"Dot Matrix" on sunroof

[IAmTodd]

I have an aftermarket(flip up style) sunroof. It has that flat black paint, with the little circles in it. Is there a way to remove these and use regular tint on it? Would paint stripper be to harsh for the glass? Thanks!

 

[mhn3773]

cant u just scrape them off with one of those flat razor blades?? used to scrape off window chalk at hayward ford all the time..then use a little steel wool

 

[IAmTodd]

My one rear windows is all scratched up from using a flat razor blade to remove window tint glue. So I'd like to stay away from that. But thanks for the idea!!

 

[mhn3773]

how did u scratch the window? sigh..i dont think paint thiner would be to harsh but i also dont know if it would get it off ..car might stink afterwards also

 

[jasonb]

paint thinner will not harm real glass.. just don't try to clean any type of plexiglass with it!

 

[Hartman]

Dot matrix are tinters worst nightmare. I'm not even sure you can remove them, even with a razor. Most tinters just go over them.

 

[IAmTodd]

Hmm, maybe I'll ask the chem teacher at school. He might know what to use. I was thinking maybe diluted paint stripped?

 

[Alec]

If it's just on the edges I'd leave it.

You don't want to damage the glass, and it's probably there for 2 reasons: to protect the edges of the glass when it moves, and to cut back on glare caused by the cut edges of the glass.

 

[IAmTodd]

No, it covers the entire piece of glass. Thats how they "tint" it I guess. I want that removed so I can put traditional tint on it. I plan to leave it around the edges where it is solid.

 

[etc]

Originally posted by IAmTodd
My one rear windows is all scratched up from using a flat razor blade to remove window tint glue. So I'd like to stay away from that. But thanks for the idea!!

Bet bet would be try the razor....but properly. I'm not sure how you managed to scratch up glass using one of those scrapers though. I've use those coutless times to remove adhesive left over from vinyl signs on windows, some as old as ten years.Did the job without scratches, and carelessly.

 

[IAmTodd]

Well, I think i'm gonnary a few things today. I may try the scraper, although I don't really want to. I really hate this stupid dot stuff. It looks cheap!

 

[Hartman]

Once you get down to it, you'll realize that it's more than just paint. It's like baked onto the glass.

 

[IAmTodd]

So its not gonna come off?

 

[Hartman]

I'm going to say there's probably no way to get it off. I have never seen anyone remove that stuff before.

 

[doradexplorer]

Most aftermarket sunroofs will com out -
my wifes old car did, she had no idea!
remove whatever latch/lever is on teh back, and just keep tilting it up, eventually the hinges will have a location that they slide out of.
should at least make it easier to "clean"
Scott

 

[IAmTodd]

Ya, I already know that

 

[Derek12345]

With my friends firebird we took off the dot stuff using a razor, a heat gun and some ammonia. Not sure which one did most of the work but it came off alot easier right after the heat gun was on it. And how did u manage to scratch it all up? Old razor?