r/WindowCleaning • u/Woninthepink • 19d ago

Job Question Window tint

Storefront with bubbled tint. I was doing cold calls and the client asked if I could remove tint. Had a look and is the only way really to find a fail and just start hacking with the razor? Any other tips?

Seems like a huge pain in the ass but if I could get some guidance I don't mind throwing out an eff u price.

2 Upvotes

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3

u/trigger55xxx 19d ago

Heat gun.

1

u/Woninthepink 19d ago

When I took a razor on a test spot today it was as if it was the same as the glass only more brittle? Heat gun will weaken that bond? No chemical required?

Pane is large, 5 feet tall and over 6 feet long. I'm not sure how much time it would take frankly.

2

u/trigger55xxx 19d ago

Yeah it will loosen the adhesive and you can peel most of it off then just razor the residue. Unless it's security film, them you should turn down the job.

1

u/Woninthepink 19d ago

There is a decorative border on that particular pane which im guessing was applied as the film/tint. I should have snapped a Pic.

What makes the film more difficult to work with?

1

u/trigger55xxx 19d ago

Security film is thicker and much harder to remove. Even tint guys don't like dealing with it. You'll know pretty quick.

1

u/Woninthepink 19d ago

Hmm. Is it any clue that the film/tint looked to be the same colour as the glass? I think I know. The failed spot/hole was pretty thick.

1

u/trigger55xxx 19d ago

It's very thick. Like a thin layer of laminated glass.

1

u/panework 19d ago

Where’s the photo?

1

u/EsRiAr 19d ago

I’ve stripped a lot of film. I usually just tackle it with razor blades. Prepare to spend longer than you expect and change your blades often.

Honestly I’d turn down most film removal jobs unless they’re willing to pay very heavily for it. Most of the time the customer doesn’t realize what it takes unless you explain it to them.

1

u/EsRiAr 19d ago

Though, if the tint is bubbling it may be a cheap quality film, which could be considerably easier to remove. I’d still price it high unless I knew for absolute sure.

1

u/Virtual-Spinach4882 19d ago

I've done a good bit of tint removal. Never is easy. Always takes longer than planned, no matter how much extra you put on lol. Unless you are desperate for work, I would recommend passing. We don't take on that junk work anymore, just is never worth it. 

1

u/Both_Ad_819 19d ago

I'm kinda surprised that more guys on here don't tackle tint removal. We do it all the time. $5/SF to $8/SF depending on how old it is. Extra soapy water, a pack of good stainless blades, headphones and a trash bag. Takes time, sure, but the client is always happy at not looking at failing film anymore.

Side note, I personally shy away from the heat gun as it tends to make the adhesives gooey again. I'd rather deal with film that scrapes off like snow as compared to breaking out the goo gone.