How to Remove Paint from Glass Window Panes

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. Or, if you simply don’t have the time, you can take advantage of a post-construction cleaning service. This type of cleaning is created for situations like this, and the cleaners know how to clean paint, plaster, and varnish spots and marks with great success, leaving your home spotless.

If you choose to go the DIY route, here’s what you should know.

Removing paint from glass with a scraper

Materials needed:

Here is what to do:

1. 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.
2. Soak the cleaning cloth or sponge in the solution.
3. Scrub the window to remove any dirt and grime from the surface. Next, rinse it using a clean wet cloth or sponge.
4. Wet the window again with the dishwashing solution.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Wipe the glass with a squeegee to remove any remaining moisture or streaks, and then with a cloth to polish the surface.
8. 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.

How to remove paint from a glass without a razor?

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.

How do you get paint off the glass without scratching it?

Acetone-based vs. Alcohol-based cleaners

On the 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.

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.

Does vinegar remove paint?

There are a few different ways that you can remove paint from glass. One way is to use hot vinegar. Mix three tablespoons of hot water and add the same quantity of white vinegar. All you need to do is microwave the vinegar until it boils and then put on a pair of thick rubber gloves to protect your hands from the heat. Once you have done that, use a saturated rag to scrub the paint until it softens and then follow up with dish soap and water. This method is great for textured glass where scraping isn’t an option.

You can make your own cleaning solution by mixing warm water with vinegar and dishwashing liquid or buy some cleaning spray.

Will nail polish remover get rid of paint on glass?

You can take a microfiber cloth soaked in nail polish remover and, rub the affected area with it, let it sit for a while before wiping it off.

Will rubbing alcohol remove paint from the glass?

Removing paint from glass is easy with the right tools and know-how. All you need is some concentrated Rubbing Alcohol and a microfiber cloth. First, apply the alcohol to the painted area of the glass. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the paint.

Next, take your microfiber cloth and soak it in the alcohol. Once it’s saturated, begin to rub the cloth back and forth over the paint until it comes off. For best results, use a higher concentration of alcohol, such as 70% to 90%.

Do mineral spirits remove paint from glass?

To remove small flecks of paint, simply dampen a clean rag with mineral spirits and wipe down the frame. This product is often used as a paint thinner, so it will easily remove any remaining bits of paint.

Can I use turpentine to remove paint from the glass?

Мineral spirits can only dissolve fresh paint, but turpentine can remove slightly-hardened paint as long as you use it properly.

You can also book our professional window cleaning service and you will be able to enjoy a clean and unobstructed view.

Was this post helpful? Do you have any window screens cleaning tips and ideas that you can share in the comment below or on our social media channels? We’d love to hear them!

how to windows