• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DIY Doctor

Main navigation

      • Project Type A - E
      • All Projects
      • Brick, Block, Masonry and Concrete
      • Damp, Condensation, Rot and Woodworm
      • Doors, Windows and Conservatories
      • Electrical
      • Project Type F - G
      • Fencing, Decking, Paving and Patios
      • Floors, Walls, Ceilings and Lofts
      • Garages, Sheds and Outbuildings
      • Gardening and Landscaping
      • General Building, Self Build and Renovation
      • Project Type G - J
      • General Repairs and Cleaning
      • Green Living and Eco DIY
      • Ground, Foundations and Drainage
      • Heating, Central Heating and Boilers
      • Joinery and Carpentry
      • Project Type M - P
      • Materials, Fixings and Fixing
      • Painting, Decorating and Finishing
      • Planning Regs, Project Management and Safety
      • Plastering, Plasterboard and Rendering
      • Plumbing
      • Project Type R - T
      • Roofing and Gutters
      • Tiling and Tiles
      • Tools, Appliances and Access
      • Useful Tips
      • DIY Tips
      • Find a Tradesman
      • Contract Download
      • Working With Tradesmen - Ultimate Guide
      • Home Improver Protection
      • Price Doctor
      • About DIY Doctor
      • What we do
      • Trade Shows and Exhibitions
      • Master Classes
      • Book Store
      • Contact Us
      • Feedback
      • DIY Competitions

Home > DIY How To Projects and Tutorial Guides > How to Remove Paint From Glass

How to Remove Paint From Glass

For this DIY guide we take a look at removing paint from glass and windows that has been accidentally splashed on and allowed to dry. You will learn about the type of scraper you should use and also how to use it to ensure that you do not scratch the glass or create any other permanent damage. You will also learn about specialist cleaners and paint strippers that can be used to remove dried paint from glass and windows and also about special masking tape that prevents paint bleed on to glazing while painting.

TwitterFacebookPin ItBuffer

Don't want to do this job yourself? Let us help you find a tradesman local to you

Project Page Menu
  • How to Tutorial
  • Video
  • Find Tradesmen
  • Help

A badly painted window looks a mess! Even if you have spent the time painting the frame up really nicely, if you get paint on the glass it totally spoils the overall job. If this is the case for you as soon as its dried you will need to remove it so in this guide we look at how to remove paint from glass.

Traditionally using masking tape to tape over the glass around the inside of the window can help but most masking tape never seems to stick to the glass completely and the paint nearly always finds its way underneath.

However, in recent years several products have emerged with the purpose of solving this exact problem, one such product can be seen in the image below. It is a special type of low-tack masking tape that reacts with emulsion paint when it touches it to form a barrier and stop it going any further.

Painters low-tack masking tape

Low-tack delicate painter’s masking tape

Despite using special masking tape, there is a tendency to take less care as subconsciously you think that the glass is protected. This can lead to you taking less care with the brush and increase the risk of paint finding its way onto the glass.

fortunately, any spillages are pretty easy to get rid of. If the paint is still wet e.g. you have just put it on and caught the glass by mistake, use an old, clean cloth to wipe it off.

If the paint has dried on the glass there are essentially two different ways you can get rid of it:

  • Use a scraper to scrape the paint off
  • Use a solvent based paint remover

Removing Paint from Glass with a Scraper

Paint splash on PVCu door glazing

Paint splash on PVCu door glazing

Before you start, grab a bucket and put some warm water in it and add some washing up liquid to it, mixing it in until you get bubbles start to form.

Using a cloth or sponge, pop it in the bucket and get it nice and wet and then wipe the window over around the area of the paint mark(s) making it damp. The washing up liquid in the water will help ensure that the scraper moves over the surface of the glass smoothly and minimise any risks of scratching.

Window and glass scraper

Window and glass scraper

Once the glass has been wetted down, take your scraper and insert a new blade. A new, sharp blade will make the job of scraping the paint off much easier. Be careful when inserting the new blade as they are very sharp.

If you have recently painted areas around the window or window sill and the paint has not yet dried properly, it may be best to leave it until it has as we will be using soapy water and spilling the water on tacky paint may cause it to run or even worse, ruin the overall finish.

The scraper itself is pretty straight forward to use. Hold it so that blade is touching the glass and is as flat as possible – no more than 45°. If held at a sharp or acute angle, the blade could dig into the glass and scratch it or even worth crack or break it.

Before you start, test the blade on a small area, preferably in one corner to test whether all is working as it should and the blade is not causing damage.

When using it, make sure that you lift it off the surface of the glass between scrapes so that you are only scraping in one direction. This will decrease the chances of any scratches.

Additionally, make sure that the blade you’re using remains sharp. If it starts to make a scraping or scratching noise then change it for a new one. Above all, just take your time and don’t rush as this could lead to more damage.

Make sure that you keep the glass damp by using your soapy water and sponge to prevent scratches and also to remove any loose paint.

When you’re done and all the paint has been removed from the surface, use the soapy water to give it a good clean all round and then use a chamois leather or window squeegee to remove any remaining moisture or streaks.

The same scraper can be used to scrape unwanted transfers from ceramic tiles. Once the transfers have been removed it is advisable to rub over the tile surface hard with a cloth dipped in white spirit. This should remove any remaining adhesive.

Paint splash removed from PVCu door glazing

Paint splash removed from PVCu door glazing

Removing Paint from Glass with Solvents and Specialist Paint Removers

There are many different types of solvents and specialist cleaners for glass and paint removal on the market all with their own positives and negatives. Many tend to be solvent based which comes with the potential downsides of strong overbearing smells, toxic chemicals and the potential for burn injuries.

If you are careful then these substances can be used to great effect and remove paint spillages very well.

On the whole a cellulose paint thinner will work well on most paint types if you don’t know the exact type of paint that is on the glass (e.g. acrylic paint or enamel paint etc….) but if you do then the following info will help:

  • Enamel Paints:: An acetone based cleaner will work best on paints for this type
  • Acrylic Paints: Alcohol based cleaners will work well with this type of paint

When using these types of paint cleaner and remover always read the manufacturer’s instructions and use the product as directed. Always ensure that you have plenty of ventilation in the area you are working in as fumes can build up and before you know it you’re feeling very light-headed and dizzy.

Here at DIY Doctor we are always on the look-out for tools and products that are both innovative and actually work. One such product that we came across a while ago can be seen in the image below. It’s an eco-friendly PVCu cleaner and paint remover that’s water based and totally solvent free.

We have used it on numerous projects and have found it to be a great product and very effective cleaner. To find out more see our product review here.

Eco-friendly PVCu cleaner and paint remover

Eco Solutions PVCu cleaner and paint remover

Another quite effective cleaner for removing paint form glass is white wine vinegar. White wine vinegar is a very effective cleaner for many areas in the home, including jobs such as this.

The acidic nature of the solution is great at loosening and removing stubborn marks such as these.

Simply dab an old rag in some of the vinegar solution and then work it into the paint on the glass. It may take some elbow grease to loosen the paint but after a while it should start to come off.

If the rag isn’t doing the job then you can also try a green scouring pad.

When using any of the above cleaners, ensure that you fully protect all surrounding paint work with masking tape and sheets as if any of your chosen paint stripper or remover is allowed to get on them, then they will almost certainly be damaged.

When you’re done, give the whole area a good wipe over with some clean, soapy water to remove and residue and paint flakes.

All project content written and produced by Mike Edwards, founder of DIY Doctor and industry expert in building technology.

TwitterFacebookPin ItBuffer

Video

Back to the Top

Apologies, but we don't seem to have a video for this project yet, but we will do our best to get one up soon

Find a Reliable Local Tradesman

Back to the Top
Don't fancy doing this project yourself? We work with the industries best to ensure that we recommend only reliable and trustworthy tradesmen.
Let DIY Doctor help you find a tradesman

Find a tradesman now!


More Help

Back to the Top
Related Projects That May Help You:
  • How to Paint a Casement Window
  • How to Paint a Sash Window
  • Stripping Paint From Wood, Metal and Other Materials
  • Painting Kitchen Units
Give us Some Feedback!

We love feedback on our DIY tutorials it helps us to make them the best they possibly can be so if you have any comments you would like to share with us, click the button below and let us know.

Primary Sidebar

Master Basic DIY - By DIY Doctor

Our Book - Master Basic DIY

Grab your copy now for all the DIY help you need right at your finger tips!

Buy it Here!

Signup for our Newsletter

Keep up to date with our DIY projects, tips and latest deals

Sign Me Up!

Our Sponsors

Find out about advertising on DIY Doctor

Advertisments

Other Similar Projects
  • How To Paint A Casement Window
  • How To Paint A Sash Window
  • How To Strip Paint
  • How To Paint Kitchen Cupboards With Windows In

Footer

DIY Doctor company logo

Here at DIY Doctor, we offer completely free DIY and construction help and advice to any and all, from professional tradesmen, exactly as they would do it.

We have hundreds of DIY project tutorials covering all aspects of building and DIY that provide step by step instructions on how to complete your given task.

If you need a little help then we also have an active question and answer forum and a find a trademan service and much more.

Site Menu

  • DIY Doctor Ltd,
    The Workshop,
    Newbury Works, Somerset,
    BA3 5RX

  • 0845 6342 179

  • Contact Us

  • Company Number: 05863375
  • VAT Number: 811134774

Other Stuff

  • About DIY Doctor
  • Contact DIY Doctor
  • Media and Press
  • DIY Projects
  • UK DIY Forum
  • DIY Doctor Suppliers
  • DIY Webinars

DIY Doctor Social Channels

  • Advertise
  • Competitions
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Information
  • NHIC
  • Sitemap

DIY Doctor are members of:

© DIY Doctor Ltd 2025 All Rights Reserved