When painting your own home, there is a high chance that there will be drips or even spills of paint on the vinyl floor. You can get rid of paint spills with quick and appropriate action. In order to remove the paint from the vinyl, you must first know the type of paint. After that, follow the cleaning method according to the type, whether the paint is oil-based, water-based, or paint that has dried.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Remove Water Based Paint
Step 1. Wipe up spilled paint
Wipe up as much of the fresh paint spill as possible using a dry tissue or soft cloth. Keep wiping up the spilled paint until you can't remove it any more this way. If the spill is large, you can sprinkle small pieces of paper or cat litter on the spill.
Step 2. Use a damp tissue
After the paint has been wiped off with a dry tissue, use a damp tissue to deal with any remaining spills. Clean up spills to remove as much paint as possible. Damp wipes will remove most paint spills.
If the spill is large, you should use several sheets of damp tissue
Step 3. Mix a mild soap with water
To remove any remaining paint, add a few drops of mild soap to a bucket of water. Next, dip a clean cloth into the mixture, then use the cloth to remove any excess paint.
Step 4. Use a cloth that has been moistened with rubbing alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
If the paint hasn't gone away, dampen a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol and gently rub it over the paint. Press the stain with a cloth and let it sit for 10 minutes if the paint doesn't come off. After that, remove the cloth and rinse the area with water.
Dry the area after you rinse it. Dry the freshly rinsed area by patting it with a cloth or tissue
Step 5. Repeat the process if necessary
Maybe the paint spill hasn't completely disappeared on the first try. Repeat this process as many times as needed until all of the paint spill is gone. Don't use too much alcohol on the floor, but you can use as much water and mild soap as needed.
Method 2 of 3: Removing Oil Based Paint
Step 1. Wipe the paint off with a clean cloth
Wipe up as much paint spill as possible with a damp cloth. Use a damp cloth to lift and wipe up the paint spill, being careful not to spread the paint. Do this until you can't remove the paint spill with just a damp cloth.
Step 2. Use a cloth that has been moistened with rubbing alcohol
Once the paint spill has been wiped away as much as possible, wet another cloth with rubbing alcohol. Place the cloth over the area where the paint spilled. You may need to use several sheets of cloth if the area is large. Let the cloth sit on the paint for 10 minutes. After that, wipe the paint spill with a damp cloth.
Step 3. Dip steel wool in melted wax
If the paint hasn't gone away, use steel wool and melted wax to remove it. Liquid wax can be found at auto supply stores or supermarkets. You should use very fine steel wool, which can be purchased at most grocery stores. Dip the steel wool in the melted wax and gently scrub the surface of the vinyl until the paint is gone.
Step 4. Clean the area
Once the paint spill is gone, remove any cleaning product that is still on the vinyl floor. Use a mild soap and water mixture to clean it. You can dip a washcloth in the soapy water solution, or use a mop. After that, let the floor dry.
Once dry, you can protect the floor with a layer of wax
Step 5. Use PEC-12
If the spilled paint doesn't go away after you've tried various methods, use a product called PEC-12. It is a very powerful commercial solvent for removing oil stains, but is highly toxic. You must wear gloves, a face mask and safety glasses when using this product. Apply PEC-12 to the affected area, then wipe the paint off with a cotton swab or non-abrasive cloth. Next, rinse with water and dry the area by patting it with a cloth.
PEC-12 can be purchased online or at camera supply stores as this product is usually used to clean cameras
Method 3 of 3: Removing Dried Paint
Step 1. Use a plastic scraper to remove the dried paint
Try scraping off the dry paint using a plastic scraper or spatula. If the paint stain doesn't go away, use a razor. Use a razor blade carefully to avoid damaging the vinyl floor.
You can also use a spoon
Step 2. Wet a cloth with mineral spirit
Dampen a cloth with a little mineral spirit (a type of solvent) or turpentine to moisten it. Rub the cloth over the dry paint until the paint loosens or comes off. Repeat this step as often as needed.
Step 3. Use a nail polish remover
If the dried paint is still not gone, dampen a clean cloth with a small amount of acetone nail polish remover. Wipe the area until the dry paint is gone. You may have to test the nail polish remover on a small, hidden area of the floor to make sure it doesn't damage the vinyl.
Step 4. Wash the area
Use only water or a mild soap and water mixture to clean it. You should do this so that no more of the chemical will stick to the floor. Next, dry the floor by patting it with a cloth, or let it dry on its own.
Tips
- You can use a paint-removing product to remove stubborn paint, but only do this as a last resort. The paint remover is likely to damage the vinyl surface.
- If the vinyl is in a visible place (such as a floor), test it in a hidden corner before applying the chemical to a larger area. Do this if there is a possibility of a negative or corrosive reaction.
