How to Remove Paint from Glass

Co-authored by Ben Barlow

Last Updated: July 30, 2021 References

Painting can be messy, and sometimes paint will end up in places it’s not supposed to be. With a little vinegar, hot water, a rag, and some elbow grease, you can get the window clean again. It's better to try out the vinegar scrub first, as it is safer and less likely to damage the glass. But, if the spill doesn't come out with this method alone, using a razor blade and soapy water should get the job done.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning with Vinegar and a Rag

1
Boil vinegar and water. Put 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of water and 3 tablespoons (44 mL) of white vinegar into a pot and bring to a boil.^{[1]
X
Research source} Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands.
2
Lay out a towel. Place a towel down next to the window you will be scrubbing to make clean up easier. You can set the pot of vinegar and water here as well.

Advertisement
3
Apply the rag to the paint stain. Make sure the vinegar mixture has cooled enough so that it won't burn your hands. Dip the rag into the warm vinegar mixture, and use the rag to scrub the window pane.
- The warm mixture should help loosen the grip of the paint.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
4
Scrub vigorously. Once you have done an initial scrub with the warm vinegar, the paint should begin to soften up. At this point, you can scrub it fairly hard in order to remove the entirety of the paint.
5
Clean and dry the window. As soon as all of the paint is gone, use window cleaner and a dry rag or newspaper to get the windows clean again. Some people prefer newspaper, as it tends to leave less streaks.^{[3]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using a Razor Blade for More Stubborn Spills

1
Prepare some warm soapy water. Lay out a towel beneath the window if you haven't already, and fill up a bucket with warm water and some dish soap. Place it by the window where you can access it easily.
2
Apply a warm soapy rag to the paint stain. Use your rag to sponge some of the water from your bucket onto the window over the paint stain.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Ben Barlow
Window Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 23 July 2021.}
- This will help prevent scratching from the razor blade.
3
Remove the paint with a razor blade. To start, hold the razor blade at a 45 degree angle against the window pane. Slowly and carefully, push the razor blade in one direction along the window pane. Pull the blade off and repeat this movement in the same direction.^{[5]
X
Research source}^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Ben Barlow
Window Cleaning Specialist
Expert Interview. 23 July 2021.}
- Double-check that the blade is smooth and not dented in.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ben Barlow
  Window Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 23 July 2021.}
- Continue scraping until the paint is fully gone.
- Do not change the direction or angle of the razor blade, in order to better protect the glass.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ben Barlow
  Window Cleaning Specialist
  Expert Interview. 23 July 2021.}
- If the paint starts to dry, apply more hot soapy water as you work.
- A utility knife will also work if a razor blade is not readily available.^{[9]
  X
  Research source}
4
Wipe the window clean. Now that you've worked hard to get the paint off, you might as well make the glass shine like new. First, dry off any excess water, then grab out some window cleaner and newspaper to polish up the job.
- Wipe the window clean with newspaper in circular motions for a streak-free shine.^{[10]
  X
  Research source}