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Mamone asked: How do I remove texture plastic film from windows? It was used for privacy, and looks like a sheet of cracked galss. It gave a clear, stained glass appearance. Now, I want to remove it. Help please.
Textured window films offer beauty and privacy without the cost of a custom window, but are they permanent? The type and condition of your window film, not to mention your window, will affect the exact process needed to take the film off, but the good news is that you can remove it if you’d like. Here’s what to do.
You Will Need:
- Razor Blade Scraper
- Glass cleaner
- Microfiber cloth (or paper towels)
Steps to Remove the Film:
- Lift a corner of the film, using the razor blade if necessary.
- Repeat, peeling as much of the film off as possible.
- Once you’ve removed what you can pull, carefully use the scraper to peel the remaining pieces of film.
- Spray any lingering areas with glass cleaner.
- Wipe clean with a microfiber or paper towels.
- Repeat steps as needed until the plastic film is completely gone.
Additional Tips and Advice
- Depending on the type of film and adhesive used, it may be helpful to heat the film with a hair dryer before attempting to remove it.
- If you’re having trouble with the scraper, flatten the handle as close to the window as possible. This ensures you are scraping across the top of the glass instead of pushing into it.
- Always push the scraper away from your body. Do not use the scraper if you have nearby spectators.
- Use caution to keep the razor blade scraper moving across the glass. Using too sharp of an angle can damage the glass surface .
I see this page was published back in ‘13, but hopefully someone will be there to help me out! This is a page I wish I would have read BEFORE my husband began painting the trim around my windows! Especially in the bathroom! When it came time to take off the tape from around the window part, some of the protective film, that had been adhered to the window, started peeling off. I just said screw it, let’s just take it all off. BIG mistake! The adhesive that was there, is a very (and I mean VERY) heavy duty!! Tried the scraping and glass cleaner, now all that’s left is a lot of adhesive! Plus it’s an older window, which doesn’t tilt or pull out. I need something that doesn’t immediately run down the window. Hope someone is around to help me out!
Dana,
Yes, it would have been easier to do this before removing the film, but it can still help: use a hair dryer to heat the adheasive. Thefe are many more ideas you can try on the guide How to Remove Sticker Residue. Adheasives generally have the same basic properties and can often be removed with similar methods.The good news is that because it’s glass, you don’t have to worry about the oil, etc. damaging the surface (watch out for the surrounding areas though if needed; covering with plastic wrap can help protect areas nearby if needed). Good luck!
How do I remove a room darkening shield from inside a house window? It was applied with water and a squeegee. Now, it seems to be baked on. I can only remove small chips; it will not peel off. Thank you.