How to Get Old Paint off a Wood Floor
Dried paint can be a challenge to remove from hardwood flooring without causing major damage, especially if the paint is oil based. Caution must be taken to prevent harming the finish or gouging the wood. Many chemical cleaners are too harsh to use on this type of floor but there are methods to safely lift dried paint.
Review some simple but effective tips on how to get old paint off of a wood floor.
Things You Will Need
- Dull butter knife or credit card
- Damp paper towel
- Clean rags
- Denatured alcohol
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Determine if the paint is water based or oil based. If you have the paint container the label should state this. Water based paint can be lifted with soap and water.
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Use a damp paper towel to rub the paint stained wood. This will help moisten water based paint and make it easier to remove. After a few minutes try lifting the damp paint with a clean rag.
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Use a dull butter knife or credit card to gently scrape dried paint off of your wood floor. This method has the least risk of damage to the floor finish.
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Apply a small dab of denatured alcohol, which can be bought at most building supply stores, on a rag. This will remove dried oil based paint without causing damage. Gently rub the paint stain until the it is lifted from the wood. Dry with a paper towel and dispose of the rag.
The Drip Cap
- Dried paint can be a challenge to remove from hardwood flooring without causing major damage, especially if the paint is oil based.
- Many chemical cleaners are too harsh to use on this type of floor but there are methods to safely lift dried paint.
- If you have the paint container the label should state this.
- Use a dull butter knife or credit card to gently scrape dried paint off of your wood floor.
Writer Bio
April Ort began writing in 2007. he has more than 15 years experience in the financial industry, has held a travel agent license and has interviewed a variety of celebrities. Ort is currently working in the health-care industry as an operational trainer and completing her Bachelor of Science in communications with a focus on journalism.
Photo Credits
- paint supplies 2 image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
- paint supplies 2 image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
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