Quck answer
To remove stain or varnish from glass, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the area: Lay down a protective covering on the surface where you’ll be working to catch any drips or spills.
2. Gather supplies: You’ll need a scraper or putty knife, a cloth or sponge, a glass cleaner, and a solvent such as acetone or nail polish remover.
3. Scrape off the stain: Use the scraper or putty knife to gently scrape away the stain or varnish from the glass surface. Be careful not to scratch the glass.
4. Apply solvent: Dampen a cloth or sponge with the solvent and gently rub the stained area. This will help loosen and dissolve the remaining stain.
5. Clean the glass: Use a glass cleaner to thoroughly clean the glass surface and remove any residue from the solvent or stain.
6. Repeat if necessary: If there are still traces of stain or varnish, repeat the process until the glass is completely clean.
Remember to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using solvents.
When it comes to clear glass, dried paint, stain, and varnish are easily removable that many painters don’t bother covering the windows. They simply return the next day and scrape them clean with a razor blade. However, removing stain or varnish from frosted glass is a bit more challenging as scraping may cause damage. Nevertheless, you can safely use strong solvents on frosted glass. Just be cautious not to let the solvent come into contact with the window frame, as it may cause damage.
Clear Glass
Step 1
Spray a window cleaning solution onto the window.
Step 2
Insert a new blade into a razor knife and hold the knife at a 20- to 30-degree angle against the glass. Gently slide the blade under patches of dried stain or varnish and scrape them off. In most cases, the material will come off easily. If not, spray window cleaner directly onto the patch, wait a minute, and try again.
Step 3
Spray the window again after removing the patch and use a squeegee to dry it.
Frosted Glass
Step 1
Spray window cleaner or full-strength white vinegar onto a patch of dried stain or varnish. Wait a minute or two, and then attempt to wipe the material off the glass using an abrasive sponge.
Step 2
If the substance cannot be removed with window cleaner, apply a solvent onto the patch using a paintbrush. Mineral spirits are effective in removing most varnishes and stains without damaging the window frame. For stubborn spots, use acetone or lacquer thinner, but be cautious when applying these solvents as they can soften paint and finishes on aluminum windows.
Step 3
After applying the solvent, wipe the patches with an abrasive sponge and then apply more solvent to remove any residue. Wait a minute or two before wiping it off. You may need to repeat this process a few times to ensure all of the stain or varnish is removed.
Step 4
Moisten a clean rag with warm water and use it to clean the glass once all the spots are gone.
