Successfully Remove Dried Varnish From A Frosted Windowpane

If varnish accidentally spilled and dried on one of your home's frosted windowpanes, trying to remove it with a plastic scraper or razor blade can cause permanent damage to the glass. Learn how to safely remove all traces of the varnish with the following materials and steps. Once finished, the frosted glass will be restored to its original condition and it will continue to enhance the beauty of your home. 

Materials Needed

• glass cleaner
• light duty scrub sponge
• painter's tape
• mineral spirits
• paint tray
• paintbrush
• water
• lint-free cloths

Use Glass Cleaner And A Light Duty Scrub Sponge

Spray a liberal amount of glass cleaner onto the varnish. Wait several minutes as the cleaning solution penetrates. The cleaner will soften the varnish and make it easier to remove. Use a light duty scrub sponge to rub the varnish. This type of sponge has a slightly abrasive surface that will help remove the varnish without damaging the frosted glass. After you remove as much of the varnish as you can, rinse the sponge out with plain water and wipe the same parts of the glass.  

Remove Small Flecks Of Varnish

Inspect the windowpane. If small flecks of varnish still remain, apply mineral spirits to them. Protect the window's outer casing with strips of painter's tape. The mineral spirits can damage the casing, especially if the casing has a varnished surface. Pour a small amount of mineral spirits into a paint tray. Coat a thin paintbrush with the spirits and apply the end of the brush to the varnish. Wait several minutes as the mineral oil loosens the varnish.

Use a sponge to wipe the varnish-covered spots. Rinse out the sponge and wipe the same areas until the mineral oil and varnish have been eliminated. Remove the pieces of painter's tape.

Clean The Glass Pane One Final Time

Now that the varnish has been eliminated, clean the entire windowpane to eliminate any streaks that are on its surface. Use standard window cleaner and a lint-free cloth. After the window is clean, dry the glass pane off with another cloth.

In the future, cover windowpanes on your home if you are adding more varnish to the casing that surrounds them. A piece of plastic sheeting or old newspaper that is attached with a couple pieces of tape will provide sufficient protection. Wait for the varnish to dry before removing the protective layer that is on each window.

For further assistance or replacement, contact a local glass repair professional, such as one from Action Glass.

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