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How to Remove Spray Paint From Glass - Techniques for Graffiti Removal
Cee Sanchez • Sep 12, 2019
The ease of graffiti removal depends on the surface. Keep reading to discover how to remove spray paint from glass windows and protect your business.
Did you know property crime
is on a decline?
That’s good news for any homeowner, but there is still the possibility of minor problems popping up.
One of the worst things that can happen to your property is vandalism. If people paint on your walls, you have to go through the process of repainting that section. That’s exhausting, but it’s nowhere near as troublesome as getting rid of vandalism on glass windows.
There’s no need to panic if it happens to you. In this guide, you’ll learn how to remove spray paint from glass. That way, you’ll know how to get rid of unwanted graffiti without damaging your property more.
If you’re ready to learn, read on and find out more.
Choosing the Right Solvent
Solvents are usually liquid substances used to make another substance dissolve. With the right solvent choice, your job becomes a lot easier. To avoid expensive mistakes, you need to familiarize yourself with common solvents.
A general rule is to use stronger solvents for long-standing graffiti. That’s another reason you shouldn’t delay and remove it as soon as possible.
Here are some solvents you should know about to properly remove spray paint from glass surfaces and windows:
1. Mineral Spirits and Turpentine
Also known as "white spirits," these are petroleum distillates.
Their main purpose is to act as a substitute for turpentine. But most painters use it as a thinner due to its low price, non-sticky substance, and less odor.
These substances are great for initial cleaning processes. After all, mineral spirits can only dissolve fresh paint. But turpentine can remove slightly-hardened paint as long as you use it properly.
2. Alcohol
Alcohol comes in many forms like isopropyl, methyl, and more.
Your best bet is to use denatured alcohol since it helps in thinning shellac. It’s also a good solution when trying to clean permanent markers off your glass surfaces.
However, be careful with alcohol. If you enjoy heat-reflective window film, alcohol could damage them. Use other methods if you’re not sure about the surface of your windows.
3. Methylene Chloride
It’s the main component of most paint removers, especially for heavy-duty brushes.
It’s often combined with other chemicals, marketing it as "graffiti removers." It’s the most effective in removing paint no matter the finish.
But take note that it will attack and make plastics soft. It’s also hard on human skin, so make sure to wear protective gloves when working with this solvent. According to the CDC, if your skin gets exposed to this substance for a long time, you might get chemical burns.
How to Remove Spray Paint from Glass
Your techniques can be as important as picking the right solvent.
In most cases, you’ll need a clean rag, using a clean section for each wipe. If you don’t, you’ll end up smearing graffiti around since the paint becomes softer.
Here are some graffiti techniques fit for the glass material you have:
1. Fiberglass
Depending on the graffiti type, you might need to work your way up on the type of solvent you’ll use.
You should remember that acetone-based solvents aren’t ideal for fiberglass cleaning. With that, you should try using paint remover at full-strength, rinsing it carefully to avoid deforming it.
2. Glass or Plexiglass
When you’re removing graffiti from regular glass, a good method is to use any razor blades to scrape away cured paint.
If you’re dealing with other marks, you can use any type of solvent. Get a clean rag and hold it over the graffiti for a short time, letting the solvent work.
After a while, the paint will become softer, allowing you to wipe it with the clean sections of the rag. If you’re trying to clean Plexiglass, you need to be aware of lacquer thinner solvents. This solvent will often attack its surface, making it foggy while causing the paint to smear.
That’s why you should ensure the compatibility of your solvent product. After you’re done with this technique, make sure to give the glass a thorough cleanse. That way, the loose paint will wash away.
For your finishing touches, wipe it with a clean, dry rag. This prevents the residual paint from drying up on your glass surface.
Remove Graffiti from Other Materials
Aside from glass, other surfaces can become targets for vandalism, too.
Keep in mind your windows also have pieces of wood and metal to hold them in place and the spray paint might affect them as well. If that happens in your property, here are some tips you can use:
1. Wood
If the marks are new, try working your way up from the weakest solvent first.
Most types of thinners will get rid of magic markers while acetone removes spray paint as long as it’s within the day. Make sure to use a clean rag and use fresh sections whenever you wipe.
Is the graffiti from latex or oil-based paints? If so, make sure to get a stain-killing primer for outdoor use. After it dries, you can use methods to remove regular paints. Consider investing in a sealer coat after you finish as a deterrent to future vandalism attempts.
2. Brick
For graffiti on this surface, you need to use extra-strength paint remover.
Apply it using a wire brush since it will work into the holes and pores of the stone. Leave it for a while so it activates and makes a deep cleanse.
After that, rinse the wall with a pressure washer. If it doesn’t work, you can try using a soda-blaster instead. For flat surfaces, you can use light grit sandpaper to get rid of the paint instead.
Once you’re done, use a sealer to close out the stone’s pores. With that, it’s easier for you to remove future graffiti.
Get Rid of Graffiti Today!
These are the tips on how to remove spray paint from glass.
Don’t hesitate to use them since your property is precious.
You have other options if the above-mentioned tips don’t work for your situation. But if you need glass coatings, we encourage you to contact us today. We’ll help you out since we have the right expertise and products that will fulfill your specific needs.
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