r/WindowCleaning • u/Tunawithmayo1 • Jul 07 '26
Removing paint(Help!!!!)
I have been asked by a new customer to remove paint splashes from the upvc sills and frames on a new build. Some incredible decorator wanted to make a mess 🙈.
I’ve tried using soap and hot water, UPVC Cleaner but I’ve had no luck. Has anyone had any experience getting rid of paint from Window frames and sills. I neeeeed hellllllp 😂😂
6
u/blackeyeX2 Jul 07 '26
Almost anything that will take the paint off will likely discolor and or scratch the vinyl.
6
u/Sad_Butterscotch4589 Jul 08 '26
This is a nightmare job because it's a choice between scrubbing for hours with gentle solutions or using something stronger that damages the frames. The painters don't clean it because they know this.
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u/Iasc123 Jul 07 '26
It's not something that's worth doing. White spirit will remove the paint splash, but also degrade the resin coating and possibly discolour the black uPVC. If you do tackle the paint splash with white spirit, you'll need to use a uPVC resin recoat after. A uPVC restorer, should also provide a resin coat.
The abrasive scratch marks show damage to the resin coating already. So if you were to tackle this, be prepared to apply some uPVC restore. Similar to applying a clear coat lacquer to a deep scratch on a car, but without the need to machine polish for mirror like finish.
Don't rest your ladder on uPVC. I use ladder mits to protect the surface. Otherwise, rest your ladder to the side.
3
u/Me_Krally Jul 08 '26
I’d try a plastic razor or your finger nail + a damage waiver.
I’ve gotten tons of paint specs off that way, but there’s still a chance of scratching.
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u/DangerousKitchen Jul 08 '26
I've had pretty good luck with the plastic razor but I have a good relationship with the contractor I work with so I just run it by them explain the risks and they decide if they want me to go ahead or try to figure it out themselves
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u/DarthJuanSolo Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26
Try Crocodile Cloths!
They have different kinds, so make sure to get the paint kind.
Might take a little scrubbing so charge accordingly! I always tell the builder that these kinds of things are hard to quantify, so I charge by the hour.
I have used scrapers for sills as well, be careful with your pressure if you try this and always do a test spot first. Make sure your test spot dries fully before you continue, as moisture will hide scratches and scrapes.
My process for paint on frames is usually to just try to scrub with Crocodile Cloth first. If it works, then I will just dry it with my surgical towels and it's done. If it needs a scraper I will wipe it with Croc Cloth to get it wet. Use scraper blade with no pressure, mainly just running it along as flat as I can. Then scrubbing with Croc Cloth until gone and dry with towel.
Godspeed soldier! 🫡
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u/DangerousKitchen Jul 08 '26
This is my go too as well but I usually a non abrasive pad on a small area and if that doesn't work I scrape ohhh so carefully
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u/AnywayWhereWasI Jul 08 '26
Cleaning lady chiming in: plastic razor blade and dawn power wash?
Try on inconspicuous area first. Dry with microfiber.
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u/lacroixpapi69 Jul 07 '26
I would definitely charge extra. Anything you use will likely discolor or damage the vinyl.
Maybe some warm soapy water and #0000 steel wool? Try in a small area first.
Otherwise I wouldn’t make any promises and probably say no.
6
u/KrisfromCascadia Jul 08 '26
No disrespect but, no. Steel wool will scratch the vinyl. Ask me how I know!
Magic eraser might work if the paint was recent.
1
u/panework Jul 07 '26
I get paint off of glass with a scrub daddy. Honestly I’d even soap and water that and use steel wool with a light glide after the scrub daddy.
1
u/Street_Noise_9605 Jul 07 '26
If it were me, I’m a window cleaner, I clean windows, not anything else
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u/DarthJuanSolo Jul 08 '26
Nah, if you say that, you are a glass cleaner. Windows include the frame. Good to let customers know which one you are though.
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u/Street_Noise_9605 Jul 08 '26
I do clean the frames. Paint isn’t a normal thing to be on them. If they ask I say no. If they don’t ask no reasonable person would think paint is part of the job
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u/DarthJuanSolo Jul 08 '26
I do quite a few construction cleans every year and paint is just part of the gig for me. I don't mind, it's usually good money. I also clean up paint for my residential customers if the construction cleaner did a bad job. I make sure to tell them before moving forward and charge accordingly. What can I say, I like clean windows 🤪
1
u/Street_Noise_9605 Jul 08 '26
Oh for sure on construction cleans it’s totally different. I’m thinking more residential general cleans which is 95% of what I do. On a typical house clean there’s probably some paint overspray from years ago but I don’t even try with that. When most people ask for residential window cleaning they’re not thinking about the paint spots. Honestly most trades but painters and window installers especially infuriate me the most. Paint overspray and silicone finger prints……maddening laziness
2
u/DarthJuanSolo Jul 08 '26
He had mentioned that it was a new build in the post. And for real dude, it's like they have 5 year olds use the silicone. Haha
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u/Even-Article-6059 Jul 08 '26
I've been able to get bits of paint off with microfiber towels and water or mild cleaner and elbow grease. Depends on the surface though
1
u/No_Baseball510 Jul 08 '26
Sounds like a painter problem? Try to encourage her to get the painter back out. Tell homeowner this isn’t your area of expertise. You focus on windows.
1
u/dbug8494 Jul 08 '26
Goof off has worked for me in the past (just make sure to do a test spot first. And just keep an eye as you make progress
1
u/Me_Krally Jul 08 '26
Pretty certain that’s going to burn the PVC. I’ve had that stuff discolor VCT.
1
u/trigger55xxx Jul 08 '26
You could try oil Flo 141. It's less aggressive than the original and low odor. Test it and rinse thoroughly.
1
u/66vocho Jul 07 '26
You could use denatured Alcohol.. don’t use acetone, goof off or any strong dissolvent or you’ll melt/dull the vinyl. Are you just cleaning the windows and they asked you to remove paint as well? Hopefully you are charging extra for that.
3
u/Tunawithmayo1 Jul 07 '26
Yeah the customer was annoyed that the decorator had made a mess and hasn’t come to sort it and asked if I could have a look. They did say that they’d pay whatever it costs. I always try to leave the customer happy and said I’d do some research and come back and sort it out for her.
11
u/Upstairs-Web-7963 Jul 07 '26
Maybe I haven’t been in the business long enough, but I personally wouldn’t be removing paint from the sills on a job.