Paint is very difficult to clean off from any surface and removing it from glass is no different. Once the paint has dried, trying to wipe it off with a wet cloth will prove unsuccessful. Nevertheless, there are a few ways you can prevent smudging the windows with paint and in the event you splatter the glass with paint there are tricks to remove it.
Typically, when there is renovation work going on that includes painting the walls or the window frames, it’s practical to use masking tape on the glass around the frames to protect it. However, many tapes just don’t seem to stick well to the glass surface and most of the time paint drops always find their way onto the unprotected surface.
Regular paint remover is not good enough and won’t work on dried-up paint. Instead, you can try to clean the paint off your windows by following the steps in our short and practical guide which presents you two approaches.
Removing Paint from Glass with a Scraper
Materials needed:
- Hand-held safety razor blade;
- Cloth/Sponge;
- Squeegee;
- Small bucket;
- Warm water;
- Dishwashing liquid.
Here is what to do:
- Fill a bucket with warm water and some dishwashing liquid. Mix it until it becomes sudsy. The detergent will make it easier for the scraper to move over the glass surface, minimising the risk of scratching.
- Soak the cleaning cloth or sponge in the solution.
- Scrub the window to remove any dirt and grime from the surface. Next, rinse it using a clean wet cloth or sponge.
- Wet the window again with the dishwashing solution.
- Hold the razor blade at a 45-degree angle and carefully scrape the paint. Make sure the glass is wet while you are scraping with the razor blade, otherwise you may scratch it.
If you have recently painted areas around the window or window sill and the paint has not yet dried properly, it may be best to leave it until it has. Cleaning it with soapy water may cause the paint to run and ruin other surfaces.
- Wipe the glass with a squeegee to remove any remaining moisture or streaks, and then with a cloth to polish the surface.
- Check to see if all the paint has been removed. If there is still some paint on the glass, repeat the steps 5 and 6 until all the paint has been removed.
Removing Paint from Glass with Solvents and Specialist Paint Removers
There are many types of solvents and specialized paint removers on the market, all with their own positives and negatives. Many tend to be solvent-based, which comes with the potential downsides of strong unpleasant smells, toxic chemicals and the potential for burn injuries. However, if you use these substances carefully, they can help you remove paint spots from your windows.
On one hand, there is the cellulose paint thinner, which will work well on most paint types. Specifically, the acetone-based cleaners will work best on enamel paints. On the other hand, alcohol-based cleaners are particularly good for removing acrylic paints.
When using these types of paint cleaner and removers always read the manufacturer’s instructions and use the product as directed. Always ensure that you have plenty of ventilation in the room you are working in as fumes can build up and before you know it, you can feel light-headed and dizzy.
Ensure that you have fully protected all surrounding paintwork with masking tape and sheets. In case any of your chosen paint removers get in contact with other painted objects, then they will almost certainly be damaged.
Once you have successfully removed the paint, wash your windows to return their streak-free and shiny looks. You can make your own cleaning solution by mixing warm water with vinegar and dishwashing liquid or buy some cleaning spray. You can also book our professional window cleaning service and you will be able to enjoy a clean and unobstructed view.
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Thanks to Fantastic Cleaners for these tips.