How to Remove Window Tint Bubbles: Causes + Solutions

Window film can make your car look dark, sleek, and sexy. Additionally, automotive tint boosts your privacy, keeps your cabin cool, and protects your skin from the dangers of UV rays.

But what should you do if your car has bubbles forming beneath its tint? Fortunately, the window film experts at Ultimate Window Tint are here to ease your bubble in tint concerns.

Here’s everything you should know about the causes of fresh tint bubbles and how to pop those bothersome bubbles before they harm your ride’s aesthetics.

What Causes Window Tint Bubbles?

Before you can get to work removing any bubbles underneath your tint, you need to understand what caused them to appear in the first place.

When window film is initially installed, it’s not unusual to see some bubbles forming—and this isn’t a result of a bad window tint job. As the film sets, it will stretch and bond with the glass, eliminating those pesky bubbles. However, your bubble problem will arise when they don’t disappear, even long after the film has completely cured.

So, why does tint bubble? Some common causes of window tint bubbles include:

Water bubbles in tint: Window film water bubbles, also known as blistering, are normal after the tint has been installed and should go away after the film cures.
Soap/air bubbles: If air or soap got trapped underneath the window tint, it could cause bubbles. Once the film cures, these bubbles will get smaller, but won’t completely vanish. If you notice soap or air bubbles under your window tint, you may need to have the film professionally reinstalled, preferably at the original tinter’s expense.
Dirt bubbles: If your windows weren’t properly cleaned before the tint was installed, dirt and contamination bubbles might appear. Depending on the severity, you might need to have the window film reapplied.

How To Remove Window Tint Bubbles

So, what can you do to remove bubbles in your window tint? If you have unsightly air or dirt bubbles under your film, your best course of action is to go to the original tint installer and see if they will remediate the issue. They might reapply the tint on their own dime.

If that doesn’t work, some steps to fix your tint bubbles include:

Park your car in the sun to warm up the windows. If the weather isn’t warm enough, try using a hair dryer to remove the bubbles.

Spray some room-temperature water on your windows. Moisten them, but do not soak them.

Use a credit card to push the bubbles out from beneath the tint when the windows are damp and warm. Slowly work your way toward the edge that is closest to the bubble, holding the card at a 45-degree angle.

Use a clean cloth to dry the tint while inspecting for other damages.

Use a straight pin to poke small holes in the tint to release the air. These holes need to be extremely small so as not to draw attention, so proceed with caution.

Preventing Window Tint Bubbles

To prevent any bubbles from happening in the first place, always take your car to an experienced, quality window tint shop, like Ultimate Window Tint. Talk to the technicians before booking your appointment to see how much automotive tinting experience they have. You should also ask for client testimonials or look them up online yourself.

Final Thoughts

Bubbles in tint can be a pain, especially if you paid top-dollar for the film installation. If you want to ensure your tint looks pristine, always take your vehicle to a seasoned team of window tint professionals.

Ultimate Window Tint has been in business for over 15 years. Our technicians use high-quality products and expert craftsmanship to ensure a seamless installation the first time around.

To learn more, contact us today at (360) 686-2990. We guarantee your tint will never suffer from bubbling.