Painting Your House? Tips For Keeping Your Windows Clean
If you've been putting off repainting your house because you don't want to deal with having to cover and tape your windows, this article may have just the solution for you. You don't have to cover your windows completely when you're painting if you know how to remove the occasional paint spills and streaks. Here are a few things that you should know before you dismiss the idea to paint your house this year.
Preventing Paint From Sticking To The Glass
While taping off the windows will keep paint off the glass, it's a time-consuming process. You can get nearly the same effect by applying petroleum jelly to the glass before you paint. Any paint that would hit the glass will actually fall on the petroleum jelly, which can easily be wiped off when you're done painting. Once you remove the petroleum jelly, wash the windows thoroughly with your favorite window cleaner.
Using The Right Tools For Paint Removal
If you do happen to get paint on the glass, it's not a disaster. You just need to know the right way to get it off. Unfortunately, many people go after the paint with a razor blade and nothing else. Although the razor blade will remove the paint, it can scratch the glass. Scratches are more common when you use the blade on a dry window.
Instead of scraping a dry window, create a solution with some mild dish detergent, water, and a little bit of white vinegar. Spray the window liberally with the solution before you scrape the paint away to minimize the risk of scratches. Another great way to avoid scratches is to invest in a plastic scraper blade. It's less abrasive than a traditional blade but still effective.
Approaching The Process Properly
When you hold the scraper blade to the glass, hold it at an angle to the glass. Don't push the blade straight-on. Scrape toward the window frame, but be careful not to damage the window gasket as that will ruin the seal on the window. Finally, when you make a pass with the scraper, lift it from the glass and return it to the starting point. Don't run it back and forth across the glass, because that is more likely to cause scratches as well.
With these tips, you can keep your windows clean even while painting your house. For more advice, talk with a local window cleaning company such as Grover Cleaning Service Inc. They can give you other guidance to keep your window glass as clean as possible.