Instructions and tips
CONTENT
Color removal by non-toxic method
Turpentine
Suitable for removing oil paint (alkyd-based) and enamels. Apply to the paint and let it work. Then wipe with a damp cloth.
White vinegar, distilled
Suitable for textured glass where scratching is not possible. Mix three tablespoons of hot water with the same amount of vinegar you previously heated in the microwave (thick rubber gloves are a must). Scrub off the paint with this solution, then wash the glass in the standard way.
Scraper and cleaner
A razor blade can be used instead of a scraper. Mix warm water with a little dishwashing liquid to create a rich lather that will make it easier to move the scraper over the surface of the glass, minimizing the risk of scratching it.
Baby shampoo
Only effective on fresh paint. Using a kitchen sponge, scrub the paint with a solution of shampoo and water. Do not use the sponge with the rough side, you will scratch the glass!
Sodium hydroxide, slaked lime, crushed chalk
Removes most types of paint. Mix the lime with the chalk until it has a smooth texture, then add the soda. The resulting porridge should have the appearance of thick sour cream. Apply it to the paint and leave it on for a few hours. Separate the paint from the glass with a scraper.
Mayonnaise
Also suitable for stained tiles, switches, paneling or door handles. As with the glue, the oil and vinegar in the mayonnaise also help break down the paint. Not suitable for porous substrates (may leave a stain). Put 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of wine vinegar in a bowl. Mix the ingredients well and apply the resulting paste in a thin layer to the paint. Leave the mixture on for about 20 minutes. Use anything plastic or a wet cloth to remove. Finally, rinse the glass with soapy water.
Toothpaste and baking soda
Toothpaste contains glycerin, which is a good mixing agent. Mix equal parts toothpaste and baking soda. Apply this mixture on the stain and leave it on for a while. Then wipe off the drop of paint with a damp cloth and circular movements.
Hot air stream
This method is suitable for removing strongly dried stains of many types of paint, which the hot air stream softens and thus weakens their adhesive properties. Heat the stain with a hair dryer until it softens and loosens, then scrape the color off with a putty knife, plastic knife, razor blade, or scraper. Clean the paint stain with a cleaning agent or a drop of white spirit. By using a small amount of vinegar and water (1:5) when cleaning, you will achieve a high shine. Be careful when heating the paint on the glass - the glass must not be overheated, as this could cause microcracks or cracks!
How to remove paint drips from windows,
if the aggressive method has failed?
Aggressive chemistry!
Chemical removal of paint
Probably the best (easiest) option is to purchase a specialized product, the so-called old paint remover, which is based on organic solvents that allow you to remove old one-component and two-component coatings from metal, wood, glass, stone, concrete, etc. surfaces.
However, it is very likely that you already have some solvent (cleaner) in your home or garage.
Acetone, alcohol, gasoline, methanol, toluene, turpentine, esters, dichloromethane, ketones, hexane are used as solvents (and therefore cleaners).
The most used solvents are:
Technical alcohol (ethanol) 95% denatured
Technical gasoline
Technical acetone
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
Use acetone solvents (thinners) for enamel paints.
Use alcohol-based cleaners for acrylic paints.
Thinners:
C6000 – nitrocellulose, acrylic and polymerase paints
S6005 – synthetic paints
S6006 – oil and synthetic paints
U6003 – polyurethane paints
Cellulose thinners will remove most types of paint.
Chemistry alone is sufficient to remove small drops of paint, for larger (old, dried) stains it is also necessary to use mechanical tools, such as a razor blade or scraper.
Method of use
Drop the paint with the solvent (thinner, cleaner) and let it work until the paint starts to swell (softens). Dip a cloth in the same liquid and rub the paint back and forth until it loosens. The higher the concentration of the product, the better. If the stain still resists, use a scraper, razor blade, plastic knife or credit card (depending on the type of substrate).
Notice
Be very careful when working with the above chemistry. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and observe the safety instructions. Ventilate a lot, use gloves and safety glasses.
If you feel dizzy, leave the work area immediately and breathe. If the chemical substance gets on your mucous membranes, it is necessary to rinse the affected area with running water as soon as possible and then seek the help of a doctor.
Do not use solvents (thinners) on plastics or aluminium. Plastic will be damaged, aluminum will corrode.
...and one semi-aggressive method at the end
Mix 250 ml of water, 1 teaspoon of benzine and a few drops of glass cleaner. Clean the affected area with this mixture and rinse. Finally, polish with a micro fiber cloth.
Helpful footnote
Anyone who does anything knows very well that anything that can go wrong, will - to put it politely - go wrong. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Nothing in this world is perfect. Fortunately, we are always comforted by the real possibility of correction.
If you "succeeded" in scratching the window while removing the paint, and the scratches are not too significant (big), here is the repair guide:
Apply a small amount of non-gel toothpaste to the affected area and use a microfiber cloth to gently buff the scratch in a circular motion for about 30 seconds.
Then wash the entire window in the standard way.
The result will amaze you or disappoint you.
You know - that's life...
If you know other methods,
how to remove paint drips from windows,
share with us these experiences of yours (or yours).
The source of the images on this page is Freepik.
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