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How do you remove paint overspray from a car windshield?

I painted a small symbol on my car by myself and apart from some overspray on the windshield, it looks pretty good! I didn’t notice my mistake at first and now I’m worried it won’t come off. How do I get rid of spray paint on glass?

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Sophie Newman · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Dealing with mistakes is all part of the DIY process, so good on you for customizing your car! To remove spray paint from your car windshield, you’ll need some acetone or paint thinner, a soft rag, and a razor blade.
Here’s what to do:
  1. Wet the rag with acetone or paint thinner. Use just enough to dampen the rag without making it dripping wet, and be careful not to touch it to your new paint job.
  2. Wipe the acetone or thinner gently across the windshield. It should remove any light particles of paint from the glass.
  3. Holding the razor blade at a 45° angle, carefully scrape away any remaining bits of paint. Move the blade away from you, lifting it between strokes; scrubbing back and forth will scratch the glass.
  4. If any paint is left, repeat steps one to three.
If you’d prefer something gentler, or the paint isn’t yet fully dry, try a solution of vinegar and water instead of acetone. If that fails, you might have to take your car to a glass specialist.
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