Correcting repair flaws, or how to remove paint drips from glass

Painting is a frequently used method of making changes to the decor. In the process of using paints, other objects, including glass, may become dirty.

It is possible to clean them if you know how to clean stains properly. In this article we will tell you how and with what you can remove paint from glass, than to remove old and dried from the window.

How to remove?

There are several ways to deal with paint stains on window glass.

For fresh splashes and stains, wiping will help:

• damp cloth;
• using window cleaner;
• with a rag soaked in soapy water.

Mechanical methods

The mechanical method of removing paint is the easiest way to solve the problem of stained stelae.

• soap solution;
• napkin or sponge;
• razor blade or stationery knife;
• rags.

Work order:

1. The glass is moistened with water or soap solution.
2. Use a razor or utility knife to scrape off the stains, holding the edge at an angle of 40-45?.

   You must try to maintain the angle of the blade, as otherwise you may scratch the glass.

3. Paint particles removed from the surface should be removed with a rag.
4. Final window cleaning.

As you move along the window glass, the blade should be cleaned. Moisten the surface periodically to prevent scratches. If the blade becomes dull, it should be replaced.

Advantages of the mechanical method:

• low financial cost;
• simplicity;
• no negative impact on the environment;
• you can use the method to remove stains of any age;
• The method is suitable for allergy sufferers.

Disadvantages of the technique:

• slow stain removal process;
• low efficiency - not suitable for large areas;
• there is a possibility of scratches on the glass.

This glass cleaning option is time-tested and suitable for all types of paints.

How to remove old stains with chemicals?

If there are a lot of paint drops on the glass, it will be difficult to handle them with a blade. Solvents will come to the rescue.

Acrylic, oil and enamel can be removed using the following chemicals:

• petrol;
• white alcohol;
• acetone;
• special solvents.

Advantages of using chemical solvents:

• efficiency;
• possibility of processing a large area;
• availability of drugs.

Disadvantages of using such tools:

• toxicity;
• the need to use personal protective equipment (gloves, respirator);
• uneconomical consumption when processing a large area;
• not in all cases high efficiency is achieved;
• high cost of professional solvents;
• The method is not suitable for use by allergy sufferers.

The use of acetone, gasoline and white spirit

Work order:

1. Soak a cloth in solvent. For small stains it is more convenient to use a sponge.
2. Apply the napkin to the stain.
3. Leave for about 10 minutes. For convenience, you can fix the napkin on the glass with tape.
4. Wipe off any softened paint with a rag.
5. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth.
6. Wash the window.

Areas not removed with solvent can then be cleaned mechanically.

Special solvents

Special solvents can be used to remove paint from the glass surface. These are effective products that have a fairly high consumption.

The exact area each of them is designed for is indicated on the packaging.. Based on this, it is possible to select the required volume.

The products presented are suitable for removing all types of paint, including varnish, from concrete, glass, wood and other surfaces.

Thermal methods

In cases where a large surface of the glass has been damaged by paint, it is appropriate to apply heat to remove all blots and stains.This method requires great care so that the frame and other painted surfaces are not damaged by the hot air.

For work you will need the following items:

• hair dryer;
• foil;
• soap solution;
• sponge;
• rags;
• water;
• ammonia.

Procedure:

1. Prepare a hairdryer.
2. Plug in the appliance and set it to hot air.
3. Place foil on the stained area.
4. To heat up the paint, direct a stream of hot air onto the foil.
5. Soak the sponge in the soapy solution.
6. When the paint begins to melt, remove it with a sponge.
7. Dilute ammonia half and half with water.
8. Using a rag, wipe the area affected by the paint with the resulting solution.
9. Treat the entire glass surface contaminated with paint in the same way.

Instead of a household or hair dryer, you can use an iron.

Advantages of using the thermal method:

• efficiency;
• Possibility of use over a large area and with multiple layers of stains;
• There is no need to buy special equipment - a regular iron or hair dryer is enough.

Disadvantages of the cleaning method:

• labor intensity of the process;
• accuracy and compliance with safety precautions are required;
• For complex stains, re-treatment or mechanical finishing may be necessary.

How to choose what is best to clean a window?

The choice of method is determined by:

• the extent of the affected surface;
• how old the blots and drips are.

For fresh stains, simply using a damp cloth will solve the problem. And you will have to tinker with old traces of staining using the above methods.

For small stains, a mechanical method is suitable to remove splashes from the surface.. In case of significant staining of glass with paint, chemical and thermal methods are suitable. High temperature treatment can also be used for old multi-layer stains.

Very often it is necessary to use several methods, combining them to get the best result.

Recommendations from experts

When starting to remove paint from the glass surface, the following points must be taken into account:

1. It is easier to remove a fresh paint layer than an old one.
2. When working with solvents, it is necessary to ensure good ventilation in the room and use rubber gloves, a respirator, and special goggles for protection.
3. Before using a solvent, you need to study the instructions for the product and make sure that it is intended for removing a specific type of paint.
4. In order to reduce the likelihood of paint getting on the glass, it is advisable to protect the window before painting. For example, smearing it with a thick soap solution. In the future, accidentally spilled paint will be easy to wash off.
5. You cannot mix several types of solvents in one area.

If it is possible to position the glass horizontally when cleaning, it will be more convenient to work with it.

Useful video

This video will show you how to remove paint from glass:

Conclusion

It is possible to remove paint from glass even if a large surface area has been damaged and the paint has long dried. Wherein the main thing is to choose the right method of influence, and follow the technological sequence of actions.