How to Remove Spray Paint from Glass

Whether it’s an art project mistake, graffiti, or a bit of overspray, getting spray paint off of glass is no big deal if you know what you’re doing. In this article, you’ll learn how to remove spray paint from glass using products that you may already have at home.

It’s easier to get spray paint off glass if you get to it right away, but removing hardened paint is also possible with the right solvent. Solvents are typically liquids that work to dissolve other substances.

There are various types of solvents, so it’s crucial to know which one to use on different types of glass. Our DIY recipes for removing spray paint use simple ingredients available at the hardware store if you don’t already have them in your closet.

With a bit of elbow grease, you’ll be able to get any glass surface looking like new again. Read on to find out what the best ways are to clean paint off glass without damaging the surface underneath.

How to Get Spray Paint off Glass

Spray paint can be challenging to remove from glass surfaces. The best way to get spray paint off glass depends on what type of glass you’re dealing with and what kind of painting has affected the glass.

Here are some tips and tricks for how to remove spray paint from glass without causing more damage.

Before You Start

Before you begin removing spray paint from glass, take some time to prepare for the project. Determine what type of glass you have, then gather the necessary cleaning supplies.

When dealing with strong solvents, always use appropriate safety equipment like rubber gloves and eye protection.

Make sure the area you’re working in is well-ventilated so that you’re not inhaling harmful fumes. Consider opening windows or running circulation fans during the paint removal process.

Protect your floors by laying down a plastic drop cloth in the area where you’ll be working.

Removing Spray Paint from Glass with Acetone

Acetone is ideal for removing paint from mirrors and frosted glass. A fun home improvement project can be upgrading an old mirror or glass doors by spray painting the frame.

If you have a bit of overspray, don’t panic. Use an acetone product like nail polish remover, paint thinner, or lacquer thinner to get spray paint off glass.

Soak a clean rag in the acetone, then apply the rag to the dried paint for a few minutes. Once the acetone starts to loosen the stain, scrub it away using the rag.

With a new microfiber cleaning rag dampened with warm water, wipe away the excess acetone solution. Clean the mirror with warm soapy water or a glass cleaner and wipe it dry with a paper towel or a dry rag.

Avoid using acetone on fiberglass, as the acetone could damage the fiberglass by dissolving the protective outer coating.

How to Get Spray Paint off Glass with White Vinegar

To avoid using chemicals, try removing spray paint from glass with white vinegar. What takes spray paint off metal? Vinegar works on metal, too.

The acid in the vinegar effectively dissolves paint stains, and the strong vinegar smell dissipates within minutes. Vinegar is safe to use on fiberglass, as well.

Pour the vinegar into a Pyrex or other microwave-safe measuring cup and bring the vinegar to a boil in the microwave. Using gloves or oven mitts to avoid burning your hands, carefully remove the vinegar from the microwave.

Soak a clean rag in the hot vinegar. Press the rag against the paint spots for a few minutes to loosen the hardened paint. Scrub vigorously with the vinegar-soaked rag to remove the paint.

Pour the dish soap into a bucket of warm water. Wash the glass with a new microfiber cleaning rag dipped in warm soapy water or spray with a glass cleaner. Wipe the glass clean with a dry rag or paper towel.

Clean Paint off Glass with Alcohol

Use rubbing alcohol to clean paint off glass and as a homemade streak free glass cleaner. Make sure to use at least 70% concentrated rubbing alcohol, but 90% is better.

Soak a microfiber cleaning rag in the rubbing alcohol and apply it to the glass surface for several minutes to loosen the hardened paint. Scrub vigorously with the alcohol-soaked rag to remove the paint spots or to get sticker residue off glass.

Denatured alcohol also acts as a paint stripper and is much more potent than rubbing alcohol, so use caution when working with it.

Place a little bit of denatured alcohol on a dry rag and test it on an inconspicuous area to ensure that you won’t damage the glass surface. Scrub the paint stains with the dampened rag to remove them.

After removing the paint with alcohol, clean the glass with warm soapy water or a glass cleaner and wipe with a dry cloth or paper towel.

Rubbing alcohol also works well as a way to remove spray paint from plastic surfaces.

How to Remove Spray Paint from Glass with Mineral Spirits

Mineral spirits are an inexpensive petroleum distillate that works to dissolve paint. However, mineral spirits only dissolve fresh paint, making this an excellent solution for the initial cleanup right after getting spray paint on glass.

Saturate a cotton ball or clean rag with the mineral spirits, then apply to the glass for a few moments to loosen the paint spots. Scrub the paint vigorously with the rag to remove the stains.

After removing the paint with mineral spirits, wash the glass with warm soapy water or a glass cleaner and wipe clean with a dry cloth or paper towel.

Get Spray Paint off Glass with Turpentine

Some glass door manufacturers recommend turpentine for getting paint off glass and removing silicone glue residue after installation. After using turpentine to clean paint off glass, safely dispose of your cleaning supplies.

Dip a cotton ball or clean rag in the turpentine and apply it to the paint spots for a few minutes to loosen the stain.

Scrub vigorously with the rag to remove the paint. Use a microfiber cleaning rag to wash the glass with warm soapy water or a glass cleaner and wipe the glass dry with a clean rag or paper towel.

Removing Spray Paint from Glass with a Pressure Washer

Use a pressure washer to safely and efficiently clean spray paint off outside windows or to get spray paint off concrete garage floors and driveway. Keep the water pressure low to avoid breaking the glass or damaging the window frame.

Before spraying the glass, test the water pressure and spray nozzle safely away from the window, adjusting the pressure as needed.

Use a wide-angle fan spray attachment. Spray the water at a 40- to 45-degree angle to the glass, and move the hose back and forth to scrub the painted glass with the blast of water.

Safely Get Spray Paint off Glass with a Paint Scraper or Razor Blade

If there is any remaining spray paint after using the recommended solvents, use your paint scraper or a razor blade to remove it. Keep the edge of the blade at a 30- to 45-degree angle to the glass. Lift the blade from the glass at the end of each stroke.

Avoid scratching the glass by only using a scraper or razor blade on the glass when it’s wet. Stop immediately if you hear any scratching or gritty sounds, as your razor blade or scraper could be dull or damaged. If so, replace the scraper blade with a new one.

After removing all of the paint spots, wash the glass with warm soapy water or a glass cleaner and dry the glass with a clean microfiber cleaning rag or paper towels.

If possible, place disposable plastic containers filled with soapy water underneath the paint removal area to catch the paint chips.

Place the containers in a safe space and allow the soapy water to evaporate. Discard the containers following the paint disposal guidelines for your local area.

Remove Spray Paint from Glass with Fine Steel Wool

Remove spray paint with fine steel wool that won’t scratch the glass surface. Lubricate the window with warm soapy water or olive oil to prevent scratches. Gently scrub the glass to remove the spray paint.

After getting all of the paint off, use a microfiber cleaning rag to clean the glass using warm soapy water or a glass cleaner. Dry the glass with a clean rag or paper towels.

If possible, catch paint chips in disposable plastic containers filled with soapy water. Place the containers in a safe area and wait for the soapy water to evaporate. Discard the containers according to the paint disposal guidelines for your location.

How to Remove Graffiti from Glass

If your home or business was the victim of graffiti vandalism, know that it is possible to remove graffiti from glass windows.

If the spray paint removal methods listed above don’t work, you may need to purchase a specific graffiti remover from your local hardware store. SoSafe is a top recommended spray paint remover that has a mild formula that won’t damage glass.

Spray paint accidents happen from time to time during a home improvement or craft project. The good news is that it’s a reasonably straightforward process to clean paint off glass.

It’s essential to follow the safety guidelines listed on the paint remover product that you’re using and use protective equipment like rubber gloves and safety glasses.

Additionally, be sure you’re following the paint disposal guidelines for your local area when discarding your drop cloth or any plastic containers that had paint in them.

Using our tips and tricks to get spray paint off glass, spray paint removal can be quick and easy.

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