Window Tint Removal Cost: 2023 Pricing Comparison
If you buy a car with tinted windows or if the tint on your current car starts peeling, bubbling, or fading, you may decide to have the tint removed and want to know how much it will cost.
Most people who try to do the job themselves end up regretting it, so chances are you’ll be better off leaving it to the professionals.
It generally costs between $90 and $250 to have the tint removed from your vehicle’s windows. If you are only interested in removing the tint from one or more windows, then you should plan to spend anywhere from $35 to $60 per window. For a DIY removal, the cost would be under $20.
How much does professional window tint removal cost?
Removing window tint can be a very tedious task. It can take professionals several hours to do the job.
The price of tint removal depends on the type of tint, the method used to remove it, how long the job takes, and whether you’re having the windows re-tinted.
In most cases, you should expect to pay between $0 and $250 to have the window tint professionally removed. A standard tint removal on a standard sedan (with no issues) should cost around $150 on average.
The cost is nearly 100% labor because there aren’t any special tools required. For that reason, the price has to offset the shop’s costs for the time it takes to do the job.
Window tint removal estimated cost range by professional
| Minimum Price | $50 – $115 |
| Maximum Price | $200 – $250 |
| Average Price | $125 – $165 |
How much does window tinting cost by geographic location?
Geographic location is another factor that may impact how much it costs to have your rear window tint removed.
Because so much of the cost is based on the shop’s labor fees, there can be pretty significant variations on the average hourly rates depending on where you live.
For example, the operating costs for a shop in New York City would be much higher than those for a shop in rural Georgia. As such, the hourly rate for the shop’s time and labor would be more expensive in New York than in Georgia.
Let’s take a look at some actual average costs to remove tint from different locations around the country so you can get a better idea of what to expect.
| USA Geographic Location | Average Window Tint Removal Cost |
| Berkeley, CA | $145 – $175 |
| Bozeman, MT | $115 – $135 |
| Charleston, SC | $100 – $125 |
| Hartford, CT | $135 – $165 |
| Jersey City, NJ | $135 – $165 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $110 – $135 |
| Madison, WI | $105 – $130 |
| Palm Springs, CA | $135 – $165 |
| Richmond, VA | $115 – $140 |
| Tempe, AZ | $105 – $130 |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $100 – $130 |
How much does it cost to remove window tint from building windows?
The price to have window tint removed from a residential or commercial building is different from the price to have the tint removed from a vehicle.
On average, most companies charge between $2 and $3 per square foot to remove tinting from windows. Because building windows vary so much in size, they don’t usually price per window. The price depends on the type of tinting film and its condition.
Just like in cars and trucks, the tinting on residential and commercial window glass can start to bubble, peel, fade, and crack.
In this case, it’s even more important to remove the film without causing any damage to the window itself because the cost of replacing a large window in a home or commercial building can be very high.
The process to remove the bad tint from structural windows is very similar to what’s typically done for a vehicle, though the pricing is slightly different.
If the windows are some of the first things that people see when visiting your home or office, chances are that you’ll want to have this issue resolved as quickly as possible.
Window films that were installed ten years or more ago are most likely to be showing signs of wear and may be starting to peel or fade.
According to one window tint professional, if the residential or commercial window tint film is simply scratched or displays some bubbles but has retained its original coloration, the price would be $2 per square foot for removal.
For window film that has changed color or has become brittle and more prone to cracking, the job will be more labor intensive. As such, the price would go up to $2.50 per square foot.
The most expensive jobs would be those which involve removing security or graffiti film from the windows, which would be priced closer to $3 per square foot.
Residential & Commercial Window Tint Removal Cost (Per Window)
| Window Size | Square Feet | Minimal Damage/Wear | Major Damage/Wear |
| 24 x 36 | 6 | $12 | $15 |
| 28 x 36 | 7 | $14 | $17.5 |
| 32 x 36 | 8 | $16 | $20 |
| 24 x 44 | 7.3 | $14.60 | $18.25 |
| 28 x 44 | 8.6 | $17.20 | $21.50 |
| 32 x 44 | 9.9 | $19.80 | $24.75 |
| 24 x 48 | 8 | $16 | $20 |
| 28 x 48 | 9.3 | $18.60 | $23.25 |
| 32 x 48 | 10.7 | $21.40 | $26.75 |
| 40 x 44 | 12 | $24 | $30 |
| 40 x 48 | 13.3 | $26.60 | $33.25 |
| 40 x 52 | 14.4 | $28.80 | $36 |
| 40 x 54 | 14.5 | $29 | $36.25 |
| 40 x 60 | 16.7 | $33.40 | $41.75 |
| 44 x 48 | 14.7 | $29.40 | $36.75 |
| 44 x 52 | 15.9 | $31.80 | $39.75 |
| 44 x 60 | 18.3 | $36.60 | $45.75 |
| 44 x 62 | 18.9 | $37.80 | $47.25 |
| 48 x 44 | 14.7 | $29.40 | $36.75 |
| 48 x 54 | 18 | $36 | $45 |
| 48 x 60 | 20 | $40 | $50 |
| 48 x 72 | 24 | $48 | $60 |
Can You Remove the Window Tint Yourself?
It is possible to remove your own window tint, and many people do. However, it is a very time-consuming and tedious task.
You must take special care so as to not damage your glass or components, such as your defroster or radio antenna, or you will end up creating a much more expensive problem for yourself.
Nevertheless, it’s a great way to save some money if you are up for the task. Depending on the method that you use to remove the tint and what materials you already have laying around at home, you could do the removal yourself for under $10-$20.
How to Remove Window Tint at Home
One of the most recommended (and least expensive) methods to removing window tint only requires a few materials that you probably already have at home:
- Water
- Dishwashing Soap
- Scraper Blade (with holder)
- Fine Grade Steel Wool
- Black Trash Bags
- Duct or Masking Tape
- Glass Cleaner
Follow These Steps to Remove Window Tint at home:
- Starting with the side windows: Use your scraper blade to get the film to start peeling off at one corner. Once it’s loose, try to slowly and gently peel away the tint (in one piece if you can).
- Move on to the Rear Windows and Back Windshield: If you’re removing tint from glass that has defrosters, you need to take special care to remove the tint carefully and smoothly, peeling it away in one piece.
- Remove the adhesive residue from all of your windows: This is the most difficult part and the most tedious. Spray the glass with warm soapy water and use your scraper blade to gently remove the glue residue. Use a new blade and take care not to scratch the glass.
Important Tip
To make this task easier, cut the side and bottom of your trash bag so that it is one large plastic sheet. Spray the glass with soapy water, then tape it up around the window, sealing in the moisture and soap.
Park the car in a sunny spot and let the window steam up (this should take about one hour). Then, start peeling at one corner – do not use the scraper – peeling slowly to remove tinting in a single piece. If it’s not coming off easily, put it back into the sunny spot to steam longer.
If it’s difficult to remove the adhesive residue, you can mix in some ammonia to help dissolve the adhesive. Keep the glass wet at all times, and try to work in a garage or in the shade to keep it from drying out too quickly.
Remember, don’t use the scraper blade on your rear windshield if it has defrosters.
In that case, use the soapy water and your fine-grade steel wool to buff away the adhesive. You can use the fine steel wool to clean up any areas where the scraper left some residue behind.
FAQs On the Cost to Remove Window Tint
Does Home Tint Save Money?
Tinting the windows of your home can potentially save you money on your energy bills by reducing the amount of heat gain in your home during the summer. Windows tinting can also help to reduce the amount of heat loss in your home during the winter, which can help to lower your heating costs.
Is It Worth it to Tint House Windows?
Yes, It worth it that window tinting is that it can reduce the amount of sunlight and heat that enters your home, making the interior more comfortable. This can help to lower your cooling costs during the summer and reduce the amount of glare in your home.
How Long Does a Residential Window Film Last?
The lifespan of a residential window film can vary depending on the quality of the film, the type of adhesive used, and the amount of direct sunlight that the window receives. High-quality window films can last between 5 to 15 years, while lower-quality films may last only a few years.
Does Home Window Tint Fade Over Time?
Yes, home window tint can fade over time, and fading is a normal process, and all window tints will eventually fade over time. The fading process is caused by exposure to UV radiation from the sun, which can cause the color and the adhesive to deteriorate. Fading can occur on both the inside and outside of the window tint.
Is it Hard to Remove Car Tint?
Removing car tint can be a challenging and time-consuming task. It depends on the type of adhesive that was used, the age of the tint, and the condition of the tint.
Can the Tint be Removed and Redone?
Yes, window tint can be removed and redone. Once the tint is removed, the windows can be cleaned and inspected for any damage. If there is no damage, the windows can then be re-tinted. If the windows have been damaged, it may be necessary to replace the glass before re-tinting.
Is 5% Tint a lot?
5% tint may not be the best choice for your needs. It will not provide much privacy or UV protection. It will reduce some of the glare from the sun and make the interior of the car slightly cooler, but will not have a significant impact on the amount of sunlight that enters the vehicle.
Is a 50% Tint Worth It?
A 50% tint is considered a medium tint and can provide a good balance between visibility and privacy. It will reduce the amount of sunlight and heat that enters the vehicle, which can make the interior more comfortable. However, it will not be as dark as a higher percentage tint.
In terms of legal issues, it is important to check the laws of your state or country regarding the maximum legal tint percentage allowed on the front and back windows.
How Long Does it Take to Remove Window Tint from a Car?
The time it takes to remove window tint from a car can vary depending on the method used, the amount of tint, and the condition of the tint. On average, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to remove window tint from a car.
Using a heat gun and a razor blade can be a faster method while using a solution specifically designed to remove tint can take longer. If the tint is old or has been poorly maintained, it may take longer to remove as well.
Cost to Remove Tint: The Bottom Line
Removing your window tint isn’t too expensive, especially if your tint is bubbling, peeling, or fading. If your tint is too dark so that it’s illegal, then removing it may be less expensive than the cost of a citation.
Most people will spend between $125 and $150 to tint removal from their vehicles. Of course, the price may change depending on how difficult the job is and your geographic location.
Remove tint from residential and commercial windows usually costs between $2 and $2.50 per square foot unless it’s a special type of film.
The best thing to do is call around and get several quotes so that you can find the best deal. If you plan to have your windows re-tinted, be sure to let the shop know that when you request the quote.
Most professionals will do the job at a slightly lower rate if you’re going to have them do the new tint job as well.
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