Paint stains on a car window can be frustrating. They can be particularly hard to remove if the paint is dried on. Luckily, there are many ways to get the paint off. In this article, ATC's collision repair technology instructors and students share some tips and techniques for removing paint stains from your car's windows.

The first step is to determine what kind of paint you have on the glass. This is important because different types of paints require different methods for removal. For example, water based paint will typically be able to be removed with standard glass cleaner, while oil based paint requires a solvent.

Start by wetting the paint with soapy water to loosen it and make it easier to scrape off. Once the paint is loosened, use a razor blade to scrape off as much of the paint as possible. Be sure to use only light pressure to avoid scratching the glass. Once you have scraped as much of the paint off, wipe it down with a dry cloth to clean up any remaining residue.

Mineral spirits such as turpentine can also be used to remove slightly dried on paint marks. This should be done in a well ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes. Dampen a clean rag with the mineral spirits and hold it against the paint mark for 2-3 minutes to let it dissolve. Wipe the paint off with a clean rag and then wash the rag and window thoroughly to remove any remaining chemicals.