Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Scrape paint off glass
• Method 2 of 3: Remove paint from window frames
• Method 3 of 3: Treat steel frames
• Tips
• Necessities
• Scrape paint off glass
• Remove paint from window frames
• Treat steel frames

Whether you accidentally spilled some paint on the window during your last painting job or want to repaint old windows, for DIY jobs knowing how to remove paint is helpful. Take the time to properly prepare the paint for easier removal and be patient while cleaning the windows. It may take a little time and effort, but you can certainly get it done.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Scrape paint off glass

1. Put 250 ml of white vinegar in a glass measuring cup. Use a glass measuring cup large enough for the vinegar so that the vinegar doesn't splash over the rim when you dip a cloth in it. Use something made of glass instead of plastic to put the vinegar in, as you will need to heat the vinegar.
   • One of the best things about removing paint from glass is that you probably already have everything you need at home. There is no need to use chemical products as you should already be able to get your windows clean with just white vinegar and dish soap.

   Tip: if you don't have a glass measuring cup, you can also use a microwave-safe glass bowl.

   
   
2. Heat the white vinegar in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until it boils. There's no need to cover the bowl, but keep an eye on the vinegar as it reheats so that you can turn the microwave off when the vinegar starts to bubble. How long it takes for the vinegar to boil depends on how much power your microwave has.

   Tip: use the option to clean the inside of the microwave. The steam from the white vinegar will loosen any stains and caked-on food, making it easier to wipe away the dirt.

3. Put on rubber gloves and dip a clean cloth in the white vinegar. The rubber gloves prevent you from burning your hands from the hot vinegar. It's best to use a smaller cloth that's about the size of a washcloth for this job. A towel is probably too thick and can get in the way of cleaning.
   • You can also use a clean sponge for this step.
4. Scrub the paint with the vinegar-soaked rag. Rub the paint vigorously and soak it with the white vinegar. This should soften the paint, and you may be able to remove it completely. It's okay if the paint doesn't come off the window yet. Just start with the next step.
   • If you can get the paint off completely with the white vinegar, just spray the window with glass cleaner and wipe the window to clean it.
5. Fill a bucket with warm water and a tablespoon (15 ml) of dish soap. First put the detergent in the bucket so that it starts to foam as the bucket fills with water.
6. Soak a sponge or cloth in the soapy water and wipe over the paint stains. Try to do this right after the vinegar treatment so that the paint doesn't have a chance to dry again. Soak the paint well with the soapy water.
   • If you are concerned that the water will run down the wall and drip onto the floor, put a towel underneath where you are cleaning.
7. Go very slowly over the paint with a razor blade. Apply firm pressure, hold the blade at a 45 degree angle and scrape in one direction only. From time to time, re-wet the paint with the soapy cloth to keep it smearing. Try to get the edge of the razor blade under the blob of paint so you can remove the paint in one go.
   • Take your time with this step. Be careful not to scratch the glass as this can happen if you rub back and forth or scrape too quickly.

   Tip: use a new razor blade for this step. With an older razor, you are more likely to scratch the glass.

   
   
8. Use glass cleaner and a clean cloth to wipe the window. This should allow you to remove all the vinegar, soap, and the remaining paint. Wipe off the cleaner residue with a clean cloth or paper towels.
   • After cleaning, if you notice that you missed a blob of paint, start over, wet the paint with soapy water, and scrape it away until the window is clean.

Method 2 of 3: Remove paint from window frames

1. Remove all iron parts from the frame, such as nails, screws and handles. There shouldn't be a ton of parts to remove from the frame, but if there are handles, nails, screws, and hinges, take them off and set them aside. If you have very old windows, put the iron parts for each window in a plastic bag and label the bag so you know which window the parts belong to.
   • If there is a carpet under the window or furniture near the window, remove them beforehand so that they are safe while you get started.
2. Place a sheet under the window frame of which you want to removes paint. You are working with a chemical and there will probably be a lot of paint flakes coming off, so it is important that you catch everything so that your floor does not get ruined. Use a clean cloth and make sure it completely covers the area under the window you are treating.
   • If you don't have a tarpaulin, you can also use a sheet of plastic or trash bags. If you really don't have anything else, use an old sheet. You do not protect the floor against spilled moisture, but you do catch the paint flakes that you scrape away with it.
3. Before using paint stripper, put on protective clothing. Wear protective gloves, goggles and a breathing mask. If possible, open some windows or turn on a fan in the room you are working in to keep the air from getting too stuffy.
   • The breathing mask covers your mouth and nose and ensures that you can breathe clean air, even if a lot of dust particles, chemical fumes and paint flakes are flying around.
4. Place solvent-based paint stripper in a clean bucket. A solvent-based paint stripper is great for a job like this because it loosens the paint from the wood so you can scrape off the paint a lot more easily. Use a clean bucket large enough to safely put the solvent in without it spilling over the edge.
   • Visit a hardware store near you to purchase a solvent-based paint stripper.

   Warning: Always read the instructions on the packaging before using such a product. Some brands have different application and withdrawal instructions.

   
   
5. Dip a paintbrush in the paint remover and spread it on a small area of ​​the frame. Use a clean, inexpensive brush from a hardware store or paint store. Start on one side of the window instead of treating the entire frame at once. This way, less chemical fumes are released and you can take a break while the paint stripper soaks into the paint.
   • Apply the paint stripper as thickly as possible without dripping down on the wood.
6. Let the paint stripper soak into the wood for about 20 minutes. The processing time can be different, depending on what is stated in the directions on the packaging. Look for signs that the paint stripper is working:
   • Blisters form in the paint.
   • The surface of the paint looks uneven.
   • In some places the paint can even peel off the frame.
7. Remove as much of the treated paint as possible with a scraper. When you have let the paint remover soak in long enough, start by scraping away the paint. Make gentle movements and do your best not to make dents and holes in the wood under the paint.
   • If you can push up a small portion of the paint, you can usually remove the paint in a long strip.
   • If you need to remove several coats of paint, you will need to apply the paint stripper and maybe repeat the scraping process several times until you can see the bare wood.

   Working with lead paint: The use of lead paint has been banned in the EU since 1990, but lead paint may still be present in older homes. Make sure to cover your carpet with a tarpaulin that you tape down so that the dust particles from the paint don't get on it. Put on a breathing mask and goggles, put covers on your shoes, and use a construction vacuum to vacuum up all the paint and dust particles that have been removed from the floor and windowsill.

8. Use a wire brush to scrape away paint from cracks and depressions. If the frame has narrower moldings that cannot be easily treated with a paint scraper, use a wire brush. You can then get to all the narrow spots and clean them.
   • Just like with a scraper, make gentle movements and be careful not to make dents and holes in the wood with the wire brush.
9. Apply paint remover and scrape off the paint until the entire frame has been treated. This job can take several days, depending on how much time you have for it each day. However, you will be done with it sooner than you think. Before you start on the next window, make sure to treat an entire window.
10. Wipe the wood with a clean, wet cloth. When you have treated the entire frame with paint stripper and scraped off the paint, wet a clean cloth with water. Wipe the frame and the windowsill and don't forget to treat all the cracks and corners.
    • If there are a lot of paint chips, first vacuum them up with a construction vacuum cleaner.
11. Sand the frame to ensure a smooth surface. Use a sanding block with 220 grit sandpaper to remove small imperfections and small chips of paint that are still on the wood. When you are done with that, you can repaint and finish the window frames as desired.
    • After sanding, wipe the frame again with a damp cloth to remove all sanding dust.

Method 3 of 3: Treat steel frames

1. Put down a sheet and put on your protective clothing. Cover the ground under the window with a tarpaulin or canvas cloth to protect the floor from the paint stripper. Put on rubber gloves and put on safety goggles and breathing mask before getting started.
   • If possible, open some windows or turn on a fan to ventilate the room as much as possible while you work.

   Tip: wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants to protect your skin from spills and splashes.

2. Pour the paint stripper into a glass or metal bucket for easier handling. Use paint stripper that is specially designed for metal and read the instructions on the packaging before use. Some products take longer to act, which can influence your choice when buying.
   • Never use anything made of plastic or Styrofoam to put the paint stripper in, as it can eat through the material and end up on your floor.
3. Apply the paint remover to the steel frame and let it take effect. Use a disposable paintbrush so you can just throw it away when you finish the job. Apply the stripper as thickly as possible without it dripping down at the frame. Let the paint stripper do its job. This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
   • When the paint stripper starts to work, bubbles will form in the paint and the paint will peel off the steel frame.
4. Scrape off as much paint as possible. Use a paint scraper, nylon brush, or scouring pad to remove the peeling paint. If there is another coat of paint underneath the first coat, reapply paint stripper as needed and scrape off until the metal is bare.
   • Use a wire brush to treat nooks and crannies that are hard to reach.
5. Wipe the frame with white spirit. White spirit is often used to thin paint and is therefore an excellent means of removing residual flakes and spots with paint. Just dampen a clean cloth with white spirit and wipe the frame from top to bottom.
   • You can buy turpentine at the hardware store.
6. Rinse and dry the frame with a clean cloth. Dip a clean cloth in water and wipe the frame thoroughly to remove the paint thinner or turpentine residue. Then take a clean, dry cloth and dry the frame completely. When you have done that, you can repaint or finish your steel frame as desired.

Tips

• Never try to scrape off dry paint. You need a lubricant to avoid scratching the glass or making dents in the wood.
• Cover the glass with plastic that you tape with painter's tape to avoid dripping paint on the window while painting.

Necessities

Scrape paint off glass

• Glass measuring cup
• White vinegar
• Rubber gloves
• Two or three clean cloths
• Sponge (optional)
• Small bucket
• Dishwashing liquid
• Razor
• Glass cleaner

Remove paint from window frames

• Tarpaulin
• Protective gloves
• Safety glasses
• Breathing mask
• Solvent based paint stripper
• Bucket
• Paintbrush
• Scraper
• Wire brush
• Clean cloths
• Sandpaper

Treat steel frames

• Rubber gloves
• Safety glasses
• Breathing mask
• Tarpaulin or canvas cloth
• Paint stripper or solvent
• Glass or metal tin
• Single use paint brushes
• Paint scraper
• Nylon brush or scourer
• Turpentine