cleaning a really dirty windshield

[RobertN]

Anyone have an idea to get overspray off a windshield. I parked for the day near a welding shop. They had to paint a large item, and did it outside. I got overspray on my widshield that will not come off. I have tried Windex, a "super windshield cleaner" from Kragen/Checker, and finally acetone. Nothing will take this off.

Any ideas, besides a new windshield?

 

[roxynoodle]

I have a container of something called "Oops" that took dried paint off the woodwork in my front room. The former owners were pretty sloppy about their painting. It had been there for a minimum of 12 years and probably more. I got it at Walmart and I remember it was cheap. May be worth a try.

 

[Richard]

I'm thinking "goof off" might do it. I presume you mean off the glass only? if so, perhaps a razor blade to help the hard parts?

Watch out for the back side of that blade though!! I know you've seen the blades with one side protected.



Oh, and a little trick in case you/others havn't heard...

When you are cleaning glass, the best thing to use is NOT paper towels or anything like that... but use NEWSPAPER!!!

It will not streak and will leave your glass as clean as it can be.

 

[rozett]

If it were me, I'd use a razor blade and scrape it off. Using one of those handles that they sell in the paint department, you can cover a lot of surface area pretty quickly.

 

[Phils]

What about the rest of your vehicle? The paint overspray ONLY landed on the windshield? Were you in a designated parking place? Did you show that company what their overspray did to your car/truck?

The razorblade suggestions will work but they will also leave tiny scratches on your glass. It'll never be the same. But if we are talking about a 1985 Taurus, who cares? If it's a 2005 Mercedes I'd care! Something in between? How much do you care? Since you didn't mention damage to your paint, maybe it's not an issue for you. If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance it should cover the damages less your deductible, if you don't want to involve the welding shop.

Phil

 

[RobertN]

What about the rest of your vehicle? The paint overspray ONLY landed on the windshield? Were you in a designated parking place? Did you show that company what their overspray did to your car/truck?

Well, it hit the rest of the vehicle too. The car pool area near me is a pain to get to because of traffic, so we started parking in an old lot by this welding shop. It worked out great; no traffic to deal with, quick in and out for both of us. Well, except when they did painting on large items.

I can't blame them for the overspray; we were parking in the old lot by them, with no notice etc.

I tried the razor blade. It took a lot off, but then I saw too, all the nicks and stuff on the window from daily use, off road, hunting fishing etc. There is a crack in the windshield, outside of the main driver view. Maybe it is just time for a new one... I rmember I replaced one on my old truck because the seal was leaking; the windshield did not come out in one piece... The new one was crystal clear compared to the old 100,000+ mile one.

 

[RobertN]

I

Oh, and a little trick in case you/others havn't heard...

When you are cleaning glass, the best thing to use is NOT paper towels or anything like that... but use NEWSPAPER!!!

It will not streak and will leave your glass as clean as it can be.

My Grandmother taught me that years ago. Interestingly enough, she'd use kerosene to clean. I don't know how it didn't leave a film, but it worked.

 

[RonMar]

Laquer thinner to soften the paint and a razor blade. I have never scratched a window with a razor scraper. I suppose it is possible if you put a lot of pressure down on the blade at a steep angle. I have always kept the blade at a very shallow angle and never had a problem.

 

[Michael_E_Tx]

I agree with lacquer thinner as the solvent of choice. I would also use single edge razor blades for main cleaning, then switch to lacquer thinner and 0000 steel wool. 0000 steel wool will not scratch your windshield either.

Mike

 

[LBrown59]

Laquer thinner to soften the paint and a razor blade. I have never scratched a window with a razor scraper. I suppose it is possible if you put a lot of pressure down on the blade at a steep angle. I have always kept the blade at a very shallow angle and never had a problem.

I've haD GOOD SUCCESS USING electrical parts cleaner to clean paint off plastic or glsss lenses and light bulbs.

 

[roho]

This is a pretty old thread but I got a fix for overspray on windshield! Walk over to welding shop where overspray came from and ask for a clear plastic welding hood lens, it's a protective lens to cover the shaded lens! All welders have them! Anyway just scrap the edge on the windshield and the overspray will come off and as far as the overspray on the car paint, a fine compound that is bought at any auto part supply store or department will get rid of the overspray! BUT if YOU were parked in lawful parking space YOU may ask, & I mean ASK the welding shop to have it done for YOU! They have or should have insurance for this type of ACCIDENT!

 

[George2615]

I have cleaned a few windshields of overspray and use lacquer thinner on a rag. It takes the overspray off. When done use windex or similar to final clean. No scraping involved. Be careful not to drip on paint finish.

 

[JJT]

I'd run it thru the car wash, (not a touchless car wash). Careful with the paint thinner and acetone, if you spill any on the car you'll be sorry.

 

[rozett]

And when you are done getting the overspray off, put RainX on the windshield. If you use it on a regular basis, nothing will ever stick to it again. I love the stuff....

 

[JESSE1]

The safest way to remove overspray is to use a claybar. Go to Autozone or any good auto supply store and buy a claybar system made by Mequiers or Mothers. It consists of a piece of clay and a bottle of spray detailer used as a lubricant. Wash the car and dry. Spray the detailer on a small area and rub the clay over the surface in a back and forth motion, not in circles. Wipe off the residue and continue over the rest of the car, windshield included. When finished apply a good wax. Not as hard as it sounds and really produces a smooth finish. Just use plenty of spray detailer as you rub the clay over the paint.

 

[Kubotasrking]

And when you are done getting the overspray off, put RainX on the windshield. If you use it on a regular basis, nothing will ever stick to it again. I love the stuff....

Love the RainX. And we get our fair share in the Pacific NW.

 

[5030tinkerer]

Another trick to try is to use a much less abrasive version of Comet that is used for cleaning kitchens. It's called Bar Keepers Friend and when mixed with a bit of water forms a nice low-abrasive paste that works wonders.