IN THIS POST
– Scrape it off
– Wash it away
– Add some heat
– Invest in a paint remover
– Dissolve in a solvent
Have you ever tried painting your home and ended up with unsightly blotches of paint all over your precious hardwood floors? Regardless of whether you are new to the world of DIY home improvement or have hired a professional painter to give your interior a new life, there’s a good chance that you will be left with some splatters of paint on your floors. If the paint is still wet, you can simply wipe it off with a cleaning pad and hope it doesn’t leave a stain. However, once it has dried, it might require some time and effort to remove old paint from hardwood floors.
Typically, it is easier to remove latex paint from hardwood floors as you can easily scrape them off. On the other hand, getting rid of oil-based paints can be particularly tough as they are harder and usually require a solvent such as thinner for removal, which can also damage the surface of your floor.
To help you out of this conundrum, we have put together a list of tips on how to remove paint from wooden floors without ruining them.
How to Remove Old Paint from Your Hardwood Floors
Let’s take a look at some tried and tested tips on how to remove paint from the floor.
Scrape It Off
This is the easiest and most efficient method to remove acrylic paint from hardwood floors. All you need is a plastic paint scraper or a blunt knife to get rid of the dried paint without destroying your floor in the process. Just make sure not to accidentally scratch the surface of hardwood while scraping off the paint.
If the paint has also gotten between your floorboards, consider using a pull scraper to peel off the paint without damaging the floorboards or the overall finish.
Once you’ve successfully removed the paint, wipe the area with a clean and dry microfiber cloth.
Wash it away with Soap
Another way to remove old paint from hardwood floors is by washing it off with soap. Simply pour a few drops of any liquid dishwashing soap on the dried paint stain and then use a damp paper towel to gently rub the spot. You may have to do this for about 3 to 5 minutes before seeing any results. Once you believe the paint has gotten soft and is about to come off the floor, using a clean rag to wipe the surface and sweep off its remnants.
You can also try using any other detergent or cleaning solution to get the job done.
Needless to say, this is one of the most hassle-free ways to remove latex paint from hardwood floors.
Add Some Heat
Due to their hard consistency, oil-based paints can be hard to remove by means of a plastic scraper or dishwashing liquid. If the paint has already set in its spot, it is recommended to warm it up before using a blunt knife to scrape it away without ruining the floor underneath.
Generally, people prefer using heat guns for this purpose. However, since they are not a common household tool, we suggest heating the paint stain with a hairdryer. Just set the machine on its warmest setting and blow hot air on the paint splatters at short intervals of 10 to 20 seconds. Make sure to hold the hairdryer at least 3 inches away from the floor so that you don’t damage its finish. Within a few minutes, the paint will begin to soften up and you will be able to remove it rather easily.
Invest in a Paint Remover
The quickest way to remove old paint from hardwood floors is by using a paint remover. You can ideally buy this cleaning solution from any hardware store for rather economical rates. However, you must keep in mind that most paint removers can also dissolve the finishing of your floor, which means you need to be extremely careful while using them.
The easiest way to go about this is to dip cotton swabs in the chemical and then apply it on top of the paint stain until it’s completely wet. Wait for about 10 to 15 minutes (or as long as the label on the product suggests) before wiping off the surface using a paper towel or a dry cloth.
Dissolve it with a Solvent
If none of the aforementioned tips give you the desired results, you may have to bring in the big guns.
To get rid of really stubborn paint spots, you can either use a thinner or a solution of isopropyl alcohol, which is easily available at most pharmacies. In case you opt for the first option, be warned that thinner can dissolve your hardwood finishing along with the paint stain. Since it’s a strong chemical, it is suggested to wear a mask while using it. You must also open up the windows to get rid of its fumes after rubbing it on the dried paint using a cotton swab or an old rag.
Another way to remove oil-based paint from the wooden floor is by mixing 3-part isopropyl alcohol with 1-part lemon juice and pour the solution over the dried paint. Let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes before scrubbing the surface using a piece of cloth. You can also use an old toothbrush to thoroughly clean the area.
It is important to mention that both of these methods are not suitable to remove water-based or latex paints.
There you have it – an easy and helpful guide on how to remove old paint from hardwood floors.
Meanwhile, if you are interested in learning how to paint your home all by yourself, here are a few guides that might help you out.
- How much paint should you buy for your home?
- Beginner’s guide for painting home interior
- How to prepare your walls & ceilings for paint?
- How to choose the right paint finish for different rooms in your home?
- Must-have tools for painting a room
For more home improvement tips and tricks, stay tuned to Zameen Blog – the leading lifestyle and property blog in Pakistan. You can also share your feedback and queries with us by sending us an email at blog@zameen.com. Moreover, to learn about the latest real estate developments in your city, make sure to subscribe to our Facebook page and email newsletter.
