"What supplies should I use to paint my windows?" and "HOW do I get the paint off??"

Two of THE most common questions I get anytime I share about window painting! 

As an art teacher who has been painting her windows for over 20 years, I've learned a few things about window painting. If you've ever thought about painting your classroom windows, a school hallway, home or even businesses in your community for the holidays, you’re in the right place.  In this blog, my goal is to share everything I know so that YOU feel empowered to try window painting, not afraid! Window painting is one of the most joyful ways to celebrate a season, but choosing the right paint matters.

The type of paint you use will determine:

• how bright your artwork looks

• how smoothly it applies

• how long it lasts

• and (most importantly!) how easy it is to remove later

This guide breaks down exactly what each paint type does on glass, plus the best methods for cleanup. Whether you're an art teacher, a business owner decorating for the holidays, or a parent looking for a creative project, here’s everything you need to know.

Why I LOVE Window Painting 

Window painting checks all the boxes, especially during the holidays. I believe Buddy the Elf said it best when he said "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is painting windows for all to revere" oorrrrrr something like that ;) 

Ok, seriously, here are some of the reasons why I love window painting- 

• It’s high-impact and super low-cost!

• Kids loveeee helping and feeling part of something bigger than themselves

• It transforms a space instantly into something magic!

• Cleanup can be surprisingly easy

• The surface is a novelty which makes creating art THAT much more fun! 

• It's incredibly satisfying 🤤
• Others feel JOY because of something you and your students created, which in return makes you feel joy! It's a win/win!

But…the paint you choose makes a huge difference in how fun (or frustrating!) the process is. Let’s break down each option.

1. Tempera Paint

My personal Favorite for Indoor Windows (I love Crayola's Premier Tempera Paint) 

Best For:

• Schools

• Classroom windows

• Seasonal holiday murals

• Quick setups + easy cleanup

• Having kid helpers

Why Use It:
Tempera is opaque, vibrant, and dries matte — perfect for snow scenes, candy canes, trees, turkeys, or Valentine’s displays. It's washable and all you need is a wet paper towel to wipe off any mistakes. 

How to Apply It:

• Use synthetic paint brushes for great application. I love these brushes from Royal Langnickel (especially the mid/ small flat brushes!) 

• Use smaller brushes for details or a chalk marker 

• You can also a few drops of dish soap to the paint (mix well) to make it easier to scrape off with a razor blade when it's time to take it down. This is definitely not necessary, and can make the paint more transparent looking. I recommend trying out anything in a small area first and see what you like! 

How to Remove It:

• Spray with water to loosen the paint up, then spray standard glass cleaner and clean with paper towels. 

• If there is soap mixed with the paint, you can use a razer blade and scrape the paint while dry (hold razor blade at 45 degree angle to not scratch glass)

• You can also spray the paint to loosen up, then scrape the paint, however because tempera is washable, it may be messy as the paint will become liquid, and could possibly run over the blade and drip. 

Removal Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Easiest)

2. Acrylic Paint

Best for Outdoor Displays

Best For:

• Outdoor windows that need durability

Why Use It:
Acrylic is weather-resistant once dry and delivers crisp, vivid color. If you are looking to paint windows on the outside of the glass, acrylic is a good option as it won’t run in rain or snow. 

Pro Tip:
Mix a tiny amount of dish soap into your acrylic to make cleanup easier without compromising vibrancy.

How to Remove It:

• Use spray bottle with just water to spray on paint. Allow water to sit for a few minutes. Then, use a razor scraper to scrape off the paint in a very low mess way. *NOTE: do not use a razor blade on dry paint, this can scratch the windows! 
  

• Wipe with Window cleaner 
  

Removal Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐ (Moderate)

3. Latex House Paint

Surprisingly Great for Outdoor Window Murals

Best For:

• Large, solid color shapes

• Outdoor business windows

• Window Murals that are meant to last a few weeks/ months (more long term)

Why Use It:
Latex sticks well enough to withstand the elements but does not bond permanently to glass. It’s excellent for big snowy backgrounds or bold holiday motifs.

How to Remove It: (Great tips from this video by Melani Pyke) 

• Spray water + Razor scraper (the most effective tool)
  

• Rubbing alcohol for edges

Removal Difficulty: ⭐⭐ (Requires scraping)

4. Chalk Markers (Liquid Chalk)

Definitely The Fastest/ Easiest Cleanup of All! I am using the Arteza Chalk Marker here! 

Best For:

• Lettering

• Small details

• Snowflakes, stars, icicles

• Outlines before painting

• Including young kids (mess free!) 

Why Use It:
Chalk markers are crisp, smooth, and dreamy for winter windows. They wipe off instantly, making them ideal for temporary displays. 

Note, the lines that are created by chalk markers will be thin, and thus not creating as much of a dynamic impact, especially when viewing from a distance. 

How to Remove It:

• Water

• Paper towel

• Magic Eraser (for ghosting)

Removal Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Instant)

5. Acrylic Paint Markers (Posca, Ooly, etc.)

Perfect for Fine Details

Best For:

• Snowflakes

• Tiny ornaments

• Outlines

• Character details

• Illustrative style windows

• Drawing from either inside or outside of a building

Why Use Them:
They offer the opacity of acrylic paint with the control of a pen.

How to Remove It:

• Rubbing alcohol (best)

• Windex

• Magic Eraser

Removal Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Easy with the right cleaner)

6. Washable Window Markers (Kid-Friendly)

Love these Wonderstix from the Pencil Grip!  

Best For:

• Kids drawing on windows at home

• Quick doodles

• Temporary weekend art

Why Use It:
They’re designed to wash off instantly — perfect for little hands.

How to Remove:

• Water (that’s it!)

Removal Difficulty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Instant)
Note: So much fun for kids to draw their own art, but probably not idea for long term displays! 

❄️ Some Extra Window Painting Tips:

✔️ 1. Sketch Your Design First

Even a loose thumbnail helps with scale and placement. If you are needing some reference images, I have tons of easy step by step drawing guides that are perfect for window painting (especially with kids!) You can check out my Winter Drawing Guide bundle here for some ideas! 

✔️ 2. Work From Big → Small

• Large shapes first (backgrounds, trees, snow)

• Details last (snowflakes, lights, lettering) and use a combo of paint and markers if it's easier! 

✔️ 3. Keep Cleanup Supplies Nearby

• Damp + Dry paper towels (to wipe off and dry immediately and prevent paint streaks) 

• Razor blade 

• Different sized brushes 

✔️ 4. Photograph Your Finished Windows

Especially if you can take pictures of them during the day AND night! They provide totally different looks, whether it's with the sun peaking through, or contrasting against a dark sky. 

Painting windows is such a magical way to celebrate the seasons and brighten any space — especially a classroom. With the right materials and a plan for cleanup, the whole process becomes stress-free, creative, and fun for everyone involved! 

If you paint your classroom or office windows this year, I’d love to see them! Tag me on Instagram @artwithmrse so I can cheer you on.

Happy Painting!