Is there a way to remove the spray on window tint from the plexiglass windows in a '58 hardtop? TIA
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Re: Spray on tint removal from hardtop glass
Ted, I would first confirm that the tint was actually sprayed on. Since the mid-seventies, I have never seen any window tint that wasn't applied to the window in self-adhesive sheet form. If the sheet tint is trimmed flush with the edge of the glass, you could well think it was sprayed on. If the plexiglass has an exposed edge at a corner, try dragging a sharp knife blade across the thickness of the plexiglass from outside to inside to see if you can get the sheet to separate. If you can get it started peeling, you may be able to peel it completely off. The adhesive can then be removed easily as it is water soluble.
In sheet form, window tint can be manufactured perfectly uniform and homogeneous for light transmission. However, if the tint is sprayed on, it would impossible to get uniform light transmission; from the inside, you would be able to see the every little overlap and hesitation in the spray passes, giving you a non-uniform, mottled appearance.
If the tint really IS sprayed on, then you have yourself a problem, because we are essentially talking about light translucent spray paint...any solvent that will effectively soften and remove spray paint will also soften the plexiglass. I would probably first try one of the mild re-finishing prep solvents like PPG DX330 Acryli-Clean or Dupont Prep-Sol in an area that's least obvious. DO NOT USE lacquer thinner, MEK, or other paint reducers...they may easily remove the spray paint, but may also turn the plexiglass into a hopeless, cloudy mess.
Prep solvents are designed to clean without really harming the finish, so if they work at all, expect it to be very slow and labor intensive. Work a small area, maybe 6" X 6", with repeated generous application using soft cloth until the tint softens and begins to come off. If you see no transfer of color after several applications, you will probably have to come up with Plan B.
Another option might be to simply try gently polishing the tint off using a VERY MILD polishing compounds. Regardless of how you eventually remove the tint, you will probably have to polish the inside of the plexiglass anyway. I have had good luck polishing dull lenses using Meguiar's three step products (cleaner, show car glaze) and Simichrome metal polish (yep, works on plastic). Because you will be trying to get the windows perfectly clear, you may want to finish it off with convertible rear window polish.
This project will be one where "a man has to know his limitations". I would probably try doing it myself as suggested above...BUT, if it doesn't go well, you will have recognize when to throw in the towel and get professional help before you really screw it up.
You can also solicit advice from local tint application shops or vendors who restore Corvette hardtops...check the advertisers in the Driveline. Keep in mind these guys aren't going to tell you how to do this if it's relatively easy, and they think they can make a buck out of you...you'll have to be coy, roy. -
Re: Spray on tint removal from hardtop glass
Chuck thanks for the response. It's definitely '60s to early '70s vintage spray on tint. I was afraid there wouldn't be an easy answer to this. If it was glass I'd pull out good ole lacquer thinner. Buuuuttt.... TedComment
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Re: Spray on tint removal from hardtop glass
Ted,
If you are really sure it's spray-on, I think you could progressively wet sand with 1500 to 4000 grit "wet or dry" paper and buff the plexiglass afterwards.
This method is commonly used to remove fine scratches in plastic windows. There are special compounds and "stringbuffs" availible for this from Caswell. (see link)
As Chuck mentioned, solvents are a risk.
good luck,
tc
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