After painting your home and giving it a facelift, having a few paint stains around is not out of place. It is quite easy to have them stain your windows, especially when you are painting the areas around the window. Not to worry, there are window cleaning hacks for paint removal.
Even if the paint dries and has been there for a while, you can still remove them and have a clean window again. The window cleaning paint removal methods are easy and you can do them yourself.
Examine the Window
The first step to removing paint from your window is to examine the window. Assess the amount of paint on it. The assessment will help you know the volume of work that you need to do.
Get the cleaning supplies you need
Before you clean the window, you need to assemble all the materials needed. Some things you need are protective clothes and goggles. They will cover your body from splashes of chemicals that you will use during the paint removal process.
Also, you need a chemical solvent, steel wool, drop cloths, a flat-edged scraper. Gloves that are chemical resistant will help you avoid direct contact with the chemical substance. The other things you would get would depend on the method you are using to remove paint from your window.
Lubricate the window
Before you start any window cleaning paint removal process, lubricate the window. Dip a sponge into the soapy water and use it to scrub the window that has paint stains.
The pressure on the window must be gentle, but firm. If you use too much force, you might break the window. Ensure that it does not dry off before you start the process.
Removing paint stains from windows
There are a lot of chemical solvents you can use to remove paint stains from your window. Some are DCM strippers and they are useful for removing oil paint, acrylic, and latex paint. They could be flammable and you would have to apply them several times to get the paint stain off your window.
The solvent-based stripper works faster. However, it is highly volatile and flammable. You would have to exercise extreme care if you are using it.
There are also solvents that are environmentally friendly and safe to use. However, it would take longer for you to remove the paint after several applications.
Another way to remove paint stains from your window is to use a razor blade or scraper to scrape the paint stain off after lubricating it. Avoid leaving marks and scratches on the surface of the window as you do this.
Keep the window lubricated throughout the process. The lubrication makes it easier for the razor to scrape off the paint stain. Use a one-directional approach to scrape them off. It will help avoid scratches on the window.
After any of these processes, you can clean your window normally with any of the window cleaners and you will love the result.
Using nail polish remover
The nail polish remover serves as great for removing paint stains from windows. To use this method, dip a microfiber cloth into the nail polish remover and apply it all over the window surface.
After rubbing it on the window, leave it for a while. Then, use a clean cloth to wipe the window. The paint will go off easily. Alcohol could also remove the paint stains. It works similarly to the nail polish remover.
Non-chemical way to remove paint stains
There are non-chemical household items that you can use to remove paint from your windows. It is safer to use them since they are not toxic. Vinegar is a household item that is highly useful for removing paint from a window.
Boil a cup of vinegar in the microwave. Wear a glove and dip your cleaning cloth into the vinegar and use it to clean the spots where you have the paint stains. The paints will go off and you can rinse the window using soapy water.
Remember that you still have to lubricate the window with soapy water before you use the vinegar on it. The lubrication process is as important as the cleaning.
Safety tips
Your safety is paramount as you seek to remove paint stains from your window. Paints usually contain toxic chemicals. Wash the cleaning rags you used or put them all in the trash if they are not reusable.
These paints and solvents can be flammable. Ensure you dispose of them properly to prevent any mishap from happening. After cleaning the window, store the materials in a safe place.
When you are using cleaning solvents, wear protective clothes, goggles, and a face mask. Children should not be around you when this is going on. If you are pregnant, you should not be using cleaning solvents.
Avoid the task and hire professionals
If the process for paint stain removal sounds like a lot of work, you could hire professional window washers in Arizona to help. These are professionals who have the knowledge, expertise, and experience to handle these kinds of situations. They would be glad to handle your window washing needs and give you thorough window cleaning.
How to avoid paint on windows
You can avoid splashing paints on the windows while painting. During your next painting job, use tape to seal off the areas that you don’t want the paint to touch. You could also use masking liquid on the window. It dries quickly and is also easy to remove. All you have to do is peel it off your window when you finish painting.
Conclusion
Windows ought to be clear to allow you to take a look outside and watch events around you. Having paint-stained windows can be annoying and takes the pleasure out of it. However, it is not the end of the world. Use the hacks in this article or employ the services of window cleaning paint removal experts in Arizona. Call us to help out and we’d happy to jump right in and get those stains off your windows.
