How do I remove latex paint from a window?

Question

I didn't tape the windows while painting a door, and now there are streaks of paint on the glass which I need to remove. What can I use?

Answer 1

If you used latex paints, just spray the windows with any window cleaner that contains ammonia. It will soften up the coating and allow you to simply wipe it off.

You can also scrape, but that can get pretty tedious if it's a large window or over several widows. Just be careful to keep the cleaner as far away from the areas you want to keep painted as possible. The ammonia can soften even already dried or even cured latex paints.

If the paint is a solvent based product, you'll either need to scrape or use a hotter solvent than what the paint contains. Something like "Goof Off" or "Goodbye Splatters" would work well, so long as you use the solvent based ones. They're both available in water bases, but those aren't nearly as effective as the solvent based one at removing goofs. You could also get a pint of Xylene or Tolulene at your paint store and it'll do the same. But be prepapred, some paint stores will ask for ID for those products in small containers because they've been used in the past as a rinse for illegal drug manufacturers making methamphetamine.

Answer 2

Acetone, the main ingredient in nail polish remover, is very good at removing dried latex paint. You might want to get a small can at any paint supply store. Don't try to scrape it, you will mar the aluminum. Just soak some into a paper towel and rub the paint you want removed. The acetone will soften it and then you can wipe it away.

Answer 3

A razor blade will work. Razors will take just about any stubborn thing off glass. Just get one that is not in a casing and tape up one side with masking tape so you'll have a better and safer grip, then scrape at almost a flat angle and it'll come off.

Good luck!

Answer 4

If the windows are made of glass, then simply scraping with a single-edged razor blade should do it. You might also try a fine steel wool. Plexi-glass might use a paper towel and fingernail polish remover.

Answer 5

You can use a blow dryer (like for your hair) on the window to warm up the paint, then it will easily scrape off with the razor-blade scraper thingy.

Answer 6

Scrape, scrape, scrape. You can buy a scraper that holds a razor blade and scrape the windows without damaging the glass.

Answer 7

Razer blade. Or a widget. Either will take the paint off real easy. If you do the blade itself get the one sided kind.

Answer 8

Scrape it or use mineral spirit -- but be careful if you use mineral spirt it can mess up the paint on the wall too.

Answer 9

a razor blade, scrape at an angle slowly.

Answer 10

may be a class scraper that should do it.