[RIPws6]

My car got 17k in hail damage back in 2020. The repair required paint as well as new panels.
Today (5 years later) the sun was hitting her just right and I can see overspray on my windows! It’s not detectable in most conditions but in direct sunlight at the right angle you can see it. What’s the best and safest way to remove it?
It’s on every window.

[bishopts]

Originally Posted by RIPws6

My car got 17k in hail damage back in 2020. The repair required paint as well as new panels.
Today (5 years later) the sun was hitting her just right and I can see overspray on my windows! It’s not detectable in most conditions but in direct sunlight at the right angle you can see it. What’s the best and safest way to remove it?
It’s on every window.

I use soapy water and a razor blade. A detailer i used to work with used steel wool.

[2SS Capt]

Yeah, I was going to say very fine steel wool, that is what we always used at the body shop I worked at growing up...

[arpad_m]

Yeah, 0000 steel wool won't scratch the glass, I used it on a moonroof to remove nasty water spots, for example. Don't go ape on it, though

[FarmerFran]

Originally Posted by RIPws6

My car got 17k in hail damage back in 2020. The repair required paint as well as new panels.
Today (5 years later) the sun was hitting her just right and I can see overspray on my windows! It’s not detectable in most conditions but in direct sunlight at the right angle you can see it. What’s the best and safest way to remove it?
It’s on every window.

Only in very certain conditions?

If yes, leave it alone!

[c120cut]

Stainless steel razor blades , from what I hear won’t scratch glass

[ember1205]

Originally Posted by arpad_m

Yeah, 0000 steel wool won't scratch the glass, I used it on a moonroof to remove nasty water spots, for example. Don't go ape on it, though

I use 0000 regularly on all of the windshields of my vehicles. Good glass cleaner, get everything nice and dry, and then light pressure with a fresh piece of 0000 to get off any small water spots or similar. If you apply too much pressure, you will scratch the glass and could end up scratching paint or similar around the glass.

For dried on paint overspray, I might consider also adding a razor blade with light pressure to remove the bits of paint or clear as well. Always start with the lightest amount of pressure you can and go slow.

[Booher]

Maybe a clay bar? I'd be too scared for steel wool, lol.

[ember1205]

Originally Posted by Booher

Maybe a clay bar? I'd be too scared for steel wool, lol.

Nothing wrong with starting there, especially since coming back to it later in the process would be good as well. Basically, start with the lightest / softest sort of thing and work your way up. Clay bar, 0000 steel wool with light pressure (I do this all the time, on all of my vehicles), light and short scrape with the edge of a razor blade, etc. I've even used my random orbital polisher with a polishing or even cutting compound to clean my wife's windshield (extreme amounts of residue and water spotting sometimes).

When you use stronger "devices", you just reduce the amount of pressure you apply when using it so you don't do damage.

[p47dman]

Carb cleaner for overspray, white vinegar for water spots.

[ember1205]

Originally Posted by p47dman

Carb cleaner for overspray, white vinegar for water spots.

I don't want carb cleaner in any form anywhere near anything that could end up anywhere near my paint.

[p47dman]

I'm sorry, you just need to be careful. Don't spray on window, spray on towel, away from car. Will clean right off.