# Getting paint off the screen of a screen door?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-paint-off-the-screen-of-a-screen-door/441882>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [March 19, 2008, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-paint-off-the-screen-of-a-screen-door/441882 "2008-03-19T01:33:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![gitfiddle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/898d66/32.png) [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2008, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-paint-off-the-screen-of-a-screen-door/441882/1 "2008-03-19T01:33:22Z")

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I just painted a screen door, and got a little paint on the screen. Is there a way I can get it off? Should I just put some paint thinner on a rag or something?

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**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2008, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-paint-off-the-screen-of-a-screen-door/441882/2 "2008-03-19T01:39:24Z")

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If it’s fiberglass screen, be careful that the solvent used doesn’t dissolve it. If it’s silver or black anodized aluminum, they are both durable. Use a product like Goof-Off or Goo-Gone with an old toothbrush for latex paint-mineral spirits for alkyd.

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**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2008, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-paint-off-the-screen-of-a-screen-door/441882/3 "2008-03-19T05:23:58Z")

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Go buy a new screen and install it in the door.  
When you are done, there will be no evidence of paint, and it will look brand new.

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**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2008, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-paint-off-the-screen-of-a-screen-door/441882/4 "2008-03-19T05:29:43Z")

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[QUOTE=Rick]  
Go buy a new screen and install it in the door.  
When you are done, there will be no evidence of paint, and it will look brand new.  
[/QUOTE]  
Sure-take the easy way out.

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**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\
**Post date:** [March 19, 2008, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/getting-paint-off-the-screen-of-a-screen-door/441882/5 "2008-03-19T06:20:09Z")

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You got to know when to hold them, and know when to fold them.  
😃