Removing dried spray paint from glass may be the easiest dried paint removal you ever do. There is a multitude of recommended methods to get this paint from this type of surface. We have learned through time and experience that just because there are a lot of methods recommended to do something does not mean that all of those methods work.
When we saw some reader emails that were asking how to remove spray paint from glass, we knew that we needed to talk to housepainters and to renovation experts to find out what really works.
Once the experts told us the different methods they used, we asked some inexperienced individuals who had issues with paint on glass to try those tips and tell us if they were easy for them to use. The following methods, tips, and tricks are the ones we can verify worked.
How to Remove Spray Paint From Glass Windows
One of the major areas where spray paint gets on glass is on windows. Window glass is the most common type of glass. You can use any of the following methods to get the paint erased.
Remove Spray Paint with Vinegar
Vinegar is a great scrubbing agent to help you do many things around your home. You probably have some white distilled vinegar in your pantry right now. To take the paint off of glass window panes using this household ingredient you will need:
Assemble ingredient
- White distilled vinegar (about 1 cup)
- Dry scrubbing cloth
- thick rubber gloves
- A microwave-safe container
Pour the vinegar into the microwave-safe container. Heat the vinegar for about one minute in the microwave.
While wearing thick rubber gloves to protect your hands from a possible burn, dip the cloth into the vinegar to saturate it.
Place the vinegar-soaked cloth on top of the paint and rub to remove the paint. You will need to repeat the steps until you have rubbed away all of the paint spots.
Read our recent content about how do you remove paint from the brick walls.
Scrape It Off
One of the easiest methods of removing paint from a window is to use a razor blade and scrape the paint away. To do this you will need:
- Razor blade
- Clean damp cloth
To use the razor blade, you need to hold it at an angle where the sharp side is making contact with the surface. Start at the outer edge of the spot and gently press the blade so it can cut the paint edged and move beneath the paint.
Once you have loosened some of the substance use the damp cloth to wipe away the particulates.
This is not hard to do but it can be slow and time-consuming. You have to work slowly and carefully to avoid accidents like cutting yourself or scratching the glass with a sharp blade.
You might want to try softening the paint with a vinegar soak, or an alcohol soak before you begin the razor blade removal technique.
How to Get Spray Paint off Mirror
The surface of your mirror is essentially glass and the mirroring portion of the glass is on the backside. You can use just about any method of paint removal that is approved for glass, but one of our favorites to use on a mirror is rubbing alcohol.
Turpentine for Removing Paint
Turpentine is well known for its ability to remove dried-on paint. Turpentine can even be used with oil-based paints to thin them down and make them work in electric sprayers. The drawback is turpentine has a powerful odor, but the odor will dissipate rather quickly.
You Need:
- Thick rubber gloves for hand protection
- Adequate ventilation in the area you are working
- A clean dry cloth
- Turpentine
The turpentine needs to be poured onto the cloth so you can apply it directly to the glass. The turpentine should be plentiful on the cloth so it saturates and can get beneath the paint edges. The rubber gloves will protect your hands from exposure.
You will still need to do some rubbing to remove the paint but you will not have to rub vigorously because turpentine will actually melt the paint and turn it back into a liquid.
When you finish using the turpentine you are going to need to clean the glass with something like vinegar or alcohol. Turpentine leaves an oily residue that must be cleaned away.
Want to know more about removing paint from tile and grout check this article.
Fresh Paint Removal
If the paint on the window is fresh you may want to consider mineral spirits instead of turpentine. Like turpentine, mineral spirits are petroleum distillates that can effectively dissolve and remove paint. The problem with mineral spirits is the paint must be fresh in order for the spirits to be effective.
Mineral spirits do not smell as strongly as turpentine so most painters keep them on hand and ready to use when they are working with oil-based paint substances.
Paint Removers Containing Methylene Chloride
If the paint is stubborn and the common household agents cannot remove it you may have to result in a paint remover or paint removing gel that contains methylene chloride. This is one of the toughest paint removing agents and it is often referred to as “graffiti remover”.
What you need:
- Paint remover
- Heavy rubber gloves
- Possible eye-protection
- Adequate ventilation
- A clean dry cloth
Each manufacturer has specific instructions on their packaging to tell you how to safely use their product. This is a chemical that can cause chemical burns and damage to your skin so be sure that you read the instructions on the package and follow them to the letter.
Things you need:
- Rubbing alcohol
- A soft clean cloth that is dry
Pour the rubbing alcohol onto the dry cloth. We usually start with just a corner of the cloth.
Then rub the damp area of the cloth over the paint to start dissolving and breaking the paint up.
You can wipe away the loosened particulates with another portion of the cloth.
Repeat this process until the paint is gone. You can then rub alcohol over the entire mirror and use a dry section of the cloth to wipe it away and remove any dirt that might be on the mirror surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vinegar Remove Spray Paint?
White distilled vinegar can be very effective at removing paint from a variety of surface materials. The vinegar works to break down the adhesion of the paint so it can be rubbed, scrubbed, or scraped off of the surface. Vinegar is safe and non-toxic to plants, animals, or people.
Will Nail Polish Remover Remove Paint from Glass?
Nail polish remover contains acetone which is a solvent that dissolves paints. You apply it to the glass in the same method that you would apply the substance to your nails. Use a clean dry cloth or piece of paper toweling and pour the remover on the towel and then apply it to the paint. You may have to rub slightly to remove the paint and you will likely have to repeat the process several times before all traces of paint are eradicated.
Will Rubbing Alcohol Remove Paint from Glass?
Rubbing alcohol is an excellent method of removing paint from glass, especially from mirrors or mirrored glass. The rubbing alcohol works to soften the paint and causes it to turn loose so it can be wiped away. Sometimes the alcohol will actually dissolve the paint.
Final Note
Removing paint from glass is easy to do but you have to take your time so you do not damage the surface of the glass while you are working. Common household items should be tried on these surfaces before you resort to using harsh solvents and professional paint removers.
