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How to Remove Dried Paint Drips

Liana Christianson

Dried paint drips are caused by overloading your paint brush with too much paint or painting over an existing coat of paint that has not dried completely. The best way to deal with dried paint drips on your wall is to take care of them before they have time to dry by thinning out the drip with your brush.

After the paint has dried, it is still possible to remove the dried paint drip with a few simple supplies.

Tip

For tough dried paint drips, use a hair dryer to soften the paint before scraping.

Warning

Use paint in a well-ventilated area.

  1. Apply masking tape to both sides of the paint drip to protect the surrounding area. Make sure the paint on the wall is completely dry before applying masking tape.

  2. Scrape down the dried paint drip with a paint scraper or utility knife.

  3. Keep scraping until you have removed the drip and the surface is flat.

  4. Sand the area with 220-grit sandpaper in the direction of the drip.

  5. Remove the masking tape.

  6. Wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove debris if needed.

  7. Reapply paint.

The Drip Cap

  • Dried paint drips are caused by overloading your paint brush with too much paint or painting over an existing coat of paint that has not dried completely.
  • The best way to deal with dried paint drips on your wall is to take care of them before they have time to dry by thinning out the drip with your brush.