How to remove window film

[Wren]

I covered half my kitchen window with window film for privacy and now want to renew it but the old film is stuck fast, it’s coming off in tiny little crisp pieces, is there some kind of solvent I can use to remove it ?

Any advice would be much appreciated

 

[Kadee]

Have you tried a ammonia based cleaner such as cloudy ammonia Wren ?

 

[Aunt Bea]

I would try a single edge razor blade paint scraper similar to this one.

Good luck!

 

[Keesha]

Peppermint oil works great for stuff like this along with a razor

 

[Ken N Tx]

.

 

[Wren]

Thanks folks, I’m going to buy some bubble wrap and try Ken’s suggestion first, if it dosn’t work I’ll try the others, will get back to you with the results...

 

[Ronni]

Goo Gone works amazingly well.

 

[Wren]

No luck with bubble wrap, that film is stuck fast to the window !

I’m trying peppermint oil next then ammonia, I need something that will soften it so it can be peeled or shaved off.....

 

[Millyd]

If it’s not a very big window it may be easier to replace the glass

 

[Wren]

The only luck I’ve had is with pads of cotton wool soaked in nail polish remover and pressed onto the window for about half an hour, it’s taking some time but at least it’s clearing, thanks for the replies

 

[Millyd]

We used to remove car registration stickers from car windscreens by holding soaking wet newspaper on the stickers
it worked ,I wouldn’t like to do that to a whole window tho

 

[Ruth n Jersey]

How about W-D 40. If I want to save a jar and soak the label off it takes the glue residue right off. Might work on the window as well.

 

[Marie5656]

Goo Gone works amazingly well.

I was going to suggest this too. I always have some on hand.

 

[Manatee]

I would try a hair dryer to soften it up.

 

[Camper6]

I don't have any window film but I'm guessing if you applied heat from a hair dryer that it would peel off just like paint does.

Ii works on decals. I do think it depends on how long the film was there. I think the sun crystallizes it.

There's a glass place near me that installs that window film. I'll drop in and ask how they do it.

 

[Wren]

Thanks for the help everybody, I'm still working on it, about half way through and will give the hairdryer idea a try, I am too busy at the moment to spend much time on it but, will get there eventually !


Update, finally the window is restored to normal, I’ve decided to get a half curtain now I can’t go though that again !! :woohoo1:

thanks for your interest and and helpful tips x