How to Clean Paint Off Screens

Determine the Screen Material

• 1

  Determine if your screen is fiberglass or metal mesh before attempting to clean the paint from it. Care must be taken when cleaning fiberglass screens because they rip if too much pressure is applied when scrubbing. This type of screen is usually dark grey or black and has a soft, plastic-like feel. If you have a metal screen, it is most likely aluminum. Aluminum screens are fairly stiff and durable. If you have an older home, the screen may be a copper-bronze screen; the cleaning methods in this article may discolor copper-bronze screens and are not recommended.

• 2

  Prepare your work surface by laying out the tarp or plastic on a work table or the floor in a well-ventilated area. Ideally, this should be done outdoors. Place the materials and tools you have gathered on your work surface.

• 3

  Remove the screen from the window or door frame and lay it on your work surface. If you have a fiberglass screen, proceed to the "Fiberglass Screens" section. If you have an aluminum or metal mesh screen, proceed to "Aluminum Screens."

Fiberglass Screens

• 4

  Place gloves on your hands for protection from chemicals.

• 5

  Place a small amount of denatured alcohol on a clean rag.

• 6

  Rub the alcohol-dampened rag on the paint spill, using firm pressure and circular movements. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the paint is dissolved.

• 7

  Wash the screen with a mild soapy solution and rinse it with water.

• 8

  Allow the screen to dry thoroughly before returning it to the door or window.

Aluminum Screens

• 9

  Place gloves on your hands for protection from chemicals.

• 10

  Apply a small amount of paint thinner or lacquer thinner to a rag and wipe it onto the paint.

• 11

  Scour the paint stain with a steel wool pad in a concentric circular motion. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the paint is dissolved.

• 12

  Wipe off any excess thinner with a rag.

• 13

  Wash the screen with a mild soapy solution and rinse it with water.

• 14

  Allow the screen to dry thoroughly before replacing it.