How to Get Car Paint Off Windows
You’ve just completed what you believe to be a stellar, even paint job until you peel back your window coverings and see a pesky paint smudge smack dab in the middle of where you didn’t want it. Instinct tells you to run the wipers but not so fast: Doing so could make everything worse.
Luckily, even the pros make mistakes, which means ATC’s collision repair technology instructors and technicians in training have likely found themselves in a similar predicament at one time or another.
How do they recommend that DIY-ers safely get car paint off windows? Keep reading to learn two step-by-step methods for efficient and effective paint removal.
To Remove Light Splatters, Streaks, and Smudges
If the paint backsplash is minimal, in the form of tiny flecks or a single splatter, it can easily be removed by doing the following.
What you’ll need:
- Bottle of acetone
- Gas mask
- Soft cloth or rag
Procedure:
- Acetone is a potent chemical solvent that’s dangerous if inhaled. Make sure that you park your car in an area that’s well ventilated, either with your garage door up or, better yet, in your driveway, and wear a face mask during use.
- Apply the acetone to a soft cloth or rag in proportion to the paint surface you wish to remove.
- Carefully apply the dipped cloth to the window’s surface and apply slight pressure, taking care to not let the rag touch any part of the car body (which would really upset you post-paint job!).
- Wash the car and dry the window as you would normally.
To Remove Thick Paint Coverage
If you’re dealing with a rather large glob or an area of the window that’s covered in a denser paint layer, you’ll need to bring in some reinforcements.
What you’ll need:
- Paint scraper
- Vacuum (can substitute with rag)
- Acetone
- Gas mask
Procedure:
- A paint scraper is a specialty razor made specifically for paint removal. You’re going to use the scraper to carefully shave off excess paint while being mindful to make sure that shavings don’t drop down into the car vents.
- Position the vacuum’s hose or a rag under the area to catch scrapings as they come off.
- When you’ve gotten down to the window’s primary surface level and removed all of the shavings, use an acetone-dipped rag to get up any remaining paint.
- Wash the car and dry the window as you would normally.
Want More Pro Painting Tips?
Whether you’re dealing with a tiny dribble or a thick paint faux pas, carefully following the steps above will have your vehicle’s windows paint-free in no time.
If you found this article helpful, you may be interested in downloading ATC’s DIY car painting checklist that’s chock-full of handy tips and techniques to ensure a precision paint job every time.
You’ll learn how to mix, blend, and apply paint like a professional with the inside scoop from our collision repair technology program instructors. Get your copy today!
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