Paint spills and stains are a common occurrence in any home or workspace. While fresh paint is relatively easy to clean, dried and set-in paint stains can be much more difficult to remove from furniture, upholstery, and other surfaces. With some effort and the right techniques, however, even stubborn dried paint can often be eliminated.
What You’ll Need
Before tackling paint stains, assemble the following recommended supplies:
- Rags or paper towels
- Masking tape
- Paint remover or stripper
- Denatured alcohol
- Baking soda
- Dish soap and water
- Soft brush or abrasive sponge
- Terrycloth towels
- Vinyl/leather cleaner (for upholstery)
Assessing the Stain
Not all paint stains are created equal, so take stock of what you’re dealing with first:
- Type of paint – Knowing whether the stain is latex, oil-based, or something else will determine the removal methods.
- Age of stain – New stains come out easier than old, dried ones.
- Surface material – Methods will vary for wood, fabric, vinyl, etc.
- Accessibility – Can the stain be reached or does furniture need to be disassembled?
This assessment will inform your approach.
General Tips and Precautions
When tackling paint stains, keep these tips in mind:
- Work in a well-ventilated area, wear gloves, and follow all safety precautions when using chemical cleaners.
- Test products/methods in an inconspicuous spot first to check for damage.
- Avoid excessive moisture that can warp or discolor wood.
- If a stain persists, allow time for products to soak in or reapply for stubborn spots.
- Upholstery may require a professional if you want to retain the fabric’s original look.
Removing Wet/Fresh Paint Stains
Acting quickly is key for fresh paint spills:
- Use a rag or paper towel to blot and lift the stain, avoiding spreading it around.
- For small stains, soak up paint with a rag dampened with warm water and dish soap.
- Dip a damp rag in denatured alcohol for latex paints or paint thinner for oil-based paints.
- Avoid excessive moisture on wood furniture.
- After lifting the paint, clean the area with soap and water and allow to fully dry.
Tackling Dried Paint Stains on Wood Surfaces
Dried paint necessitates more intensive removal methods:
- Start by using a plastic scraper or putty knife to gently chip away at thickly crusted areas. This avoids pushing the stain further into the wood grain.
- Apply a store-bought paint remover or stripper gel liberally to the stain using a putty knife or plastic applicator. Tape around the area with masking tape to avoid drips.
- Let the gel sit for 15-30 minutes to soften the paint stain. Reapply if needed for very stubborn stains.
- Use a plastic scraper or wire brush to gently work at the loosened paint. Wipe the surface clean with a dry rag.
- Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to the remaining stained area. Let sit briefly, then scrub with a soft brush. Rinse clean.
- If any faint staining remains, use fine-grit sandpaper to gently buff the area, following the wood grain direction. Then wipe clean.
Removing Dried Paint from Upholstery and Fabrics
Paint stains on upholstered furniture, cushions, or other fabrics can be trickier to remove without damaging the material underneath:
- Use a spoon or dull knife to scrape away any hardened paint crust first.
- Apply a small amount of paint remover gel to the stain and let it penetrate the fabric for 10-15 minutes.
- Gently rub the area using a soft-bristle upholstery brush in circular motions to work the paint up from the fibers.
- Blot lifted paint away frequently with a dry rag as you work. Avoid saturating the fabric with the remover.
- When the stain appears gone, use a clean damp cloth to sponge away any remaining remover and let dry fully.
- For vinyl or leather upholstery, use a specialized vinyl/leather cleaner after the paint is removed.
- If any faint staining persists, you can try a color-safe bleach but test first.
For delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or velvet, it’s best to take the item to a professional rather than risk damage.
Helpful Tips for Specific Surfaces
- Wood tables/desks – Use plastic scrapers and paint remover gels to avoid abrasives that could scratch the finish.
- Wood floors – Try paint remover first, then buff with fine steel wool if stain persists in the grain.
- Canvas slipcovers – Follow fabric method, but wash/dry thoroughly after paint is removed.
- Tile/laminate floors – Use a plastic scraper but avoid abrasives that could scratch the surface.
- Carpet – Work paint remover gel into the fibers with a small stiff brush. Blot continuously with rags.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried the recommended techniques extensively without success, or if the stained item is highly valuable or delicate, don’t hesitate to call in a professional. They have commercial-strength cleaners and techniques that give them an edge on extremely stubborn paint stains.
Conclusion
While no stain situation is completely hopeless, paint spills and stains certainly put your cleaning skills to the test. With some strategic scraping, softening, blotting, scrubbing, and safely applying chemical cleaners, however, you can banish dried paint from furniture, upholstery, and other prized surfaces. Just be sure to work cautiously when using chemicals and test products first in inconspicuous areas. With time and persistence, your stained items can look good as new again.