Need safe way to clean ext. glass

Hello. The previous owner of my 4runner painted the roof but didn't mask or cover the glass. What is the safest way to remove the speckles of paint and not scratch or dull the glass? Thanks. michael j

Reply to
mj99a
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I find a razor blade works well, get the single-edge kind with the steel reinforced back (Red Devil brand?). Hold it at a shallow angle and it'll take the paint right off. Should not scratch the glass, probably wash the glass first to get it clean of dust and dirt.

Reply to
Roger Brown

Reply to
slikrikd

OOh,Ooh, I know this one!!!

Use the razor blade as mentioned, but also *CAREFULLY!!!!!!!!!* spray it with Easy-off first. WEAR GLOVES AND DON'T SPRAY THE PAINT!!!!! The Easy-Off makes the blade glide easily so it won't scratch as easily.

Reply to
HachiRoku

Acetone and a terry cloth towel. Been there, done that. Just be careful as acetone WILL eat rubber/plastic and WILL strip the wax off any paint it touches.

Reply to
The OTHER Kevin in San Diego

This is a VERY BAD IDEA! Easy-Off contains lye and/or other chemicals that are extremely corrosive to paint, metals, and some plastics. It will also remove chrome, especially chrome plating on plastic. In fact, the instructions on the original formula (Heavy Duty Easy-Off) state: "Avoid excessive use on glass. Do not use on...aluminum, chrome...." Even the newer non-lye formula is going to contain damaging chemicals.

(And, btw, it is impossible to completely eliminate chemical overspray no matter how careful you are.)

A razor blade alone (no chemicals) is the best way to remove paint overspray on glass. Use a single-edge razor (with the hard-metal back) to work flat surfaces (you can get blade holders to make this job easier). For curved surfaces, get a regular double-edge blade and wrap one edge with several layers of heavy tape so you don't cut yourself. The double-edge blade is flexible and will follow the contours of the glass. Go slowly, don't force the blade, and be careful not to dig-in the corners.

If you want to lubricate your razor blade so that it glides easier, use clear water or water mixed with some mild liquid soap like car wash soap or shampoo; do not use liquid dish soap as the harsh grease-cutting detergents in those will strip the wax and embedded oils from your paint.

Regards, Michael

Reply to
DeepDiver

Try using mineral spirits and a "Dobi" pad, a sponge covered in a plastic netting. Take care not to scrub too hard on the rubber gasket; but even here the concern is your elbow grease, not the mineral spirits nor the Dobi. This method will remove all the overspray from the glass. the Dobi soft scrubber won't scratch the glass, and the mineral spirits will help suspend the paint and act as a pore filler to reduce scratching when you get to the windshield gasket and trim ring. This method will be a little (not much) bit slower than the razor blade, But will remove most of the the field. Wash it all off, then attack the stubborn spots with a razor blade.

If there is overspray on the rubber and the trim ring, beyond light scrubbing with a dobi and and a good citrus cleaner, I've no idea. Definitely do not use any alcohol based products on the rubber, it will degrade it.

Reply to
?reality

On Wed, 23 Jun 2004 23:46:14 GMT, "?reality"

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willy

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Rocky

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Rocky

Reply to
Rakesh

-- A product caled 'GoofOff' is made specificaly for this purpose. Pour a dab on a rag, rub on the paint, and it will dissolve it. You can find it at most any hardware store.

Every day is a good day- it's just that some are better than others.

Reply to
max-income

the generic equivalent of goofoff is xylene. works like magic on latex paint especially but be careful where you put it as it will melt some plastics.

Reply to
slikrikd

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