How to Remove Tempera Paint From Windows

How to Remove Tempera Paint From Windows
Written By
Nick Davis
Nick Davis
Published: Jul 7, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

Another use of tempera paint is to decorate residential and commercial doors, trim and windows. You can remove tempera paint from surfaces, including windows, without the need of a paint stripper or paint-removal tool.

Things You Will Need

  • Drop cloth or plastic sheeting
  • White vinegar
  • Warm water
  • Bucket
  • Latex gloves
  • Spoon
  • 3 cloths or rags
  1. Raise the window the tempera paint design is on and place a drop cloth or piece of plastic sheeting on the window's ledge. Lower the window.

  2. Mix 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of warm water in a bucket. Wear latex gloves to keep your hands dry. Stir the mixture with a spoon.

  3. Dip a cloth or rag in the vinegar solution and wring out excess. Scrub the tempera paint design with the mixture-soaked cloth or rag.

  4. For heavy layers of tempera paint, blot the paint with the vinegar mixture, let the mixture sit for five minutes and then scrub.

  5. Re-dip the cloth or rag in the mixture. Wring out excess and continue scrubbing the paint until it is off of the window.

  6. Wet a clean cloth or rag with warm water from a sink. Wring out excess. Rinse the window with the damp cloth or rag. Dry the window with a clean cloth or rag.

  7. Remove the drop cloth or plastic sheeting.

The Drip Cap

  • A fast-drying paint that contains egg and water, tempera paint is also known as poster paint.
  • Re-dip the cloth or rag in the mixture.
  • Wet a clean cloth or rag with warm water from a sink.

Photo Credits

painted windows image by Hilma Anderson from Fotolia.com

painted windows image by Hilma Anderson from Fotolia.com

Nick Davis

Nick Davis is a freelance writer specializing in technical, travel and entertainment articles. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Memphis and an associate degree in computer information systems from the State…

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