How to Remove Window Film

Wondering how to remove window film?

If you have old window film on your windows that you want to remove before installing ComforTech™ Ceramic Series film, or want to remove our film for any reason, it can be done with a little patience and some elbow grease. Plus, some of the same tools in our Installation Tool Kit can be used to remove window film.

How to Remove Window Film

Here is our recommended approach to remove window film:

Remove Window Film Step #1: Loosen the adhesive

First, you want to loosen the adhesive as much as you can. There are two tools that can help with this: (1) a hair dryer or (2) a hand steamer.

If you have a hand steamer in the house, this works a bit better than a hair dryer. But the method for either is the same. Beginning in one corner of the window, run the steamer or dryer over the film to warm up and weaken the adhesive. Be careful not to heat the glass up too much or stay in one spot for too long as you could break the glass.

Remove Window Film Step #2: Peel the film off

After you’ve warmed up the corner section, use your fingernail to lift the corner of the film and begin peeling it off the glass. You may need a razor blade scraper (available in our Installation Tool Kit) to get you started. Continue to heat the film as you go and try to peel the film off in as large a piece as you can at a time.

If the film is very old and only comes off in small strips or pieces, use a razor blade scraper to help you. If this is the case you may want to wet the film with the installation solution to help facilitate the breakdown of the adhesive.

Continue this process until all the film has been removed.

Remove Window Film Step #3: Remove the adhesive residue

The stripped film will leave an adhesive residue that will need to be removed.

First, protect your windowsill and frame by opening the window and placing a towel or drop cloth under the open window. Close the window to hold the towel in place. You may also want to use an old towel or drop cloth on the floor.

Then make a solution of 1 teaspoon of Slip-Tack mounting solution (available in our Installation Tool Kit) to 1 quart of water in a 32 oz. spray bottle (available in our Installation Tool Kit). Baby shampoo may be substituted for Slip-Tack.

Spray the glass completely with the solution and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Spray it again and, using the razor blade scraper, begin scraping off the residue. You may find it helpful to periodically wipe the blade of the scraper onto a paper towel to remove any adhesive that might have accumulated on it. Be sure to use a glass-safe razor blade and to keep the surface of the window wet to avoid scratching the glass.

Repeat this process until all the adhesive has been removed. Then clean your window one final time with the solution and paper towels.