Decorative window film is an excellent way to spruce up decor in Los Angeles homes and businesses. It can provide privacy in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms while being easy to install; most jobs only take an hour or two.

On the other hand, at some point, you may want to remove your window film. Or if you move, the new place might have outdated decorative window film that you’ll want to replace.

You might consider removing the window film by yourself, but we wouldn’t advise it. Without professional help, the process will likely take much longer and you could break your window.

Here are a few tips to influence your success in removing window film, should you choose to do so independently.

Tools Needed for DIY Window Film Removal

The items necessary to remove window film depend on the type of film in question. To take off static cling films, you will need a razor blade, a spray bottle full of water, and/or a hairdryer.

In order to remove old adhesive-backed films, you’ll also need an ammonia-based solution and the following: a spray bottle, drop cloth, razor blade, or scrape.

How To Remove Static Cling Window Films 

Adhesive-free static cling window films are easy to remove–simply peel it off.

  1. Start the peel with your fingernail or razor blade.
  2. Keep peeling the entire sheet of film off the glass. 
  3. Work diagonally across the glass.
  4. If you experience difficulties, try wetting it down using water and a spray bottle or heating it with a hairdryer.

How To Take Adhesive-Backed Films Off

Adhesive-backed films are more difficult to remove.

  1. Buy an adhesive removal product like vinegar or specialty window film solvent for tough residues.
  2. Start peeling a little corner of the window film up at a diagonal angle while applying removal solutions to where the glass and films meet. 
  3. Keep peeling and allow some time as you go for the solvent to sit and soak into the film. This may take an hour or longer. *Let it soak overnight for tough films. 
  4. Once the film is gone, wipe down the glass a final time and polish is free of any trace residue.

If you have questions about removing window film in Los Angeles, don’t hesitate to contact us for pricing information.

Angus Faith is a world traveler, architecture lover, window film aficionado. Angus' love of travel led him to become interested in architecture at a young age. After graduating with his college degree, he obtained a position at a local architectural firm and developed an acquaintance with numerous interior designers and construction companies in the area. This is how he was first introduced to the concept of using window film as an alternative to window replacement. Later, when he moved to Los Angeles, Angus obtained a position at Los Angeles Window Film. He has now worked in the tinting industry for over a decade and has overseen numerous commercial and residential projects. Angus' vast familiarity with all the different types of window film as well as leading brands like 3M, LLumar, and Vista give him the expert ability to select the perfect film for every building and every customer.