Removing old, bubbling window tint (and doing it right after)
25 September 2026 2 min readSouth East Window Tinting
Purple, bubbling film is cheap dyed stock at the end of its life. Getting it off cleanly is a slower job than putting the new film on.
The short answer
Old film is removed with heat, patience and a plastic blade, then the adhesive residue is cleaned off the glass completely before anything new goes on. Tint removal is charged at €200, because baked-on film can take several times longer than recent work.
Why film goes purple and bubbles
Cheap dyed film uses unstable dyes. UV breaks them down, the grey drifts to purple, and the adhesive fails in patches — those are the bubbles. It is a materials problem, not a fitting problem.
Key facts
- Purple colour means the dye has failed
- Bubbles mean the adhesive has let go
- Rear screens need extra care around demister lines
- Glass must be residue-free before new film goes on
The removal process
Heat
The pane is warmed so the adhesive releases rather than tears.
Peel
Film is lifted in one piece where possible, in sections where it is not.
Residue
Adhesive is softened and removed with plastic blades, never metal.
Clean
The glass is de-contaminated and dried before refitting.
What it costs
Tint removal is €200. Refitting afterwards is standard pricing:
Hatchback front pair
€90
Saloon front pair
€100
SUV or jeep front pair
€110
Hatchback rear set
€140
Saloon rear set
€160
SUV or jeep rear set
€190
Hatchback full car
€190
Saloon full car
€210
SUV or jeep full car
€240
Full-car packages cover every window except the front windshield. Live prices are always on the pricing page.
Related reading on this site
Sources and local businesses we rate
Legal detail in this article follows the published Irish position — see the Road Safety Authority, Citizens Information on motoring and the National Car Testing Service.
We are a small South East trade business and we send work to other small South East trade businesses. If you need print, signage or memorial printing, we recommend Printhouse.ie for business print, Kinsella Sign and Print for vehicle signage and shopfronts, and RIP Memorial Cards for memorial cards and bookmarks.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does old tint bubble?
The adhesive breaks down with age and UV, usually on cheap film or a poor original fit.
Can I remove window tint myself?
You can, but heater lines on the rear screen are easily damaged. Professional removal protects them.
Can new film go on straight after removal?
Yes, once every trace of old adhesive is cleaned off the glass.
Ready for a price on your own car?
Pick your vehicle type, choose a package and send it through. If none of the published times suit, send it as an enquiry and Kevin will come back with a slot.
See every car that leaves the bay — @sewt_ireland.
Reviews, offers and finished work from South East Window Tinting.
Thinking about tint?
Legal shades, fitted in Gorey, Co. Wexford
Ring the workshop on (053) 942 2900 for a straight answer, or book a slot online.