Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Painting can greatly enhance the interior and exterior of your home. But doing the painting work yourself, you can leave behind drops and even whole puddles of paint. If you want to learn how to remove paint from vinyl surfaces, read this article. Learn how to remove water and oil based paint stains here.

Steps

1. 1 Determine if the spilled paint is water-based or oil-based.
2. 2 Pour shredded paper or litter box onto the stain.
   • This is necessary if a large amount of paint has been spilled.
   • Do not let the paint dry if possible. In most cases, you will be able to remove paint from the vinyl surface if it is still wet.
3. 3 Take a wet rag and wipe the water-based paint off the vinyl surface.
4. 4 Remove remaining paint with warm water and mild soap.
5. 5 Use a plastic scraper or plastic spatula to scrape dried paint off the vinyl surface.
   • When scraping off paint, be careful not to gouge, rip, or damage the vinyl.
6. 6 Pour a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (regular rubbing alcohol) onto a clean cloth.
7. 7 Wipe off the remaining stain with a cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol.
   • If the alcohol is not effective, place a cloth soaked in alcohol on the stain for a few minutes. Then wipe off the stain again.
8. 8 Repeat the process until all paint has been removed.
9. 9 Wipe the oil-based paint off the vinyl surface with a damp cloth.
   • Oil stains are more difficult to remove than water stains. Wipe up spilled paint as quickly and as thoroughly as possible before it dries.
10. 10 Soak a rag with rubbing alcohol as you would with water-based paints, and wipe off the stain to clean the vinyl.
11. 11 If stain remains, take super fine steel wool and dip it in liquid wax.
12. 12 Rub the stain until you completely remove the oil paint.
    • Be very careful when wiping the vinyl surface with steel wool. Do not rub too hard, otherwise you may damage the vinyl surface.
13. 13 Wash away any remaining cleaning agents with warm water and soap.
14. 14 Use a plastic scraper to scrape dried oil paint off the vinyl flooring.
    • If the plastic tool won't remove paint from the vinyl, use the edge of a metal spoon.
15. 15 Pour a small amount of turpentine onto a clean rag.
16. 16 Wipe the stain with a cloth dipped in turpentine.
17. 17 Pour a small amount of nail polish remover onto a clean cloth.
    • Use very little liquid. It contains acetone, which corrodes some surfaces. Start with a small amount and then add more if needed.
18. 18 Repeat the process until all paint has been removed.
19. 19 Clean the vinyl surface with warm water and mild soap.
    • If necessary, after the vinyl is dry, apply a thin coat of wax to protect the surface.

Tips

• If the vinyl is in a conspicuous place, such as on the floor, first apply the chemicals to a small, inconspicuous area before fully applying them. Do this whenever there is a possibility of corrosion or backlash.
• You can use paint remover to remove stubborn stains, but only use it as a last resort. There is a high chance that the paint stripper can damage the vinyl surface.

Warnings

• Do not use ammonia-based cleaners, as ammonia can damage the vinyl surface.

What do you need

• Shredded paper or cat litter
• Water
• Mild soap
• Clean rag
• Plastic scraper, plastic spatula, or metal spoon
• Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
• Turpentine
• Extra fine steel wool
• Liquid wax