Remove Paint from Windows

The best way to achieve clean, paint-free windows is to prevent any paint from getting on the windows in the first place! You can do this by taping the windows, or covering them with a protective plastic sheet during paint jobs. However, sometimes you will still end up with paint on the glass, which you will then need to get rid of. Luckily, unwanted paint is pretty easy to remove, just start with Step 1 below to find out how!

Steps

Scraping the Paint Off

  1. Gather your supplies. You will need a bucket of hot water mixed with dish soap, a clean cloth or sponge, a new safety razor blade and some glass cleaner.
    • As an alternative to the razor blade, you could use a mini paint scraper (for small jobs), a professional grade window scraper (for bigger jobs) or even a little fine-grade steel wool (for drips and splatters).
  2. Wet the window with the water and dish soap. Use the sponge to wet the window with warm soapy water. The soap lubricates the window, preventing the glass from getting scratched.
    • If you need to protect a freshly painted windowsill, lay down a plastic tarp before applying the water and soap.
    • Make sure to reapply the soapy water whenever the window starts to dry out.
  3. Position the razor blade. Hold the razor blade at a 45 degree angle from the window pane (so it is closer to flat than vertical) and position it at the edge of the paint.
    • Holding the blade at this angle will help to prevent it from scratching the glass or from breaking.[1]
  4. Start Scraping. Using slow, smooth motions, start scraping the paint from the window. If the paint is wet enough, it should come away in a single sheet, rather than patchy flakes. After each stroke, clean the paint off the razor blade before starting again.
    • Always scrape in one direction only, lifting the blade from the glass at the end of the stroke. Scraping the blade backwards and forwards across the glass is more likely to cause scratching.
    • Pay attention to the sound the blade makes as it moves across the glass. If it makes a coarse or gritty sound, the blade may be dull or broken. Switch to using a newer, sharper razor blade instead.
    • You should test the blade out on an inconspicuous area of the glass first, to make sure it is working properly.[2]
  5. Clean the window. Once all of the paint has been scraped away, spritz the window with some glass cleaner and use a clean, dry cloth to buff the windows clean.
    • Inspect the windows for any remaining paint. If you see any, repeat the process.

Using Chemical Solvents

  1. Remove small paint splatters with chemical solvents. If you are just trying to remove small drips or splatters of paint, a chemical solvent will work nicely. You will also need to use a chemical solvent if you are trying to remove paint from textured glass.
    • Rubbing alcohol works well for acrylic paint, while acetone-based solvents (such as nail polish remover) work for enamel paint. You can also use specialized paint strippers or thinners, which are available at most hardware stores.
    • Simply dip a clean cloth into the solution and use it to gently rub off the paint.[3]

Tips

  • If the paint is hard and is stopping the blade completely, apply more force while keeping the blade at that same shallow angle. The glass is not taking the impact of the blade, the paint is.
  • Hot vinegar rubbed on paint spots prior to using the razor blade helps life the paint off the glass. Be careful handling it; wear rubber gloves to prevent scalding.
  • Don't clean the glass before you paint because the fine layer of dirt and smog will make it easier to scrape the paint off.
  • Don't use metal blades on the new hi-tech coated glass. These have a polymer film on the inside that reduces UV and heat transfer. If you touch metal blades to the glass it will oxidize and leave a black mark. Either use a plastic scrapper or a chemical solvent.
  • While leaving the blade at a constant angle, push and pull the blade towards and away from the paint, allowing the blade to "have another try" at the more stubborn pieces of paint.

Warnings

  • Don't press on the sharp side of the razor, it may not hurt(because it is so sharp), but it will definitely cut your fingers.
  • Old glass is more brittle, be cautious about applying too much pressure to the center of the window.
  • Don't do this on a dry window.
  • Don't hold the razor at a 90 degree angle to the window as it will probably scratch.

Things You'll Need

  • A razor blade (preferably a razor scraper with a handle).
  • Bucket of warm water
  • A cloth or chamois
  • Dish soap

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/repair/how-to-remove-paint-from-glass.htm
  2. ↑ http://www.freewindowcleaningtips.com/paintremoval.htm
  3. ↑ http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/good-questions-414-90463
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