How To Remove Bubbles From Window Tint?
While applying window tint to your car, you have to deal with pesky bubbles that somehow find a way to pop up and ruin your effort. Don’t worry Oshark has you covered! Most of them are harmless and go away during the curing period after installation. If they don’t, you can remove bubbles from your window tint by applying heat, pricking them with a sharp pin, and using a squeegee to smooth them out. Let’s discuss in detail how to get rid of these annoying pockets.
Window Tint Bubble Removal Process
To remove bubbles from the window tint, gently heat the area with a hairdryer or heat gun. Then, lightly mist with soapy water. Use a squeegee or a credit card to press the air towards the edges, or carefully pop the bubbles with a pin and push the air out.
How To Remove Bubbles From Window Tint? Step By Step Guide
If you have recently applied aftermarket window tint to your car and, even after the curing period, you see bubbles on the surface, here’s how you can remove them:
Step 1: Gather The Tools
You will need the following to effectively handle this process:
Step 2: Warm Up The Window Tint
You will have to apply heat to the window tint. For this, you can leave the car outside when it is warm and sunny, or you can use a heat gun. Let the car sit in the sun for at least 2 hours to get the windows properly warmed up. If you are using a heat gun, keep it a few inches away from the bubbling area and move it to and fro to apply heat. This will make the adhesive more pliable, and it will be easier to remove the trapped air between the tint and the window glass.
Step 3: Spray The Tint With Water
When the window tint is warm enough, spray it with a fine mist of room-temperature water. The goal is to moisten the window, not soak it completely. The interaction of the water with the warm window will loosen up the tint adhesion enough to drive out bubbles.
Step 4: Remove The Bubbles From The Tint
This can be done in the following ways:
- Use a Window Tint Squeegee to drive out the bubbles. Push them out towards the edge to release the air. You will have a smooth tint once again. Hold the squeegee at a 45-degree angle and gently swipe over the tint.
- If you still see a couple, pop them with a sharp pin. Be careful during this step as you do not want to tear the film. Hold the pin straight and prick gently with its tip. Now, use the squeegee to push the air out.
Step 5: You Have Removed Bubbles From The Tint
Well done! You have successfully removed bubbles from your window tint. Sometimes, if the bubbles are large and many, or they are caused by dust particles trapped between the tint and the window glass, you may not be able to get rid of them. In this scenario, there is no other way than to replace the tint with a new one.
What Causes Bubbles In The Window Tint?
To remove window tint bubbles without any hassle, it is important to understand what is causing them. Here’s why they pop up:
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Trapped Air: Bubbles are caused when the air is trapped inside the tint and is not removed properly during installation. If these have come up just after the curing period, you can remove them with the method mentioned above. If they are old, you might have to go for reinstallation altogether.
- Moisture Bubbles: The wet method is used for window tint application, and sometimes, moisture bubbles can get trapped between the film and the glass of the window. The good thing is that moisture easily evaporates and these disappear eventually after a few days to a couple of weeks.
- Dirt Specs and Contamination: These are by far the worst and are caused by dust or debris trapped under the tint film. Unfortunately, these are very difficult to remove, and if the above-mentioned method doesn’t work, you might have to reapply the film after proper surface cleaning.
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Low-Quality Tint: When purchasing the after-market tint, it is important not to compromise on its quality. A high-grade tint might be expensive, but it will last long, giving excellent performance, and you might not have to deal with bubbles during and after its installation if all the application protocols are met.
- Improper Cleaning of the Window Glass: Cleaning the window before the application of tint is very important. A single speck of dust, a small strand of hair, or grease marks can ruin the whole effort, causing the tint to bubble.
- Incompatible Environment: You have to work in a controlled environment for tint application. The tint might develop bubbles if the weather is too hot or too cold or if there is high humidity. The temperature should be moderate and humidity low for the successful application of the film.
- Incomplete Curing: A window tint has to be given time for curing. How long it will take depends on the weather conditions in your area. If you take the car out or roll down the window before the tint has properly cured, it might develop bubbles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I get rid of ripples in the window tint?
Ans. To get rid of ripples in the window tint, apply heat to the film. When it warms up, spray water on it to loosen the adhesive, then squeeze out the bubbles towards the edge.
Q. How long until bubbles in the tint go away?
Ans. Bubbles in the tint can take anywhere from one to three weeks to go away, depending on the weather in your area. If it is hot and humid, your window tint might take longer to cure.
Q. Why is my car tint bubbling?
Ans. Bubbling of the window tint can be caused by improper surface preparation, low-quality tint, not removing the air trapped between the tint and the glass thoroughly during installation, and not allowing the tint to cure properly after the process.
The Secret To Bubble-Free Window Tint!
For the flawless application of window tint, it is important to follow all the steps required for the process. If bubbles still pop up, don’t worry. Use the method mentioned in this blog to get rid of them. Addressing them promptly can prevent further damage and keep your tint looking professional. Do not compromise on the quality of the tint. With the right approach, patience, and attention to detail, you can restore a smooth, bubble-free finish, improving both the beauty and functionality of your tinted windows.