Freshen up your hardwood floors by removing paint spills and stains
Try as you might to prevent any paint splatter or spills from landing on your hardwood floors; it’s not always easy to prevent these accidents from occurring. You may have used every drop cloth and all the painter’s tape you could find, but somehow, someway, a few drops of pigment found their way to the ground.
Fortunately, you don’t have to live with your painting mishaps forever because there are a number of ways to get paint off wood floors. Use the following tips to learn how to get paint off wood floors and make your flooring look new, no matter what paint you’re dealing with or how you need to remove it.
Before attempting removal, identify the type of paint you're removing to choose the right approach. Unlike oil-based paints, you can often remove water-based paint without harsh chemicals.
To test the paint type, dab a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol and rub it on the paint spot for a few seconds. If it comes off easily, it's likely water-based. Either way, you'll know what supplies to gather next.
Now, it's time to prepare your workspace. Clear the area of any furniture to create a spacious work zone. If you're using a chemical remover for oil-based paint, it is a good idea to open a few windows and set up a fan for adequate ventilation.
When it comes to how to get paint off of wood, you have quite a few options at your disposal. Here’s everything you can do depending on how much paint needs to be removed and exactly what kind of paint it is.
A putty knife is a great way to lift an old stain that has completely dried. This trick can work for both water- and oil-based paints. Work on one edge of the spill to slowly pry off the dried paint. If it doesn’t budge, lightly soak it in soap and warm water until the paint feels slightly more loose and pliable. This method also works great for removing paint from wood furniture.
If the dried paint is water-based, most of it should easily come up with some soap and water.
Dip a rag into warm water and add some soap and elbow grease, and most of the paint should come right up.
After getting up as much paint as you can using your putty knife or soap and water, a good soak in rubbing alcohol can get rid of those stubborn paint splatters.
Mix three parts rubbing alcohol with one part lemon juice and dip a rag into the solution.
Set the rag on the paint spot and let soak for about five minutes.
The alcohol should loosen up the paint, and you’ll be able to wipe it off. If you need something a bit stronger, take an old toothbrush and scrub off the existing paint.
A heat gun will work to soften the paint and make it easier to remove with a putty knife. The great thing about this method is that it works on water and oil-based paint.
Set the heat gun to high and hold it about 3 inches away from the paint spill. Let it heat up the paint for about 30 seconds. (This will make the paint easier to remove with a putty knife.)
After you’ve removed it all, clean the area with soap and water. And if you don’t have a heat gun on hand, know that a hairdryer will also work!
If nothing else has worked, you can’t go wrong with a paint remover. It will take off oil- and water-based paint and is safe to use on your hardwood floors. Follow the instructions on the paint remover of your choice.
"In this case, be sure to wear gloves, old clothes, and eye protection," said Asya Biddle, Angi Expert Review Board member and manager of The Dustbusters, a family-owned and operated janitorial company in Williamsport, PA.
If none of the above methods work, and you know your paint is oil-based, you may need to use paint thinner to remove it. However, this method can damage your wood floor’s finish, so it should be your last resort.
Make sure your space is well-ventilated by turning on a fan and opening a window. Dip a rag into the paint thinner and gently scrub the paint away. If you use a heavy hand, you may take off some of your floor’s finish.
If every inch of your hardwood floors is covered in paint, you can use a paint stripper to give them a complete refresh.
Use a paint brush or roller to apply paint thinner evenly throughout your floors. Let dry completely before removing. This process can take anywhere from one to 24 hours, depending on factors like humidity levels, interior temperature, and ventilation capacity. We know it’s hard to wait, but the results will be so much better if you do!
After you have completely coated the floors, leave the room and shut the door. Check on the floors periodically. You’ll know they’re ready when you see lots of bubbles forming—more bubbles equal less scraping.
If one coat of stripper isn’t enough to remove all the paint from your hardwood floors, you may need to do a second. Keep in mind that this job may take a while—it’s labor-intensive and might take a few rounds of stripping to get the desired effect.
You can easily remove small drops of paint with a floor or handheld sander or sanding blocks. Gently rub the spot in a circular motion until no paint remains. A sander can also come in handy after you use a paint stripper because it will smooth out the area, remove any last bits of paint, and ensure that everything looks uniform.
If your putty knife is brand new, use a sheet of sandpaper to gently file it down so that it’s not quite as sharp. The sharper your putty knife is, the more likely it is to scratch and damage the finish on your hardwood floors.
Once again, opt for a softer material than you might normally use when it comes to hardwood floors. That includes sandpaper. Pick 60- to 80-grit options for the job to guarantee that you don’t accidentally overdo it during the sanding process.
If you know you’re dealing with a water-based paint, try to get it off of your hardwood floors with gentle methods first. If soap and water and a rubbing alcohol solution don’t work, and neither do tools like a putty knife or heat gun, that’s when you should consider more heavy-duty options.
Wood floors, even when properly finished, are sensitive to excess moisture. Lengthy exposure to anything wet can cause wood to warp, crack, or swell, so be sure to use liquid cleaning solutions with caution. In general, your floors will be fine if you don’t let them soak for an extended period. Let cleaning solutions sit for 10 minutes max before wiping up and drying entirely.
Although hiring a local handyperson or similar pro to get paint off of wood floors definitely costs more than doing it yourself, there are a few reasons it’s worthwhile. For one, removing paint from hardwood floors can require a sizable effort, especially if you need to remove a lot. Sure, you’ll save by renting a floor sander and buying, applying, and removing paint stripper yourself, but doing so will require hours of work.
On the flip side, you’re almost always better off by taking on smaller paint removal projects yourself. After all, a putty knife and dish soap are all you really need to get rid of occasional paint splatter.
This factor depends on exactly how much paint you remove from your hardwood floors. If it’s just a few small, hardly noticeable spots, refinishing won’t be necessary. However, if you completely strip your floors of paint, you will likely need to sand and finish them.
If your home was built before 1978, there’s a chance that any paint on your hardwood floors could be lead paint—especially if it was already there when you moved in. Because lead is toxic, hiring a licensed pro to remove it is mandatory. The average price for professional lead paint removal ranges from $1,500 to $5,300 and depends on the scope of the project.
WD-40 can help remove paint on wood floors, but use it cautiously. Start with a small amount and let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrape the paint off using a plastic (not metal) scraper. You may want to test it first on a hidden area to ensure it doesn't damage the finish. Professional products specifically designed for hardwood may be a better choice for large or stubborn paint spots.
Yes, acetone can ruin hardwood floors. It is a powerful solvent—to paint a picture, it's the ingredient that makes nail polish removal effective. And just as it strips polish, it can undoubtedly damage and strip your wood floors, making them dull and even stained or discolored. If you must use acetone, always test in an inconspicuous area first. Remember, when it comes to hardwood floors, it is always best to go with the least aggressive paint removal product.
