diff --git a/src/xpra/client/gl/gtk2/gl_client_window.py b/src/xpra/client/gl/gtk2/gl_client_window.py
index 1088df1516..4029e77df4 100644
--- a/src/xpra/client/gl/gtk2/gl_client_window.py
+++ b/src/xpra/client/gl/gtk2/gl_client_window.py
@@ -47,10 +47,10 @@ def set_alpha(self):
 
     def spinner(self, ok):
         b = self._backing
-        if not b or not b._backing or not self.can_have_spinner():
+        if not b or not self.can_have_spinner():
             return
         b.paint_spinner = not ok
-        if b.paint_screen:
+        if not b._backing or not b.paint_screen:
             b.gl_expose_event(self._backing._backing, "spinner: fake event")
             w, h = self.get_size()
             self.queue_draw(0, 0, w, h)