Painting the trim around your windows can freshen any room, but it’s a hassle when you end up spending the majority of your time and effort putting painters tape on the glass to avoid getting paint all over your windows. If you have divided light windows… forget about it. What if we were to tell you that it’s okay to color outside the lines, and that removing paint from your glass is much easier than preventing it? With a few simple tools and techniques, flawless windows can be achieved.
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.
There are a variety of tools you can use. We recommend using an Unger Scraper (we use the Unger Ninja Scraper) or the Triumph Scraper. These scrapers can be purchased at your local janitorial supply store or online. – 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. 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 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. I normally use my steal wool on windows that just have a little bit of paint over spray or suborn marks on them. If there are a lot then I use my Scraper!
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 (this could break your seals)
- lift the blade after making a pass, do not drag it back and forth
We hope you’re better prepared to start removing that pesky paint on your windows… but when in doubt, give us a call at Palmer Professional Services 520.252.1355
Recent Comments