Clean It Up
UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Cookie on June 05, 2015, 08:06:10 pm
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I did a first clean on a house today and some of the windows are literally covered all over with small paint specks. Whoever painted the walls of the house obviously did not bother covering the windows or cleaning up after themselves....
Is there any way of getting these specks off without using a scraper? If I do have to use a scraper I will be literally scraping the whole window & I'm concerned I will scratch the glass (not having had to use a scraper before).
Any advice appreciated ....
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Yes u do have to use a scraper and no u won't scratch the glass ;D
Wet the glass and if u have a scraper handle it's not probs if ya having to hold the blade with ur hand be careful.
A window about a metre squared will take about 2 mins to run a blade across it. But always wet it first
If you haven't used these blades before then yes be careful
They are on eBay 100 blades about £6
Buy 2 scrapers and get another free for about £6
If u don't use them a lot these will last u more than a year, I go through box of blades in about a month
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Scraper will be your best bet just make sure you keep the glass wet and don't rush it.
Remember to charge a lot more for this service as it will be time consuming and to be honest not your problem.
You also run the risk of getting stung on this one as you don't know the true intentions of the customer so a scratch
waver might be in order.
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Thanks both for your advice.
Is it best to use soapy water - does this help the scraper glide over the glass more easily - or is pure water equally as good?
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Soapy water is sound mate,
Scrapers are brilliant for this but if you holding the blade with your fingers be careful mate, these blades are razor sharp when new,
I was working with a guy who picked one up top and bottom and put to much pressure on it, just like that the tip of his finger was gone an blood everywhere........... I use these blades every day, even with out scrapers and I take extra care every time
Don't get me wrong mate It won't take long but best to order some scrapers
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I never touch any thing other muck and bird shyte I just pint out to the custy that I wouldent want to scratch the glass just use scare tactics it works every time .that applies to dried cement . 9times out of ten the custy gets it off. its time consuming.if your too obliging its can you just do this etc.
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You need to use the scraper properly - forward strokes only - NEVER drag the scraper back while in contact with the glass. This traps grit under the blade like a wedge. Scratches usually happen on the back stroke.
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I never touch any thing other muck and bird shyte I just pint out to the custy that I wouldent want to scratch the glass just use scare tactics it works every time .that applies to dried cement . 9times out of ten the custy gets it off. its time consuming.if your too obliging its can you just do this etc.
He's spot on, get the painter to remove it or it will be a job you will be expected to do every few years.
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I never touch any thing other muck and bird shyte I just pint out to the custy that I wouldent want to scratch the glass just use scare tactics it works every time .that applies to dried cement . 9times out of ten the custy gets it off. its time consuming.if your too obliging its can you just do this etc.
He's spot on, get the painter to remove it or it will be a job you will be expected to do every few years.
Thanks all for your feedback - I see where you're coming from. I'll get a scraper & test it on my own windows since I guess this is a useful skill to have in window cleaning. I found the following video on You Tube which shows how to scrape a window:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiYubCfUJuo
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(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1433583442_image.jpg)(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1433583441_image.jpg)
I don't like them in that video I use these blades in pic
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Thanks m8
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I did a first clean on a house today and some of the windows are literally covered all over with small paint specks. Whoever painted the walls of the house obviously did not bother covering the windows or cleaning up after themselves....
Is there any way of getting these specks off without using a scraper? If I do have to use a scraper I will be literally scraping the whole window & I'm concerned I will scratch the glass (not having had to use a scraper before).
Any advice appreciated ....
Leave them were they are at unless custy is willing to pay for your extra time involved
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A scraper is generally the recognised method to remove paint but mineral turps or maybe meths on a rag may do the job perfectly and without the risk of scratching especially on tempered glass.
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I wouldn't spend time scraping all the paint specks off unless the customer has asked you to and is paying ;)
I have had a few customers had their houses painted this year & all i done was scrap the obvious bird poo size paint blobs off.
If they want a builders clean they need to pay for it.
Paul