Owning a home is not always the joy we make it out to be. There can be sneaky little problems that rear their ugly head at the most inopportune time. Some of these problems are almost impossible to avoid, but here are three issues that can be prevented with simple cleaning and maintenance. Continue reading "3 Preventable Home Disasters"
Updated on 08/18/2023
Whether you’re refreshing your trim with a new coat of paint or removing old marks, taking paint off windows can sound intimidating. You don’t want to scratch your glass, after all. However, here at Window Genie we’ve got you covered with our complete guide for how to remove paint from glass.
What if we were to tell you that removing paint from your glass is much easier than preventing it from getting on your windows in the first place? With a few simple tools and techniques, flawless windows can be achieved.
If you want your windows to be professionally cleaned, check out Window Genie’s elite window cleaning services here. Otherwise, read ahead!
How to Remove Paint from Windows in 4 Steps:
Tools You'll Need
There are a variety of tools you can use. We recommend using a Triumph Scraper - it's meant to remove paint from glass and is easy to use. If you prefer something a bit safer, there are plastic options that cannot accidentally cut you.Step 1: Clean the Window
Before you start the paint removal process, you’ll want to clean the window. Wipe it down with warm water and an old cloth to get the top layer of grime off.
Step 2: Use a Razor Blade to Remove Paint
Once the window is clean, take a razor blade or paint scraper. Set it at a 45 degree angle, and begin to push the blade away from you in smooth strokes. Don’t pull the razor back towards you - pick up the blade and bring it back to the start with every scrape.
Step 3: Apply Solvent
Apply a solvent for glass cleaning to the window once the paint has been removed. This will help remove any remaining grime.
Step 4: Wipe Clean
Take a clean, dry cloth and buff away the solvent, leaving your window shiny and new.
How to Get Paint off Windows Without Using a Razor Blade
Tools You'll Need
Our favorite is Scraperite plastic razor blades - they look like your typical razor blade, but are much safer! These won't work as well as steel on really tough glass jobs, but they're worth a try. They are especially effective on getting accidental drips of paint off surfaces such as your wood floor or wall, however. In addition to using straight-edge blades, you can consider using 0000 steel wool. This is a super fine grade and is a personal preference over blades for some. Many claim it increases the threat of scratching, but if done properly with a fresh, clean pad, can remove a lot of paint in little time.Step 1: Make a Natural Solvent (water and vinegar)
To get started, make a natural solvent out of water and vinegar. You’ll want to use 1 part vinegar to 1 part water, so 1 cup and 1 cup of each should suffice to get started. Ideally, you should boil the water-vinegar solvent to heat it up for the cleaning process.
Step 2: Apply Homemade Solvent to the Window
Take a clean rag or cloth and dip it in the solvent. Then, apply it to the windows and paint you’d like to remove. You may need to scrub a few times to get the paint off. Repeat solvent application as many times as necessary.
Step 3: Wipe Away Paint from the Window
Once the paint is coming off, you’ll want to take the cloth and carefully rub away the remaining paint.
Step 4: Touch Up
Use a glass cleaner, and wipe up the windows with a clean, dry cloth. Enjoy!
What to Avoid When Scraping Paint Off Windows
The number one DON'T to removing paint from your windows is that you NEVER scrape or scrub glass while it's dry. ALWAYS use a lubricating solution to avoid friction that can lead to scratching. Most solutions can be made with a combination of common household products such as water, vinegar, and a few drops of dish liquid. Your favorite glass cleaner can also offer the necessary moisture needed to help your tools glide across the glass. Our WG-57 Glass Cleaner is ammonia free and has a clinging foam quality that helps you to see where you've applied it and where you may need more while removing paint. Ask your local Genie for a can or two! Find your closest Window Genie location today.
Need Help Removing Paint from Your Windows?
Some technique tips we can offer: always hold the blade at a 45 degree angle to the glass push the blade towards the frame, but do not push into the gasket (could break your seals) lift the blade after making a pass, do not drag it back and forthWe hope you’re better prepared to start removing that pesky paint on your windows… but when in doubt, call a professional. Window Genie is prepared to help you with all your window cleaning needs. Contact us today for a quote or explore our site for more services.
We are bombarded constantly with new cleaning products that are supposed to change our lives. According to Statisticbrain.com, we spend $42 a month on household cleaning products. That may not seem like much, but that adds up quickly. If you want to save a few bucks, here are some quick homemade cleaner hacks: Continue reading "9 Homemade Cleaner Hacks"
Spring has sprung and the cleaning has begun! It has a nice ring to it, but the truth is after a long winter there is a lot of work to be done inside and out of your home. While the weather in the spring gets warmer, it is still bipolar. A lot of customers want to get their windows cleaned, but always fear the inevitable April shower.
Continue reading "Why Are My Windows Dirty After It Rains?" Reusing, recycling, and repurposing around the house is not only trendy and thrifty, but it's also fun and environmentally responsible! For avid DIYers, repurposing functional pieces for a new use is as rewarding as it is fun. Continue reading "5 Ways to Re-purpose Old Windows"
It’s that time of year again! All of the creepy crawlies and furry scavengers are ready to come out of hibernation. Just like you, they enjoy the warm spring air. Nothing is more frustrating than walking into your clean kitchen and seeing a counter full of ants or doing your yard work and noticing some sharp toothed vermin has chewed through your porch. For pet owners or the environmentally conscious homeowner, chemicals aren’t an option. Here are four ways to help you prevent these critters from making your home theirs – and none of them involve harsh chemicals! Continue reading "4 Chemical Free Pest Removal Hacks"
Window cleaning isn't rocket science - we'll be the first to admit it! Continue reading "Best Practices for Squeegee Window Cleaning"
One of the easiest and most profitable renovations (if done correctly) you can do to your home is in the kitchen. Kitchens can be a strange place. It’s a room in your home that sees the hard work of cooking a delicious meal but it can also be a relaxing space to enjoy your family. It’s also a room that is simultaneously personal and social. Because of this duality, it’s important to understand what materials you might want to avoid when remodeling. Continue reading "4 Kitchen Reno Disasters to Avoid"
Keep Your House Clean Year Round with These 10 Steps
Spring cleaning season is like New Year’s 2.0. When the warm weather hits, we make cleaning resolutions, vowing to do better with cleaning and organizing, but it gets exhausting fast! As far as cleaning routines and tedious chores go, we all make excuses. We say we’re too busy, we’ll do it tomorrow, someone else will pick it up… But how do we break this messy house cycle? Window Genie is here to offer a couple of small changes you can make in your daily routine that’ll make a huge difference in keeping your house clean and tidy. No big spring cleaning haul here, a little goes a long way in this list of new habits that will keep your house clean year-round.
Continue reading "10 New Habits to Form this Spring to Keep Your Home Clean Year-Round" Snow is beautiful. Snow is fun to play in. Snow is better than sleet. But most of all snow is annoying! Most of the country will be hit with cold and snow in the coming weeks. Window Genie wants you to be prepared, so we came up with some cool tricks to get rid of the snow and ice! Continue reading "DIY Ice Removal"
