How To Get Spray Paint Off Glass? – Detailed Guide

Whether it’s graffiti or an art project, leaving unwanted spray paint on the glass is not a big issue if you know how to get rid of them. The most important part of removing the spray paint off the glass is that you have to get your hands on the right solvent for making this process even quicker and easier.

These are basically the liquids that are used to dissolve the paint stains. In this article, we’ll discuss some easy DIYs that you can use to remove the spray paint from the glass.

How To Get Spray Paint Off Glass?

How To Get Spray Paint Off Glass
Featured Image: How To Get Spray Paint Off Glass

Before starting, the foremost thing is to identify the type of glass and then collect all the cleaning supplies accordingly. The significant part while using the solvents is that it has to be used with eye protection and rubber gloves for safety measures.

Furthermore, the working area should be well-ventilated in order to prevent the inhalation of harmful fumes. Following are the paint removal supplies that you need.

  • Paper towels
  • Eye protection
  • Drop cloth
  • Plastic wrap
  • Rubber gloves
  • Scouring pads
  • Microfiber cleaning rags
  • 5-gallons bucket
How To Get Spray Paint Off Glass

Removing Spray Paint With Acetone

Acetone is considered to be one of the most effective substances that are used for removing paint from glass. In case of overspray, you don’t need to panic as acetone can remove the paint stains easily. Acetone can be in the form of paint thinner, nail polish remover, or lacquer thinner that is effectively used for removing the paint from the glass.

For this process, first, you have to soak the rag in the acetone. After that, keep that rag on the dried paint stain for a few minutes. Rub the rag over the stain and in this way the paint is removed from the glass. Furthermore, sock the microfiber cleaning rag in warm water and wipe away the leftover acetone solution. After that, clean the glass with soapy water and use a dry paper towel at the end. Do not use acetone on the fiberglass as it can dissolve its protective covering.

Removing The Spray Paint With Vinegar

For removing the spray paint from the glass while using vinegar, you only need 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 gallon of warm water, and 2 tablespoons of dishwashing soap. The best part of this vinegar is that it can be used on metals too. The acid that is present in the vinegar actively dissolves the stain of the spray paint. The mixture of vinegar is also known as a natural paint brush cleaner. The best part is that it is safe to be used on fiberglass as well.

In order to make the mixture of the vinegar, firstly you have to pour the vinegar into the measuring cup and warm it in the microwave oven for a few minutes. Then remove the cup from the microwave by using the rubber gloves or oven mitts, preventing the hand from burning. Take the clean rag and soak it in the hot vinegar. Rub the rag on the dried paint stain vigorously. In this way, the paint is removed from the glass.

After completing the process, grab the warm water bucket and add dishwashing soap. After that take the clean microfiber rag and soak it in the warm water and soap mixture. Wipe the rag over the glass and then dry it using a paper towel or any dry cloth. If the paint stain is there on the fiberglass, the vinegar is safe to use as it does not dissolve the protective coating of the fiberglass.

Removing The Spray Paint By Using Alcohol

This is another best way to remove the spray paint from the glass as it is safe to be used on any type of glass. In order to make this type of DIY, grab the clean microfiber rag and soak it in the solution of rubbing alcohol. After that, apply the soaked rag over the stained glass for a few minutes in order to remove the hard and dried paint.

Furthermore, the denatured alcohol can also be used as the paint stripper and is better and much more potent as compared to rubbing alcohol. Paint can also be removed by using denatured alcohol. First of all, pour a small amount of denatured alcohol on a clean and dry rag and scrub it over the stain on the glass. After that, clean the glass with a mixture of soap and water.

Removing The Spray Paint By Using Pressure Washer

Using a pressure washer for removing unwanted spray paint stains from the glass is considered to be one of the most effective and beneficial methods. The most important factor while using a pressure washer is that you have to set the pressure at the lowest point in order to prevent the glass from any damage or breakage.

Before starting the pressure washer, the first thing you have to do is to check the spray nozzles and water pressure far from the window and adjust the pressure of the water accordingly. The best way is to use a wide-angle fan spray attachment and start spraying the water at a 45-degree angle while moving the hose back and forth in order to rub the dry paint stains from the glass. After this, use a paper towel or dry cloth for cleaning the glass.

Removing The Spray Paint By Using Turpentine

Most manufacturers recommend turpentine for removing the spray paint from the glass. The turpentine can also be used for removing the residues of silicone glue after installation. One of the significant factors that should be kept in mind is that you have to properly clean all the supplies that are used while removing the spray paint using turpentine.

In order to use the turpentine for removing the paint, grab a cotton ball or dry, clean rag, and dip it in the turpentine. Apply that soaked cotton ball or rag to the targeted area of the glass and rub it for a few minutes in order to loosen the stain.

After this step, the next is to grab the clean microfiber cleaning rag and sock it in the solution of warm water and dishwashing soap and wipe it all over the glass. Dry it with a paper towel or dry cloth.

Removing The Spray Paint By Using Mineral Spirit

This is another beneficial and effective way to get the paint off the glass. These mineral spirits are basically inexpensive and cheap petroleum distillate that works perfectly to dissolve and remove the unwanted spray paint stains from the glass. However, these mineral spirits work actively on fresh paint stains.

The best way is to make the solution right on the spot and initially clean the fresh paint stain, preventing it from drying out. For this purpose, you have to dip the clean rag and cotton ball in the solution of mineral spirit.

After that, apply the wet cotton ball or clean rag to the targeted area of the glass for a few minutes in order to loosen the paint spots. Rub it vigorously and remove the stain from the glass. After that, wash the glass with a solution of warm water and dishwashing soap.

Removing The Spray Paint By Using Razor Blade Or Paint Scraper

This is another beneficial and quick method to remove the spray paint stains from the glass. Paint scrapers and razor blades are used at the stage when solvents cannot remove the paint stains. You have to be very careful while using this paint scraper and razor blade as they have sharp edges.

The best way to use these scrapers is to keep them at a 45-degree angle, lifting the blade from the glass after every stroke. Make sure to avoid scratching the glass.

As soon as you hear the scratching sound, immediately stop the process. Furthermore, after removing the paint spots, make sure to clean the overall glass with the solution of water and dishwashing soap and clean it with a dry paper towel or cloth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does spray paint come off of glass?

Unwanted spray paint stains can easily come off of the glass by using various effective DIYs. The best and the most effective method to remove the stains is by using white vinegar. Furthermore, other solutions like acetone, alcohol, or turpentine can also be used to remove the stubborn paint stains quickly and easily from the glass.

Can Windex remove the spray paint?

Using Windex to remove the spray paint from the glass is also one of the most common and quick ways to get rid of these stains. You can spray the Windex solution on the targeted area and wipe it off by using a dry cloth or paper towel. In this way, the paint is removed from the glass.

Is acetone safe to clean the glass?

Both acetone and mineral spirit are the perfect solvents that can be used for removing the spray paint and cleaning the glass. Rub the cloth dipped in acetone over the glass for a few minutes and after that clean it with the solution of warm water and dishwashing soap.

Can baking soda remove paint?

Baking soda DIY is another quick and highly beneficial way to remove stubborn paint stains from the glass. Mix the baking soda in the warm water and dip the clean rag in the solution. After that, rub it vigorously over the affected area for a few minutes and then clean the glass with the Windex or by using the solution of dishwashing soap and warm water. Hence it is the best way to get rid of unwanted paint stains.

Final Thoughts

While making various art projects and graffiti, there are high chances that your glass doors and any other glass placed near the working area can get stained by the spray paints. In this case, don’t panic as there are numerous solutions available for removing the paint stains from the glass.

Among them, the top most easy DIYs are listed above that can help you to get rid of unwanted paint stains. Before selecting any method, make sure that you know the type of glass as the various solvent can easily damage the protective covering of the glass.


We participate in affiliate programs to help us fund MechanicsGear. Some of the links in this website are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product using our link, we will earn a small commission. Don’t worry! This comes at no additional cost to you, and we will never base our reviews on whether or not we earn a commission off of a product. With that said, if you find our review helpful and decide to purchase an item we review, we would be very appreciative if you use our links to do so. It will help us bring you more awesome content in the future!

Leave a Comment