How to Repair Car Window Tint

As improbable as it may seem, almost anyone with even a moderate degree of skill in at-home projects can repair car window tint. All you need is sufficient patience and care to create a patch in 6 easy steps. The end result will appear seamless to any casual onlooker.

Step 1 – Locate and Mark the Damaged Section

You will need to be careful to remove all of the damaged film, so be careful in identifying all the area that is damaged. Then carefully mark a square, inside which is the damaged film. Next, use your razor blade to slice around the perimeter of the marked area. Use one corner of the razor blade to lift a corner of the film square loose from the glass it has covered. Be careful to avoid tearing or loosening the tinted film remaining outside the squared area.

Step 2 – Moisten the Section to be Removed

Using your spray bottle that contains water, spray a fine mist of water on the edges of the cut area to soften and loosen the film. Avoid using window cleaner that contains ammonia. If you spray excess water on the film so that it runs down the film, blot the running water with a clean absorbent cloth or soft paper towel.

Step 3 – Remove the Film

Use the corner of your razor to slide under a corner of the film square to be removed. Continue running the razor blade under the film until the entire square has been removed from the glass surface..

Step 4 -  Clean the Glass Inside the Squared Area

Spray the glass inside the squared area again and use a new paper towel to wipe away all film or glue remnants

Step 5 – Apply the New Tinted Film

Cut a square of new film the same color and shade as the old film remaining on your window. The new piece should be at least 1 inch larger on all sides than the square piece you removed. Wet the glass again, covering it with a light spray of water from the bottle. Then, with its plastic backing removed, apply the new film onto the wet glass. Use a damp sponge to press the film onto the glass, clearing away any bubbles under the new film.

Step 6 – Trim the New Film Edges

Place the straightedge at a place on the film where the new film overlaps the old film. Then, following the edge of the straightedge with your razor blade, cut through the 2 layers of film—old and new. Use this same procedure on the other three sides of the film until you have cut out another square of film. Holding the new film in place, remove remnants of the old film that have been cut away, then press the new film edges into place against the old film edges. It should fit perfectly. Use your sponge to wipe away any remaining moisture and bubbles that you might have missed at the edge of the film.