Tips for Getting Rid of Window Tint Bubbles

Why Bubbles Form or Occur

There are several reasons why bubbling may occur under your car’s window tint, but regardless of the root cause, poor application or low-quality window tint is usually to blame. These factors are exacerbated with age and exposure to direct sunlight, as the small pockets of air or water expand with heat and the adhesive on the tint weakens, allowing bubbles to grow.

Impacts of Bubbles in Window Tint

For most, bubbling under their window tint is noticed quite quickly. The implications early on are mainly aesthetic, as the look of the windows is compromised by the bubbling. Depending on your budget and preference, replacement or fixing of the tint at this stage is recommended but optional. 

A more severe case of window tint bubbling however can have far more severe implications. As the window tint separates from the glass, it distorts your view out of that window. Since window tint bubbling typically (with exceptions) starts on the rear window, this can impact the view out of the rear. It is possible for this to progress to a point where it is unsafe to operate the vehicle, and the window tint must be fixed or removed.
 
Different Kinds of Bubbles

There are a variety of factors that cause window tint to bubble. One of the most ubiquitous causes is low-quality window tint. The issue here is actually the adhesive, which, over time will separate from the glass or off-gas causing pockets of air to form. Beyond this, dust, dirt, or an unclean window while applying the film will produce bubbles. These are the most difficult to fix, and often require re-application with new tinting film. These bubbles can be minimized but are impossible to remove completely. This is due to the adhesive being compromised, causing eventual separation. The final type of bubbling which can occur is pockets of water under the tinting film. This is typically the result of rushed or poor application, however, since the adhesive used on the majority of tinting films is water-soluble, using a window tint application tool, you may be able to remove these bubbles in entirety. 

Hiring Professional Installation
 
If you find yourself struggling to apply window tinting film yourself, perhaps consider using a professional installation service. While the quality of application can still vary, a high-rated professional tint application shop will typically deliver a result that performs better and lasts longer. A portion of the increased cost can be attributed to the higher-quality film used in most cases, with other portions attributed to the specialized tools used to achieve a level of fit and finish unachievable through a DIY application. 

Re-application Over Fixing

While we will walk through the steps to fix bubbling window tint, the most effective option is to simply re-apply the tinting film either yourself or professionally. The reason for this is due to the likelihood that new bubbles will continue to form after you clear out any currently existing bubbles. This ongoing issue can result in more bother and time than it would take to replace the tint in the first place.