Removing frosted window film?

pinkteapot

Any tips for removing film that's been applied to glass to make it opaque?

We have French doors between our lounge and dining room. Have lived here for a year and only noticed last night that the horrible opaque glass is in fact a patterned film applied to one side of each pane!

I found a thread on DIYNot but people were suggesting paint scrapers which would surely scratch the glass?

We'd prefer to have the glass clear again but I don't want to risk messing it up and having to reglaze or replace the doors.

muckybutt

Took some off a shop recently using a wood chisel and stanley blade sideways on, didn't scratch glass.

sarkybarsteward

My neighbour suggested pitting vinegar on it and soaking overnight, when I had this problem. Everything went wrinkly and stank of fish and chips...

pstuart

Try heating it with a hairdryer, then gently peal off.

C.C.L.

I one put some sticky back plastic on my shower screen. After it had been on for a couple of years I peeled it off and was left with a sticky residue. A bottle of sticky stuff remover took it off and then a good wash with hot soapy water and it was back to normal.I think I bought the remover fom a local DIY shop.

pinkteapot

Thanks all!

I'm still scared of using a metal scraper/blade but that's another vote of confidence! I'll start on an inconspicuous corner if I give it a go.

Heat tip sounds good too. Vinegar can be a last resort.

I already have Sticky Stuff Remover - Betterware sell it. It's great for nasty price stickers that don't come off properly.

macman

If you use a paint scraper designed to remove paint from windows, then how can it scratch? It's just like a razor blade in a holder.

WobblyDog

I applied some to my bathroom window using warm water and a dash of Fairy Liquid. Perhaps applying that to a loose corner might allow you to gradually peel it off?

pinkteapot

macman wrote: »

If you use a paint scraper designed to remove paint from windows, then how can it scratch? It's just like a razor blade in a holder.

Are there scrapers available specifically designed for glass?

I have the sort you use for applying polyfiller (don't know what they're called).

In my head something like a knife blade would scratch glass but glass is probably more scratch-proof than I imagine!

[Deleted User]

I have a scraper that holds Stanley knife blades, it will scratch glass if you're not careful with it. Can you find a scraper made of plastic, like the ones for defrosting a freezer?

phill99

Don't waste your money on Sticky Stuff Zremover. Its just White Spirit sold under a different but much, much more expensive name. Go to Wilkinsons and get a 1 litre bottle of white spirit for £3.95.