How to Fix a Scratched Tinted Window

When Do You Need to Repair Your Tinted Window?

Scratches are the most obvious sign that you need to replace window tinting, but there may be signs that your window tint is not as high quality as it ought to be. This can happen when the people who install the window tinting fail to mold the film to your specific window dimensions or when they use cheap materials.

You can tell this is the case if the tinting turns purple, begins to peel or crack, or has bubbles and/or does not adhere to the glass in certain places. These are all signs of a poor installation or a material that is not up to snuff to handle UV rays and hot temperatures.

Further, your tint might be fine one day, but then the next day, it suddenly seems lighter in color. Not all window tints are equal, and a cheap window tint won't last as long as a high-quality one.

Why Tint Your Windows?

If you don't have window tinting in your house or office building, you're missing out on a wide variety of benefits. Window tinting is not just to keep the sun out of your eyes. It offers protection from harmful UV rays. 

Further, window tinting offers unparalleled privacy. You can keep your windows open during the day without the risk of peeping eyes from neighbors or those with malicious intent.

And perhaps best of all, it provides energy savings. If your window tinting is damaged, then the savings in repairing it will be well worth the cost.

How to Repair Your Tinted Window

This guide will show you how to replace a tinted window that has been scratched. If you need to replace the entire tint, this can be a frustrating and difficult process. You should turn to a professional you can trust who can install a new tint in as little as 30 minutes.

Step 1: Separate the Scratched Section With a Razor Blade

Do this gently to avoid scratching the glass. Cut through the tint, making sure to sever all the different layers until you reach the glass. Try to cut out a rectangular section, as this will make it easier to replace it after removal.



Do not remove this rectangular section yet. If the scratch is large and covers most of the window, then consider replacing the entire thing.

Step 2: Wet the Removed Area

Using a spray bottle or a wet towel, wet the affected area--but don't go overboard. Make sure to soak up all excess. The idea here is that you want to get this section moist but not let the water run down the window or into the existing tint.

Step 3: Remove the Affected Area

Now use your razor as a pry tool. Slip it under one of the affected area's corners. Take your time working the film until it comes loose enough that you have a tab protruding from the window.

Don't pull on this tab, though. That could damage the surrounding tint that is in good condition. Further, it could leave some of the old glue on the glass, which will create a headache to clean up.

Take your time to cut off all the layers of the tint. Keep the area nice and moist throughout this entire process.

Step 4: Remove the Glue

Now that you have removed this rectangular section of damaged tint take the time to remove the old glue. Use water here to soak the glue, then scrape it off into little glue balls that you can remove with your fingers.



If you're having trouble getting the glue off, then try alcohol and soapy water. This should make it easier to remove all traces of the glue.

Step 5: Apply New Window Tinting

Cut a section of window tinting from a brand-new sheet. Make sure this section matches the old section with a bit extra to spare. You want to be able to trim it until it fits later on. 

Spray the exposed area with water, then remove the transparent plastic piece from the adhesive. Carefully apply this adhesive to the exposed section and use a ruler or squeegee to remove all the air bubbles. If you leave any air bubbles, they could remain trapped in the glue, forcing you to peel it off and try again.

Using the razor again, trim this tint piece until it matches the seam from the previous piece. Take your time to make sure it matches exactly so that there is no evidence of the repair. Once you've finished, leave this piece overnight to cure.

Check your tint in the morning, and you should have a barely-noticeable piece of window tinting!

Get Professional Window Tinting

Now that you've repaired your tinted window, chances are no one will notice unless they get very close. Window tinting is easy to repair and makes sure your windows look great. However, if the patch is noticeable, it might be time to call someone in to do a full replacement.

If the entire window tinting is bad, get in contact with a professional that won't just replace your tinted window but will make it look amazing. The experts at EcoArc Home & Office Window Tinting are here for our customers!