Hardwood floors are the focal point in many homes due to their natural beauty and unique aesthetic. It can be heartbreaking to notice that paint may have ruined your cherished floors. Whether it was acrylic paint spilled accidently during an art project or drips that leaked while repainting the walls during a recent renovation project, have no fear. There are several techniques you can utilize to remove paint off hardwood floors. Here are a few methods on how to get paint off hardwood floors.
Scrape Off the Paint
The easiest way to remove dried paint from hardwood floors is to scrape it off. This method works best for water-based paints such as acrylic paints. You can use a putty knife or a dish scraper to remove the paint without damaging the hardwood or the finish. If you do not have access to either of these, you could also try the blunt end of a butter knife, however, use caution with the serrated edges that may scratch your floors. Make sure you do not over-scrape the area as that may damage the finish. Oil-based paints may be harder to scrape off, so it is recommended to warm the area with a hairdryer first. Set the hairdryer on high heat and hold about three inches away from the paint stain for about twenty seconds. Never use a heat gun as it gets too hot and may damage the finish or your hardwood floors.
Scrub with Mild Cleaning Detergents
Use a mild detergent such as liquid dish soap to clean the paint off your hardwood floors. Make sure to wet the entire area of the paint stain with a mixture of dish soap and warm water. Gently scrub the area with a paper towel or dishtowel to soften the paint, then wipe away the paint stain with a dry and absorbent rag. Once most of the paint has been removed, you should be able to easily remove the remainder of the paint with a scraper.
Apply Commercial Paint Remover
One of the best ways to get paint off hardwood floors is to use commercial products specifically designed to remove paint from surfaces such as hardwood floors. Your local hardware or home improvement store should carry the paint remover. Usually, the paint removal products come in a spray bottle; however, it is not recommended to simply spray the whole area that is affected. It is best to use a cotton swab or cotton pads to apply the solution directly onto the paint stain and allow the product to soak for about fifteen minutes. During this time, the solution will break down the paint, and the paint will then be easy to wipe away with a paper towel or absorbent rag. Make sure to test the solution on a hidden area to ensure it does not damage your floors, and always wear gloves when handling chemical solutions such as the paint remover. After the paint and solution have been wiped away, simply clean the area with your regular floor cleaner to remove excess grease or residues.
Final Tips
While spilling paint on our hardwood floors may be devastating, all is not lost. There are options to remove the paint from hardwood floors without damaging the finish or the floors. Try these methods mentioned above and restore your floor back to its original beauty.
