Spray painting can help you transform most surfaces. Regardless of how careful you might be when spray painting, an overspray is most likely to happen. It would be best if you tried to control where the overspray ends up so that you don’t end up with a big mess. However, having a bit of overspray, graffiti, or unwanted spray paint on glass does not always spell disaster because you may have the materials to remove the stain at home. If you don’t have them, purchasing these materials will not cost you a fortune.
Removing spray paint from glass will depend on the painting performed and the kind of glass. Here is how you can remove spray paint from glass:
Will Nail Polish Remover Remove Paint From Glass?
Painting the frame of an old mirror gives it a completely new look. A few coats of spray paint will get the job done in a few minutes and leave you with an almost new mirror. However, do not fret if the spray paint seeps under the tape or paper you applied to protect the glass. You can use nail polish remover to eliminate spray paint from your mirror because it’s an excellent acetone. Here is how you can use nail polish remover to remove spray paint from glass:
What You Need
- Water
- Rubber gloves
- Nail polish remover (with acetone)
- Microfiber cleaning cloths
Procedure
- Find a well-ventilated area before you start working.
- Wear the rubber gloves and wet a microfiber cleaning cloth with the nail polish remover.
- Loosen the spray paint bond by holding the dampened microfiber cloth against the traces of paint on the mirror.
- If the paint starts to soften, use the dampened cloth to scrub it away.
- Dampen a second cloth with water to wipe away any traces of nail polish remover.
- Finish the cleaning process by using a homemade glass cleaner or commercial glass cleaner that can prevent streaks.
Does Vinegar Remove Spray Paint?
If rowdy people used spray paint cans to vandalize the windows of your home or office, you could easily manage the damage without calling in professional help. Vinegar is a chemical-free option that is easily accessible and can help you remove spray paint from your glass window without breaking a bank. Here is how you can use it to remove spray paint:
What You Need
- White vinegar
- Dishwashing soap
- Some old towels
- A decanter or measuring cup to get the right mix
- Microfiber cloths
- Rubber gloves
- Bucket of warm water
- A window squeegee
- Super-fine steel wool that can’t cause scratches
- Window scraper, an unused plastic credit card, or a razor blade
Procedure
- Pre-wet the window that requires cleaning by slathering it with warm soapy water.
- Leave it for 4-5 minutes.
- Pour at least half a cup of white vinegar into the measuring cup and bring it to a boil in the microwave.
- Use heat-resistant gloves to remove the boiling vinegar from the microwave.
- Wear thick rubber gloves to protect your hands from the heat, and dip a microfiber cloth into the hot vinegar.
- Press the cloth against the paint spots on the window and rub hard to remove the paint.
- Add some dishwashing soap to the bucket of water.
- Use a microfiber cloth to apply some soapy water to the window. Wait for at least 5 minutes, then reapply some more soapy water.
- Come back with the window scraper or plastic credit card and test either of the two above in a small area to ensure no scratching. Push the blade forward and lift it from the glass as soon as you complete each stroke.
- You should stop immediately if you hear a coarse sound because it could indicate a dull or broken blade. Replace it with a sharp one, and do not drag the blade backward because you could scratch the glass.
- Clean the remaining parts of the window, ensuring that the blade is at a 300 to 450 angle. If the paint begins to flake or dry, you should add more soapy water.
- If there are any tiny pieces of paint remaining, use the fine-steel wool to remove them. If your window had a small amount of overspray on it, you can remove it using soapy water and scrubbing it with fine steel wool.
- Do a final rinse using soapy water and use a window squeegee to remove any marks or streaks.
You can use a razor blade for procedure (9) above; however, ensure that it is parallel to the surface when using it. You are most likely to scratch the glass if you scrap perpendicular to the paint. You should avoid using a razor blade and opt for a window scraper if it is your first time removing spray paint from a glass window.
Will Rubbing Alcohol Remove Paint From Glass?
One of the effective ways of removing spray paint from glass is using solvents. Solvents are liquid substances that make another substance dissolve. Choosing the proper solvent makes it easier for you to remove traces of spray paint from glass. You should always use stronger solvents if you want to remove long-standing graffiti from glass.
Here are some solvents that can help you remove spray paint from glass:
Denatured Alcohol
Denatured alcohol is the best bet for removing spray paint from glass because it aids in thinning shellac. You can also use it if you want to clean permanent markers from your glass surfaces. However, it would help if you were careful with alcohol, especially if you have heat-reflective window films because the alcohol could cause severe damage to them.
Turpentine and Mineral Spirits
Turpentine and mineral spirits are petroleum distillates and are also referred to as “white spirits.” Mineral spirits act as a substitute for turpentine; however, most painters use them as a thinner due to less odor and price.
Mineral spirits are great for the initial cleaning process because they can dissolve fresh paint. Turpentine is excellent for removing slightly hardened spray paint if you use it properly.
Check this too: How to Clean Glass Shower Doors
There are various methods of removing spray paint from glass. Regardless of the technique you decide to use, always ensure that you test it in a discreet place to avoid causing any further damage to your glass.