Removing coatings from coated glass can be done using methods such as chemical solvents, physical polishing, and steam cleaning, depending on the type, thickness, and material of the coating. Safety protocols and protective measures must be followed during operation.
Chemical solvent methods are a common choice. Specialized glass coating removers can be used; mild products are suitable for light coatings, while stronger products are needed for thicker coatings. After spraying, gently wipe with a soft cloth. For a more natural cleaning method, a cleaning solution can be made by mixing baking soda, white vinegar, and water in a 1:1:2 ratio. After spraying, wait a moment, then gently scrape with a blade and wipe with a dry towel dampened with white wine. Physical polishing requires fine sandpaper or polishing paste. Start with fine sandpaper and strictly control the pressure and time to avoid scratching the glass surface. Steam cleaning uses high-temperature steam to soften the coating layer, followed by wiping with a cloth. This method causes less damage to the glass, but the equipment is more expensive and the removal speed is relatively slow.
For special coatings such as evaporation coatings or magnetron sputtering coatings, a polishing method using hydrochloric acid and zinc powder can be used. However, because hydrochloric acid is corrosive, protective equipment such as gloves and goggles must be worn during operation, and the glass must be thoroughly cleaned afterward. For online evaporation coatings, HF steam fumigation can be used first, followed by polishing with cerium oxide polishing powder. In daily use, a hairdryer can be used to soften the coating and then gently peel it off, but this has limited effect on ensuring a firm coating.
