How to Safely Use Window Scrapers on Different Glass Surfaces

Cleaning glass surfaces, especially windows, can be an arduous and very tricky process.

However, you can’t leave the bird poo or the 5-year-old glob of paint on your window forever, and the only thing that’s really going to do the trick is a good ol’ glass scraper. Don’t start scraping just yet, though, because just like you wouldn’t rush to take a straight razor to your face for the first time, there are a few Dos and Don’ts of using a window scraper.

Can I Use a Window Scraper on All Surfaces?

We may never know who had the genius idea of taking a scraper to glass for the first time, but it gave life to a whole new match made in heaven. However, just like people, some things are just not meant to be together. Window scrapers work perfectly on, well, windows! However, it’s best not to use a glass scraper on plexiglass, safety glass, or solar glass. 

You can scrape all day on standard glass, usually found on mirrors and windows. Tempered glass on car windows and shower doors is stronger than standard glass but is more susceptible to scratches, so you need to be a little more careful using a scraper on it.

As for the decorative glass on the furniture in your beloved grandmother’s house, skip the window scraper, or if you have to, go with scraper blades made of plastic rather than metal.

What Do I Need to Do Before Scraping Glass?

Again, just like shaving, you can’t just take your sharp metal object and go to town without making a few preparations. Before you can remove paint, grime or stickers from your glass surface, you first need to check that the surface is damage-free and suitable for scraping.

Then comes the seemingly redundant – but very important – step of cleaning the surface. “But I’m going to clean it again anyway after scraping it!” you cry. True, but for the process to go smoothly, you need to fully clean and wash your window or glass surface with soap and water first. Keep the water going, though, because a wet surface is essential for scraping.

Lastly, you need to prepare your toolkit itself. Make sure your scraper blades aren’t blunt or rusty, always have some dry replacement blades on hand, and bring towels or cloths and lots of water, both for your glass surface and for your window scraper that you’ll need to constantly rinse.

What to Do When Scraping Glass or Windows

Now that your glass surface is clean and wet, and you’ve got your sharp window scraper with the backup blades, you’re ready to start scraping. Firstly, always do a bit of a litmus test on a small area of the glass you wouldn’t notice much if it got scratched, like deep into the corner or sides. If that test area comes out clean and scratch-free, you’re ready for the next step: the full surface.

Once again, wet your surface with soap and water (very important!), get a comfortable grip on your glass scraper, and start slowly scraping in a forward motion; never go backwards! It’s the exact opposite of your shaving motion, and the gentler you are on the pressure, the likelier everything will go as planned. Don’t apply any pressure on the corners of the glass scraper blades because these are the culprit parts of the scraper that always do the scratching.

With every motion, especially if you’re trying to remove paint or sticky substances, rinse your scraper blades in the soapy water, make sure nothing is stuck to them, and then go again. It’s also best to start from the sides and work your way into the middle; that way you won’t feel compelled to move your hands back or scrape against the grain, metaphorically speaking.

What NOT to Do When Scraping Glass or Windows

Knowing how to do something is easy, but it’s always the taboos that teach the best. When scraping glass or windows, never scrape on a dry surface. Dry surfaces mean more abrasion, which leads to scratches. The same will happen if your scraper blades aren’t razor-sharp and rust-free. 

At any point where you’re not using the scraper, retract the blade, cover it, or replace it entirely. Rust has a reputation for running wild, and if your blade is wet from the soapy water and you’re leaving it at the mercy of oxygen, it will rust.

Lastly, never apply too much pressure on your scraper. Nice and easy does it, as force will only give you deep scratches or worse. Think of it this way: it’s the scraper that’s actually doing all the work, not you, so if you treat it gently, it will treat you (and your glass) gently back. And believe us when we tell you exactly how sharp a scraper blade really is – don’t test it for yourself by putting your finger anywhere near it.

What are the Different Types of Window Scrapers?

Window scrapers come in all shapes and sizes:

• Metal Scrapers: Perfect for paint, stickers, or very rough debris.
  
• Plastic Scrapers: Best for decorative glass and other delicate surfaces.
  
• Heavy-duty Scrapers: These scrapers are all about construction and industrial work.

Conclusion

Using a window scraper is an ideal way to have your windows or glass surfaces looking brand new and free of any dirt, grime, debris, or adhesives. After finding the right tool for the right glass, you just need to follow precautions, wear gloves, wet your surface, and be gentle with your sharp, slashy tool!