Laminate is a durable and affordable option for flooring that can last a lifetime with proper care. But getting paint on the floors will negatively impact the overall look of the laminate. If spotted quickly enough, a damp rag will usually do the trick to remove the wet paint. Once the paint drys, however, removing it becomes a bit more tricky.
While there are several methods to remove paint on floors, the gentlest method is making a homemade solution consisting of water, distilled white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and gentle dish soap. This solution will work on both water-based and oil-based paints.
To create the homemade solution, mix equal parts water, distilled white vinegar, and rubbing alcohol. Then add just enough dish sop that suds form in the solution when mixed. Dampen a clean cloth with the mixture and then gently rub the paint off the laminate floor.
The process of how to remove paint on a laminate floor varies depending on the type of paint, as well as how long the paint has been sitting. Since laminate floors are durable, however, they could typically withstand some of the more aggressive removal methods for those tough, stuck on paint experiences.
How To Remove Gloss Paint From Laminate Flooring
If you have accidently dropped or spilled gloss paint on your laminate flooring, the key is to wipe it off the floor before it drives. Once it has dried, you will need something more powerful than water to remove the glossy paint.
Nail polish remover that contains acetone works well to remove gloss paint from laminate flooring. Use a soft cloth dampened with the nail polish remover and gently rub the dried gloss paint off the floor.
If the paint won’t budge, let the acetone nail polish remover sit on the floor for a couple of minutes before wiping it clean. Several applications may be required to completely remove the glossy paint. Keep in mind, however, that acetone nail polish remover can be damaging. To ensure it doesn’t damage your laminate flooring, test the nail polish remover on an inconspicuous area of the floors. If, after a few hours, there is no discoloration or damage, continue with the steps to remove gloss paint from laminate flooring.
How To Remove Spray Paint From Laminate Flooring
As with other types of paint, it’s best to remove spray paint from the laminate flooring before it has a chance to dry. A cloth dampened with water works well to remove spray paint that is still wet. Once it has dried, water will do little to nothing to remove the spray paint.
To remove spray paint from laminate flooring after it has already dried, dampen a cloth with rubbing alcohol and then lay the saturated cloth directly on top of the spray paint. Allow the cloth to lay on the dried paint for about 10 minutes before wiping with a clean cloth damp with rubbing alcohol.
If the rubbing alcohol doesn’t remove all the spray paint from the floor, try acetone nail polish remover. Just dampen a rag with a bit of the nail polish remover and rub the paint until it lifts up and off the laminate floor.
How To Remove Dried Paint From Laminate Floor
Painting can be rather messy, and it is not uncommon to find drips and splatters on your laminate floor after the paint job has finished. The good news is that you can usually remove the dried paint off your flooring with a paint scraper.
Remove dried paint from laminate floor by gently scraping it off with a paint scraper. Take care not to be too rough, as it could scratch or damage the flooring. To help prevent this from occurring, use a plastic paint putty instead of a metal scraper.
If the paint scraper doesn’t remove all the dried paint from the laminate floor, try softening the dried paint with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol, acetone nail polisher, or mineral spirits. You may have to rotate between scraping with the plastic paint scrapper and rubbing with the dampened cloth in order to remove all of the dried paint.
How To Remove Wall Paint From Laminate Floor
Removing wall paint from laminate flooring isn’t impossible, but it may take numerous attempts before all the wall paint is gone. You may also need to use something more powerful to help remove the wall paint from the floor.
When trying to remove wall paint from laminate floor, you should start with milder cleaners, such as the homemade cleaning solution discussed in previous sections. For paint that has been on the floor for an extended period of time, paint thinner or paint remover may be the only option to remove the paint.
When using paint thinner or paint remover, make sure to read all the instructions printed on the bottle. These products contain strong and dangerous chemicals that can cause adverse health reactions if used improperly. That is why it is important you take the necessary precautions, which include using only in a well ventilated area and wearing proper protective clothing.
How To Remove Oil Based Paint From Laminate Flooring
Oil based paint is often thought of as one of the harder paints to remove from laminate flooring, or any surface for that matter. This type of paint requires more effort to wash off the laminate floors, but if done properly, you can remove it without damaging the flooring.
To remove oil based paint from laminate flooring, soak a rag in mineral spirits or paint thinner, and then rub the dried paint with the dampened rag. Use a clean cloth damped with water to wipe away the dissolved paint. It may take several minutes of rubbing to remove all the dried oil based paint.
As with other types of chemicals, mineral spirits and paint thinner can be dangerous, as well as flammable. That is why it is important to never use them around an open flame and only use them in a well-ventilated area. Furthermore, never use these chemicals without first wearing gloves, eye goggles, and other protective clothing.
How To Remove Water Based Paint From Laminate Flooring
While water based paint is easier to remove from laminate flooring than their oil based counterparts, time is still of the essence because the longer it sits on the surface, the harder it becomes to remove.
In order to remove water based paint from laminate flooring, you should first try warm soaping water. Dip a cloth in the soapy water and then rub the water based paint. Keep rubbing for several seconds until the paint starts to wash away. Use a second cloth dampened in warm water and wipe the floor clean.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on March 2, 2022.