entire film falls off. If you tried to apply the tint yourself, you might have used the wrong or weak adhesives for the tint to stick. Diluted glue can't hold the film up properly.

What is the lifespan of tint? ›

Standard window tints typically last up to five years under normal conditions. However, higher-quality films, especially those made from advanced materials like metal, ceramic, and high-grade polyester, can last up to ten years or even longer.

How do you fix damaged tint? ›

How to Repair Your Tinted Window
  1. Step 1: Separate the Scratched Section With a Razor Blade. Do this gently to avoid scratching the glass. ...
  2. Step 2: Wet the Removed Area. ...
  3. Step 3: Remove the Affected Area. ...
  4. Step 4: Remove the Glue. ...
  5. Step 5: Apply New Window Tinting.
Jun 30, 2022

How do you get peeling tint off the back of a window? ›

Begin heating the tint in one corner of the back window. Hold the heat gun or hairdryer a few inches away from the tint and move it in a circular motion. Continue heating until the tint becomes warm to the touch. Once the tint is heated, use your fingertips or a plastic scraper to peel back a corner of the tint film.

Will Windex peel tint? ›

The Answer Is…

Although Windex Original Glass Cleaner offers the best streak-free shine, it contains ammonia, which works to break down and remove tint.

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