How To Remove Paint

Spilled paint can cause a mess as well as distress, which is why it’s important to remove paint if the unexpected occurs. By taking precautions to prevent paint drips and splatters and responding appropriately if they do, you can restore your paint splattered surrounding to their original state.

How to Prevent Paint Spills

When you’re painting a room, preventing spilled paint is the first line of defense. Covering areas that you don’t want to paint and using quality products are key to keeping paint on the walls and off of your floor and furniture.

To prevent paint splatters and spills:

• Cover floors, fixtures and furniture with drop cloths or plastic sheeting.
• Apply painter’s tape to nearby areas that you aren’t painting, such as where the ceiling or cabinet meet the wall.
• Use strong paint trays and pails that won’t sag, spill or crack when you carry them around.
• Avoid overloading your paint brush or roller.

How to Remove Paint Spills

Water-based paint can typically be cleaned up with soap and water. While you’re painting, it’s a good idea to keep a clean, damp rag nearby to quickly wipe up any drips or spills as they occur.

Because latex paint is water-based, it dries quickly. So if you don’t notice a spill right away, you probably won’t be able to simply wipe it away.

To remove dried paint, products like Krud Kutter Latex Paint Remover can help you tackle the job. This specialty Krud Kutter formula removes latex paint from a variety of hard, soft and porous surfaces, including carpet, fabric, concrete, brick, wood, vinyl flooring and trim, laminate, tile and ceramic.

Just spray it on newly spilled paint, and then wipe it away. If the paint has cured, you may need to let the solution saturate the spot for 2-5 minutes to let the paint start to loosen before wiping it off.

How to Remove Paint from Nearby Surfaces

If you’ve splattered a little latex paint on a nearby window or bumped the ceiling and left a little wall paint color there, you probably won’t need a special cleaner. To eliminate a dab of paint on the ceiling, simply let it dry and use a small brush or applicator to cover it with ceiling paint. To remove paint drips from windows, warm, soapy water and a paper towel may be all it takes. For tougher, dried latex paint drips, gently pry up each spot using a small scraper or razor blade.

Painting a room should be a rewarding process. But if your paint job leaves behind a few unwanted souvenirs, don’t panic. By following these simple paint cleanup tips, you’ll leave those splatters and drips in the past and be on your way to enjoying your newly painted space.