Vinyl floors have become a trendy flooring choice for homeowners. If you want something long-term yet low maintenance, vinyl flooring is your best bet. However, removing it can be a big challenge if you have accidently spilled some paint on it. Whether it’s oil-based paint, latex, or acrylic, in this guide we’ll teach you how to take that paint off.
Here are some quick, effective, and non-abrasive cleaning hacks. They’ll remove the paint efficiently without hurting your vinyl floor.
Latex Paint Removal
Since latex paints have a water-based formula, they are a common choice for residential spaces. Homeowners use latex paints because of their fast-drying nature. Luckily, because of their water-based composition, they are also fairly easy to clean. If you have spilled latex paint on the floor, worry not. Here is what you will need:
- Warm Water
- Mild Detergent
- Plastic Scraper
Start by mixing the mild detergent in warm water to prepare a non-abrasive cleaning solvent. Pour that liquid on the area where the paint has dried off and let it sit for a minute. The liquid will soften the dried paint so you can easily scrape it off with a plastic knife or scraper. Using a plastic tool will ensure that you don’t scratch the floor. Once you are done, use a damp cloth to remove the residual paint from the floor, and viola, it’s done.
Acrylic Paint Removal
Acrylic paints easily come off while they are still wet. Once the paint has dried, taking it off can be a little hard. If you have spilled or splashed some acrylic paint on the floor, it’s best to act fast. You’ll need less effort in removing wet paint because in most cases, water and detergent are good enough. However, if the paint has dried, and you need something more effective, you can use:
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Vinegar
Prepare a cleaning solvent with equal parts vinegar and water and pour that on the paint. Let it soak and soften the paint. You can use a plastic scraper to scrape the paint gently. If a soft cloth is available, you can also use that to remove the paint.
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Rubbing Alcohol
If rubbing alcohol is more convenient for you, pour it onto a clean cloth and place it on the affected area. After it has softened the paint, you can wipe it away easily.
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Acetone
Acetone, which is commonly available as nail polish removers is another effective hack for removing paint. Before you begin, do a patch test. Pour or apply the acetone on a hidden part of the floor with a cloth. This will determine if it can damage the color of the vinyl floor. If the color remains, go ahead with paint removal. Dip a clean cloth in acetone and place it on the painted spot. Give it a rest of a few minutes while the acetone softens the pain. Wipe off the paint carefully and rinse the area to remove any residue.
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Vinyl Floor Cleaner
Specialized commercial vinyl floor cleaners also work efficiently for paint removal. If you have a cleaner available, you can use that to remove paint from the floor. You can use a sponge or a soft cloth to apply the product and remove the paint afterwards.
Oil-based Paint Removal
Now, oil-based paint removal can be a real challenge because these paints are known for their durability and fine finishing. Besides being long-lasting, when it comes to their removal, they can be very stubborn. Oil-based paints need special solvents for their effective removal.
Here is how to deal with oil-based paint that you have spilled on the vinyl floor.
- Start by scraping off the dried paint by a plastic knife or scraper to remove as much paint as you can. Make sure not to scratch the vinyl of the floor.
- Dust off the dried paint that has come off and then pour a solvent on the paint that is still there on the floor.
- Use whatever is readily available, such as rubbing alcohol, acetone, or a commercial cleaner. Use the solvent in an inconspicuous area of the floor for a patch test.
- Apply the solvent on the painted area and let it rest. After a while, the solvent would soften the dried paint.
- Once softened, begin scraping off the paint with a cloth or a scraping tool. You can also use a magic eraser or a brush with soft bristles to remove softened paint.
- Once you have scrubbed off the paint, rinse that area with soapy water and leave it to dry.
We Recommend Acting Fast
If you have spilled paint on your floor, you will need to be quick about handling it. It is best to wipe it off while the paint is still wet so that you get most of it out without much effort. You can start by wiping off the liquid as much as you can with a clean but damp cloth. When removing the wet paint, it is ideal to work from the outside in. This technique will prevent the spill from spreading and making things messier.
Once you have cleaned up the wet paint, you can prepare a liquid cleaning solvent. For that, use a mild detergent and water and you are good to go.
Now, scrub, scrub, and scrub some more, until the paint is wiped off completely. Make sure that you are gentle with scrubbing and don’t scratch the floor.
In The End…
Accidents happen and spilling paint on the floor happens to more people than you can imagine. It doesn’t have to be a big deal if you act fast and respond quickly. Wet paints are easier to wipe off from the floor so it’s best not to let it rest. There are many things like vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and nail polish remover that are always available at home. Using them efficiently can help you with removing paint without much effort. We hope our tips will help you in fast and effective removal of the paint from your floor.
