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Rear window film is blurry or hazy

9671 Views 19 Replies 10 Participants Last post by  RekidaSmart
I have a 2007 Cayman S, the windows are tinted and noticed that the back window has really bad clarity, it looks all blurry like the tint was having issues. So last night i took the tint off of it. No problems removing the tint from the side windows, i used a garment steamer and it came off without a hitch. Because of the defroster in the back i was extra careful in removing the back tint film. There is definitely more adhesive left behind when i removed the rear tint. But it seems that the tint wasnt the cause of the blurryness. i think the defroster wires are held in place with another piece of film. That film is kinda orangeish, im not sure if thats just because its broken down or something. I tried using some goo off product to help remove the adhesive but it looks worst now than before. I also notice in some spots where the orangeish color has clear areas the size of a nickel. No clue. Can anyone confirm the stock rear window is clear no tint. Or have any of you had issues with the rear window defroster tint breaking down?

This is my current view out my rearview to illustrate the difference in clarity:
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You can see the orangeish/brown tint especially around the edges with the stipple.
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and from the outside looking in.
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My 2010 definitely does not have that orange film there. I would guess aftermarket? Maybe they added an IR blocking film under the tint to help reduce temperatures or something.
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Yeah that's weird, my 2007 CS has nothing like this. You might consider taking it to a tint shop, they would probably know what it is and how to remove it.
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Thanks for replying.. yea im not sure how those defroster lines are put on. they must be held by some sort of film, i can feel the lines sticking out from the window. so they are on the surface. i dont have any photos of this yet but when the tint was on the prior owner had some sort of foam adhesive in the corner, and it ate through the tint and when i removed it the orange tint was also removed so its like clear around the edges as you can see an a nickel sized clear spot in the corner where the foam was. strange.
Yeah that's weird, my 2007 CS has nothing like this. You might consider taking it to a tint shop, they would probably know what it is and how to remove it.
yup, definitely going to do that.
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On previous cars I've had the lines have just been painted directly on the glass: no film at all. I suspect but cannot prove that the Cayman is the same.

Anyway, yeah, normally I'd say to just try peeling it off, but given the risk of damage to the defroster consulting a pro is probably the smart move.
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Took the steamer to it again last night and was finally able to get the tint to start to release. Its really thin and very difficult to peel, but at least its coming off. So this car had two layers of tint on it which you would think is a bad idea. or a lazy installer? Im kinda digging the no tint on the dark blue with tan interior for now so well see. i may leave it as is.
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I'd leave that off and IMO, two layers screams "piker" unless specified by the manufacturer. Also, think the weight savings man!!!o_O
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As an alternative to re-tinting the rear, Porsche makes a rear sunshade that clips into place. I've been pleased with it for 6+ years.

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f and IMO, two layers screams "piker" unless
i had to google "piker" and im still not sure :)


Good to know about the shade. thanks!
As an alternative to re-tinting the rear, Porsche makes a rear sunshade that clips into place. I've been pleased with it for 6+ years.
Unfortunately those don't really do anything to keep the interior of the car cool. The sunlight comes in through the window, gets absorbed by the sunshade and heats it up, and then the heat's on the inside of the car anyway. You get as much solar energy into the car using one of those as you would if you just let the sun shine on the rear carpet.

Mesh sunshades are useful if you're actually sitting in the sun, as the mesh will keep some of the sun off of you and help keep you cooler that way. But for a rear decklid application in a car like a Cayman it doesn't really do anything except reduce your view out the back window.
Cheaper tints can do this. Sometimes it has something to do with when they get it wet and use a little soap and when it dries, it dries hazy.
I’m not a gangster window fan really. Mine came with tint and I pulled off everything but the rear window.. the reflection from that back window only still reflects tint on the sides
Side note, on the track I do not like tints… I don’t have anything on the 997
well considering it had two layers of tint something was not right from the get go. it got really wavy/hazy,. then i pulled the first layer off and that left behind the adhesive and then another layer of tint. Which was worse that the beginning. The part that threw me for a bit is that the bottom layer was tinted only in on the visible see thru part of the glass the edges (stipple) it was clear, even around the porsche logo it followed around that perfectly so i guess it was a custom made tint film to fit the back window (it also did that on the small side windows) So i thought it was factory or part of the defroster lines. Anyhow i ran out of light last night so im driving around with half a tint on the back window, ill get it (un)wrapped up this weekend. Ill decide later if i want to add a tint back. Its hot regardless of tint or not where i live so thats not much of a factor to me.
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I’ve done two layers before and it was okay, but yes once you start doing that the clarity will take a chit or can…. Speaking of tints, I got board and did the taillights… not usually a fan of that on cars, but it’s not bad
$492.25, new glass from Sunset PorscheParts.com
It's all good now. I was able to remove all the film. Including under the third brake light.
Using window cleaners with ammonia damages the tint. Happened to one of my cars at the car wash.
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good job with the removal of the tint. It can be a pain to remove sometimes.

I like tint on the rear glass as it helps keep the cabin cooler and reduces glare at night from all those SUV headlights that shine direct into the cabin! The X5 laser ones are the worst as they blind everyone else on the road.
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Yes, I have a feeling ill be tinting it but for now its fine. Its my commuter car so I have not even driven it in the dark yet.
The orangeish color you mentioned may indicate degradation over time. To confirm that the rear window should be clear, it's best to consult your car's owner's manual or contact the manufacturer. As for glue residue, you can use a mild glue remover or a mixture of warm water and dish soap to clean it. Take your time and be careful. If the problem doesn't go away, it may be worth getting further help from a professional or installing sun shades, which you can buy at snapshades.com, as they don't impair your view from the inside and can hide the defect with the rear window. Good luck, and I hope you find a solution to the problem.
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