Kamrose Window Cleaning London - Reach and Wash Services
Old school window cleaners
I’ve seen it too many times. A freshly painted London flat, gleaming new walls, and right there — specks of dried paint dotted across the windows like confetti after a party. You step back to admire the work, but the light hits just right, and there they are. Paint drops. Tiny, stubborn, and ugly.
The short answer? Yes, it’s absolutely possible to remove paint stains from glass without scratching it. But it takes patience, the right tools, and a bit of technique. I’ve been cleaning windows across London for more than a decade — from Georgian sash windows in Islington to shiny penthouse glass near Canary Wharf — and I can tell you that rushing this job never ends well. The trick is to treat glass with respect. It looks tough, but it’s surprisingly easy to scar if you’re careless.
Let’s walk through what’s really happening when paint hits glass, how to get rid of it safely, and what tricks professional cleaners like me use to leave windows spotless again.
Paint on glass can be deceiving. It might look like it’s sitting on the surface, but it clings surprisingly well. Once it dries, it forms a thin film that bonds just enough to resist your fingernail but not enough to survive a sharp scrape — if you know how to do it right.
Different paints behave differently. Emulsion paint — the sort most people use indoors — tends to flake off more easily once softened. Gloss or enamel paint, on the other hand, clings tighter and can harden like plastic. Spray paint is the trickiest of all, forming a fine mist that can coat an entire pane with barely visible dots.
Most of the time, paint spots appear because someone didn’t cover the glass before painting. I’ve seen builders slap on gloss around window frames in a rush or decorators forget to mask up properly. DIY painters often underestimate how far a roller can splatter. Even a bit of wind can blow paint droplets onto exterior panes.
Glass feels solid, but it’s actually delicate under pressure. Drag a dry metal blade across it, and you’ll create micro-scratches that catch the light forever. People often try to chip paint off with knives or rough pads, which only makes it worse. The key to success is lubrication — always keeping the glass wet — and scraping at the right angle. It’s not about force; it’s about finesse.
Getting paint off glass isn’t about brute strength or fancy chemicals. It’s about using the right kit. Most of what I use is simple, cheap, and found in any hardware shop.
You’ll notice I didn’t mention scourers. Leave them in the kitchen. They’re glass killers.
Professionals like me rarely rely on harsh chemicals. A sharp blade and soapy water usually do the job perfectly.
This is where the magic happens — and where most people go wrong. Paint removal isn’t complicated, but it demands care. Every move counts.
Start by soaking the paint spots. Dip a cloth in warm, soapy water and lay it over the marks for a few minutes. You can also spray water directly onto the pane and let it sit. The goal is to soften the bond between the paint and the glass.
Patience matters here. Rushing to scrape before the paint loosens will make you press too hard — and that’s when scratches happen.
Hold your scraper at a 45-degree angle and work slowly. Always scrape in one direction — ideally downwards — and never use the corner of the blade. Keep the area soaked with water. If it starts to dry, stop and re-spray.
You’ll feel the paint lift off smoothly if the glass is wet enough. If you feel any drag or resistance, stop. That’s your cue to add more lubrication.
I’ve seen people try to dry scrape, thinking it’ll be faster. It isn’t. It just leaves a scratched patch that catches the sunlight forever after.
Some spots will fight you. Don’t panic. For those, apply a bit of vinegar or acetone using a cotton pad. Let it sit for a minute or two, then gently scrape again. If that doesn’t shift it, switch to a plastic blade and try from another angle.
Never attack the same area repeatedly with pressure. Rotate between wetting, softening, and light scraping. That’s what separates professionals from panicked DIYers.
Once the paint’s gone, spray the window with glass cleaner or a mix of vinegar and water. Wipe it down with a microfibre cloth until it’s streak-free. Step back and check from different angles. Natural light will reveal any faint smears or missed drops.
Professional window cleaners learn through endless trial and error. I’ve cleaned everything from paint-flecked office glass in the City to Victorian bay windows after renovation jobs in Clapham. Each job teaches you something new.
Professionals never rush scraping. We use long, even strokes, keeping pressure consistent. Working from top to bottom is safer — any loosened paint or water runs down instead of spreading across clean areas.
Timing helps too. On hot days, glass dries too quickly, so we often work early morning or late afternoon. A dry surface equals friction, and friction equals scratches.
Good cleaners use light to their advantage. I’ll often tilt my head or change position just to catch the reflection right. That’s how you spot those faint paint mists that others miss. Working in daylight — but not direct sunlight — is perfect.
Every professional knows that glass must stay wet. I carry a small spray bottle everywhere for this reason. The thin layer of water acts as a barrier between blade and glass, allowing the scraper to glide. It’s the difference between removing paint safely and carving scars into your window.
Over the years, I’ve fixed plenty of windows that DIY attempts had damaged. The same errors appear again and again.
People mean well, but glass needs a gentle hand. Even the smallest scratch can turn into a permanent eyesore once the light hits it.
Sometimes, the safest thing you can do is hand it over to a pro. If you’re dealing with large panes, high windows, or heritage glass — especially old sash windows with wavy, thin panels — it’s not worth the risk.
In London, plenty of professional window cleaners and after-build cleaning teams handle paint removal safely. Prices vary depending on the size and condition of the glass, but small jobs often start around £40–£60 for a few panes. Larger projects, like new builds or renovation cleans, can be priced per hour or per square metre.
When hiring someone, check that they have experience with construction cleans and glass restoration. Ask about the tools they use — if they mention dry scrapers or metal scourers, avoid them. A proper professional will talk about lubrication, angles, and blade changes, not brute force.
Once your windows are clean again, prevention becomes the priority. Before painting, always mask your glass properly. I recommend a low-tack painter’s tape and a layer of protective film or plastic sheeting. It might feel like an extra job, but it saves hours later.
If you spot fresh paint on your glass in future, deal with it early while it’s still soft. A damp cloth and a bit of patience work wonders. Leaving it to dry makes everything harder.
I also suggest keeping a window scraper and microfibre cloth handy. The sooner you act, the less chance there is of scratching or staining.
Every window tells a story. I’ve cleaned glass that’s seen building work, paint jobs, storms, even pigeon graffiti — you name it. But the secret to spotless, scratch-free glass always comes down to the same things: patience, the right tools, and respect for the surface.
So yes, it’s absolutely possible to remove paint-drop stains without scratching your windows. Just remember — glass isn’t forgiving, but it’s not impossible either. Treat it right, and it’ll stay clear enough to make your neighbours jealous.