TOP 15 tools to quickly remove paint from glass at home
Home remodeling has many dangers, including the possibility of staining expensive items. For example, when painting, it is easy to tint a window or a mirror, which costs a lot of money. If such a situation arises, do not despair and end the spoiled thing. There are many ways to clean paint stains from glass without leaving streaks on the surface. Let's take a closer look.
Mechanical method
The cheapest way that does not require any additional resources from the owner of the glass. The tools for its implementation are always at hand. The process of cleaning paint from paint does not consist of complex actions requiring special skills or dexterity.
You will need:
- prepare a minimum set of tools;
- treat the surface stained with paint;
- follow the instructions exactly.
The disadvantage of this method is that it takes time to implement.
Surface finishing
To remove paint stains that have stained your window opening, you must:
- treat the place of contamination with a degreasing liquid;
- moisten a piece of cloth with warm water;
- repair it on the spot;
- wait 10-15 minutes for the hot water to soften the stain.
If it's cold outside, periodically add hot water to the fabric to keep it from freezing. In order not to hold the cloth with your hands, it can be attached to the glass with adhesive tape.
What you might need
While the hot water soaks the stain, prepare any item from the following list:
- knife;
- Shaver;
- metal scraper.
They are equally effective against paint stains, and the only requirement they must meet is the sharpness of the edge. A dull product will not solve the problem and can damage the glass leaving scratches on it.
Knife
When choosing a knife for removing dirt from a glass surface, pay attention to the following nuances:
- the blade should not be too long, otherwise it will be inconvenient for them to work;
- the more flexible the knife, the easier it is to peel off the paint.
Experienced builders recommend using a clerical knife for these purposes. Its blade is sufficiently flexible and easily adjustable in length.
Shaver
The razor acts as an analogue of a clerical knife, with the same result in removing drops of dried paint. The razor must be handled with care so as not to break the blade during cleaning.
metal scraper
If there is no suitable knife and razor in the house, use a metal scraper. If you are renovating an apartment, such a thing should always be at hand. The scraper is less comfortable than the above products, but with the proper skill it will provide similar results.
To note! The mechanical method is effective against dried stains. However, if necessary, it can also be used against fresh paint stains.
Technology of work
The technology for carrying out streak removal work on glass surfaces is quite simple and effective. You will need:
- apply the edge of a knife or razor to the drop of paint;
- gently press against the glass;
- remove streaks from the work surface with smooth movements.
Don't try to remove the entire stain at once. Cut out the small pieces and wipe the rest with a damp cloth and soapy water.
chemical method
The most expensive method, as it requires glass owners to purchase expensive chemicals. High costs are profitable thanks to:
- high efficiency;
- cleaning speed;
- glass safety.
Among the most popular chemical compounds sold in stores, to remove traces of paint and varnish products, they often choose:
- Liquid oil.
- White spirit.
- Acetone.
- Kerosene.
- Essence.
- Other solvents.
white spirit
A powerful tool for removing paint stains from glass surfaces.
Action Algorithm:
- we take a cotton ball or gauze;
- moisten in white spirit;
- apply to contaminated area;
- wait a minute.
After this time, the paint will trail behind the glass and is easily removed with a regular rag.
Liquid oil
An effective and economical tool to help clean paint from a window. Due to its low cost, the tool acts slower than others, but the end result is practically no different from its more expensive counterparts. Necessary:
- moisten a cotton swab in oil;
- place it on a contaminated area;
- fix for 2-3 hours with adhesive tape;
- then remove the cotton;
- wipe the stain with a cloth soaked in a soda solution.
Solvents
Any chemical that belongs to the solvent category will remove paint marks with no problem. Such formulations are readily available in specialty stores. They may differ slightly from each other in price, but in terms of efficiency they are almost identical.
Acetone
An old and proven method to easily restore mirrors to their original appearance. It handles old and new dirt well.
Just apply it to a piece of cotton and apply it to the paint mark for a few minutes. At the end of the procedure, wipe the area with a cloth dampened with soapy water.
Special window cleaners
Most stores that sell household chemicals sell special solvents designed to clean paint from windows and mirrors. They quickly cope with the task, leaving no traces of contamination. Their only downside is the high price. To wash off the dirt, you will have to spend a lot.
Essence
Refined gasoline used for refueling lighters qualitatively dissolves traces of paint left on the glass by negligence. Just dip a cotton ball in gasoline and wipe the required area of the window with it. If the stain is old, attach the cotton swab to the dirt for a few minutes. The remains of the substance are removed with a clean cloth moistened with soapy water.
Kerosene
The method of application and the end result are identical to gasoline. These two substances are interchangeable with similar effects.
To note! When working with a chemical substance, follow safety rules and use personal protective equipment.
If the chemical comes into contact with skin, mucous membranes or clothing, wash the damaged area immediately with plenty of water.
Thermal method
Heating the stain left during painting reduces its adhesion to the glass. This eases the removal process, making cleanup quick and easy. Suitable for heating:
- hair dryer or construction iron;
- a piece of aluminum foil.
Do not set the temperature of the device to the maximum, otherwise the glass will burst.
Traditional methods
If the above methods are not suitable for you, use alternative methods. They are more effective than mechanical methods and cheaper than chemicals. Some popular recipes include:
- ammonia solution;
- soda solution;
- a mixture of chalk, lime and caustic soda.
Ammonia
We moisten a piece of cloth with an ammonia solution, then wipe off the dirt. As soon as the marks disappear completely, dry the place with a regular towel. After ammonia, the glass will shine like new.
A soda
Soda is mixed with water until a pasty substance is obtained. Apply it on the damaged area and leave it on for a few minutes. We wash off the excess paste and wipe the stain with a knife blade or scraper.
Lime, chalk and caustic soda
To prepare the solution, we take:
- 30 grams of lime;
- 10 grams of chalk;
- 10 grams of caustic soda.
Mix lime and chalk. We dilute them with water until the consistency resembles liquid sour cream. We knead the soda.
We treat the required area with the resulting substance and give it a couple of hours to dissolve the paint.We wipe off the excess with a damp cloth and remove the remaining paint with a clerical knife.
Additional Recommendations
When remodeling, start removing paint from the inside, not the front. Leave the facade for the end. Remember to wear gloves and safety glasses when handling chemicals.
How to care after renovation at home
After repairs, try not to forget about the windows, periodically cleaning them from dirt. To do this, use any commercial wiper sold in the department of household chemicals. Dust and dirt are removed with a soapy solution applied to the window with a soft, clean cloth.
Precautionary measures
To facilitate repair work, observe the following precautions:
- Clean windows with soapy water before painting. The paint, if it gets on the window surface, will not stick to the window and will come off the surface without a problem.
- When working with chemistry, try to ventilate the room so that harmful vapors do not enter the body along with the air.
- If possible, clean the glass horizontally. This will reduce the risk of breaking it.