Everybody loves spray paint because of its easy-to-use and beautiful finish after paint. But what happens when we accidentally split spray paint on some objects?
You can easily remove spray paint from a mirror by using nail polish, oven cleaner, graffiti remover, vinegar, paint thinner, varnish remover, scraper, sanitizer, pressure washer, or even a hairdryer. Regardless of the method used, be careful not to chip or break the mirror during removal.
In this article, I will share ten easy, simple steps on how to get spray paint off the mirror.
10 Easy Ways to Get The Spray Paint Off Mirror
Let’s look at ten different methods to remove paint:
1. Using Nail Polish Remover
This is the most efficient method to remove paint stains on a mirror’s surface. It is extra handy because most people have a bottle of nail polish remover in the house already so you won’t have to make a special trip to the store.
Personally, I have a wife and three daughters so there is no shortage of nail polish remover in my house!
When I was a kid, I remember playing with a spray paint can my mom gave me, thinking it was empty. But when I was playing with the spray paint can, I realized that it wasn’t completely empty and accidentally sprayed the pain onto a mirror in the garage.
Then my mother came and used her nail polish remover. It was like magic, and all the paint streaks got vanished within a few minutes.
I shared this incident to let you know that nail polish remover can be used to remove paint on the mirror, be aware and don’t let any kids play with spray paints as this could harm them.
Before you begin, take off the appropriate rubber gloves or latex gloves to safeguard your hands.
If the dots or specks of spray paint are tiny, you can apply nail polish remover on a folded strip of paper towel first, then apply it on the surface.
Apply only small quantities of nail polish remover. The nail polish remover will dissolve the paint very quickly, so all you’ll have to do is clean off the polish after few minutes.
2. Applying Easy-Off Oven Cleaner
Now, if nail polish remover didn’t work for you, another great alternative is to use Easy-Off Oven Cleaner. Be careful, though, because these cleaners contain a lot of potentially harmful chemicals, which can be quite dangerous.
You may consider wearing rubber gloves before doing anything.
To protect your floor, you can cover the areas you want to protect with painting tape before applying the easy-off oven cleaner. This way, you will have a polished mirror that is free of any stains.
3. Using Graffiti Remover
It is unnecessary to seek assistance from a professional regarding your paint staining if you’ve got a graffiti remover. Yes, graffiti remover also works very well, and removes spray paint streaks within a few minutes.
The best thing about graffiti remover is that it is a highly effective stain remover and safe for areas where animals and humans live. However, before beginning, you must first test the chemicals on a small area to make sure it doesn’t cause any discoloration or damage.
You can cover the mirror’s edges using painting tape so that the spray doesn’t get on the wood or plastic frame. Spray 7 inches away from the area affected, and ensure that you apply enough chemicals to soak up the stain.
After 2 minutes, use a soft, clean cloth to clean the surface. Repeat the process to remove any difficult stains.
4. Using Vinegar
If you still aren’t able to get rid of the paint on your mirror, try cleaning vinegar. It’s different from regular vinegar because it is less diluted, offering a more concentrated and powerful cleaning solution.
Be sure to put on rubber gloves before you apply this vinegar cleanser. Use a cotton ball to apply the vinegar and allow it a couple of minutes to finish the task.
You can then clean the paint stain off using the help of a soft, microfiber cloth.
5. Applying Paint Thinner
It can be difficult to remove spray paint stains using other methods if the paint is old, hard, and has been dry for a long time.
In this case, it is best to apply paint thinners.
But first, check that the space is adequately ventilated before performing any work because these fumes can be a bit overwhelming, to say the least.
Place a small amount of cloth over the thinner to soak it and then apply it to the affected area. Be sure to wear your rubber gloves when you do this.
To weaken the thick paint, it will take a few minutes to absorb the thinner into the paint. After that, you can clean the stains away.
6. Applying Sunnyside 2-Minute Remover
Again, this is another great alternative; if the spray paint is old and hard to remove, you can use Sunnyside 2-minute remover.
It’s a revolutionary safe formula that is Methylene chloride-free, and it is meant to remove not only paint but varnish as well, which is even more difficult to remove in most situations.
- Use a brush and dip it into the paint remover. Then, apply on top of the old paint.
- Once the paint is covered, The stripper should be left on for about two hours to help soften the old paint.
- After the paint is loose and dry, you can use a plastic knife or sharp blade to scrape the paint off.
The plastic won’t harm the mirror. Therefore it is recommended to continue until all paint is taken off.
Then, soak a towel in vinegar to clear away the paint remove on your mirror, and then polish it.
Bravo! Your mirror is now clean.
7. Use of a Scraper
If you dislike chemical substances, you can still take your paint stains off using the traditional method. It is possible to use the sharp edge of a razor blade or even a dedicated paint scraper to scrape the paint stain off.
For a more effective method, make a mix of liquid soap and water. Apply the mixture to the affected area using a soft towel.
Let the soap solution soak into the paint stain for a few minutes. This is extremely beneficial since it can prevent scratch marks from appearing on mirrors by creating a layer of lubrication on the surface.
It is important to exercise caution to ensure that you don’t scratch your glass while you’re at it. The blade should be moved from one side to the next slowly and evening. Then, raise the blade after each stroke instead of dragging it back. Pulling it in the other direction is unnecessary since this could result in a scratch.
Stop the procedure at the smallest sound of any kind. Add more soapy water as needed.
Repeat the process slowly until you’re certain that all staining of the paint is gone. Then wash the mirror using soap again to wash off any stain if left.
Also read: How long does spray paint take to dry? 7 Steps to dry it even faster.
8. Use a Sanitizer
We all know what sanitizer is. It basically kills germs. But you should also know that most sanitizers also contain more than 70% alcohol which can be surprisingly effective at removing paint from surfaces.
So, apply some sanitizer on the spray paint stains and let the sanitizer dry. Once it’s dried out, apply some more sanitizer to it. Just repeat this process twice or thrice until the paint stains soften.
After that, take a soft cloth or cotton and remove the paint. Once the paint is removed, wash the mirror with soap water gently.
9. Using a normal Hairdryer
If you’re looking to take spray paint off the mirror but do not have access to the things mentioned in the above paragraph, I have another simple method for you, use a hairdryer.
Yes, you have read right. You can also use a hair dryer to remove paint for certain types of paint, such as latex, but before using the hairdryer apply some soapy water onto the paint stains.
Now make sure to put the hairdryer on, also make sure it is heated, then use a moist and soft cloth to clean it.
Be aware, and do not spray other pieces of furniture around. So, you should reposition each item to ensure that they’re not stained.
Preventive measures can stop you from destroying valuable objects while cleaning.
10. Use a pressure washer
A pressure washer can also be used to remove spray paint stains from a mirror if you are able to bring the mirror outside and lay it down on a flat surface. Just remember to keep the water pressure low. If the water pressure is too high it may break the glass.
Before using the water pressure, make sure to apply some soap water on the spray paint stains. Then turn on the pressure washer. It will wash all the spray paint away.
These are few effective and easy ways that you can try to remove the spray paint off your glass. If you have any other questions, you can ask me in the comment box below.
FAQs
What Kind of Paint is Hard to Clean from Mirror?
While water-based and acrylic craft paints delicately adhere to the mirror and are easy to scrub away, the enamel, once dried, can be a little more difficult to get rid of. This is why enamel paints made of oil may require additional effort and time to remove and clean the surface thoroughly.
Can You Use Acetone on A Glass Mirror?
A stronger remover for paint like Acetone (or the use of a thinner for paint) will help you get spray paint off mirrors, particularly if regular nail polish doesn’t work.
How can I get paint off of a mirror?
Pour a large amount of nail polish remover onto a small amount of the folded or wadded-up towel. The wet towel should be rubbed onto the specks of paint to soften them. Then, wipe off the paint from the mirror.
Will nail polish remover ruin a mirror?
No, but use only the quantity you’re required and give the pressure that you think the glass’s surface can handle; however, be careful and ensure that you don’t damage the glass.
