The Best Ways to Remove Paint Splashes From Any Surface
No matter how careful you are with your DIY paint job, there’s a good chance a few drops will end up somewhere you don’t want, like on a tile floor or glass window pane. While this can certainly be annoying and potentially require several extra hours of work, with the right know-how, paint stains and splatters can be removed from most surfaces.
Note. When working with paint or stripping chemicals, be sure to wear protective equipment such as gloves, a mask and eye protection, and ensure the area is well ventilated.
How to remove paint from carpet
The faster you remove paint stains from carpet , the better: wet paint is usually easier to remove than dry paint. If the paint is still damp, start by using a paper towel or cloth to blot and remove excess paint, but do not rub it. If the stain is dry, start by scraping off large chunks with a utility knife and vacuuming the area.
If the stain remains from latex paint, dampen the carpet with hot water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Lather it up with a stiff brush and scrub until the stain begins to dissolve. Then use a handheld carpet cleaner/steamer.
If you have oil paint stains, start with a few passes of carpet cleaner and cleaning solution. Then blot the stain with a cleaning cloth and a few drops of paint remover, acetone, white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide (check how this will affect the color of the carpet first, and be sure to ventilate the room well). This may take some time, but once the stain has reduced or disappeared, wash it thoroughly with carpet shampoo.
How to remove paint from wood
There are several methods for removing paint drips and stains from wood. If you’re covering a large area, the heat gun will weaken the paint (as well as varnish and other coatings) so you can scrape it off en masse, wipe it clean, and then rinse with denatured alcohol. Another option is a chemical paint stripper that will allow you to scrape off the softened paint – just follow the instructions on the package and finish with an abrasive pad or nylon.
Finally, you can sand with sandpaper or a sander, but be aware that this method creates a lot of dust and can damage the wood if not done carefully. Sand in the direction of the grain and wipe with a damp cloth.
How to Remove Paint from a Parquet Floor
Note that wood floors require a little more maintenance than other types of wood, and like carpets, the type of paint spilled makes a difference. For water-based paint , Bob Vila recommends cleaning with a solution of 2 cups of water with a few drops of dish soap, followed by a 3:1 solution of rubbing alcohol and lemon juice using a microfiber cloth.
If the paint is oil based, you will most likely have to use paint thinner.
How to Remove Paint from Concrete
To remove paint spills from concrete, start by loosening the dried paint with a scraper or stiff brush. Next, apply a chemical paint stripper following the manufacturer’s instructions and finish by pressure washing the affected area. Acetone can also be effective for oil, acrylic and enamel paints – apply, soak, rub, rinse, repeat.
How to remove paint from glass
The first step to removing paint from glass, such as window glass, is to wipe it with a rag soaked in hot white vinegar. If paint remains, switch to a solution of warm water and dish soap to lubricate the glass, then use a razor blade or scraper at a 45-degree angle to gently remove paint from the surface. Finish by cleaning the glass.
How to remove paint from tiles
If paint runs on a tile floor or backsplash, start scraping it off with a razor blade or utility knife, just as you would with glass. If necessary, add vinegar, a paste of baking soda and water, or a commercial paint remover formulated for your tile and paint type.
How to Remove Paint from Vinyl
If there is wet paint on your vinyl or linoleum floor, remove as much paint as possible using dish soap and warm water. If you have dried stains or drips, start with a plastic scraper. For stubborn stains , Reddit users recommend cleaning with isopropyl alcohol, Goo Gone, or Simple Green—oil paint may require paint remover, and latex paint may require vinegar, although both can damage the floor if not cleaned quickly.
How to remove paint from brick
The safest way to remove paint from brick is to use gel or paste paint remover and cloth strips. Let the chemical remover sit, following the manufacturer’s instructions – as the paint softens, it will stick to the fabric and peel off. Note that this may require several passes, as well as some scraping or scrubbing with a stiff-bristled brush.