Is It Troublesome to Apply Car Window Film for the Second Time?

[IkerMarie]

Applying car window film for the second time is relatively troublesome, especially for older cars that have been used for a long time. A significant amount of dust accumulates in the gaps of the glass, and the removed film usually leaves adhesive residue. Cleaning the leftover adhesive can create debris, which affects the cleanliness required for the new film application. Introduction to Car Window Film: Car window film involves applying a thin layer of material to the front and rear windshields, side windows, and sunroof of a vehicle. This layer is also known as solar film or heat-insulating film. Functions of Car Window Film: Blocks ultraviolet (UV) rays. Medium and long waves in UV radiation can penetrate thick glass, but applying heat-insulating film can block most UV rays. This helps prevent skin damage and reduces the aging of car interiors.

[VeraFitz]

The second time applying window film is more troublesome than the first. The main issue is that removing the old film takes a lot of time, especially on the rear windshield—if not done carefully, the heating wires can get damaged. Last time I replaced the film, the technician spent nearly two hours just cleaning off the old film and adhesive, leaving the glass covered in sticky residue. After cleaning, the glass must be thoroughly dried, or else the new film may bubble. Additionally, the window seals can get loosened during the removal process, so it’s best to have the technician check if they need replacement. The cost is about 100–200 RMB more than the first time, mainly due to the adhesive removal process. It’s recommended to choose a professional tinting shop, as they remove old films more efficiently without damaging the glass components.

[McNicole]

The second time applying window film can be quite a headache. When I went to replace the film last time, I found the adhesive from the old film was extremely stubborn. The technician had to use a heat gun and a scraper to clean it off thoroughly. The rear window was the most challenging to handle, as we had to be careful not to damage the heating wires when scraping. The smell of the adhesive remover was also particularly pungent, and I had to wait an extra hour and a half in the shop. After cleaning the glass, every corner had to be checked to ensure there was no dust or water stains. The upside is that this time I opted for a ceramic film with better heat insulation, and the shop said it could last three to five years longer. I recommend not going for cheap small shops; professional shops have water spray dust suppression equipment and more experience in handling old films.

[LiamFitz]

The second time I got my car tinted was quite an ordeal. Removing the old film was troublesome—the low-quality film applied four years ago crumbled into pieces when peeled, leaving adhesive stuck to the glass like paste. The workers used specialized scrapers to clean it, with the rear windshield being the most challenging. The adhesive removal took over forty minutes, filling the whole workshop with the smell of adhesive remover. After cleaning, we discovered the driver-side window seal had been damaged by the old film's adhesive and had to be replaced. Fortunately, the technician worked efficiently when applying the new film, and the magnetron-sputtered metallic film I chose turned out great. I recommend clarifying the adhesive removal cost upfront to avoid unexpected charges like I almost faced.