How to Remove Oil-Base Paint Stains
Painting is a quick and easy way to update a room. Follow these stain removal tips to make sure your household surfaces don't become innocent victims of your home-improvement efforts.
The first step in removing paint stains is to identify the stained material.
Below are the most common types of materials that can become paint-stained, with steps on how to remove oil-base paint from each:
- Non-washable fibers such as Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Silk,Triacetate, Wool
- Washable fibers such as Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic,Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex
- Hard surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Plexiglas, Polyurethane,Vinyl Clothing
- Flooring such as Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum, Vinyl Tile
- Bamboo or cane
- Stone surfaces such as Bluestone, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite,Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone,Slate, Terrazzo
- Brick
- Carpet (synthetic or wool)
- Ceramic Glass/Tile, Glass
- Grout
- Leather or suede
- Wood
Non-washable Fibers
Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Rayon, Rope, Silk, Triacetate, or Wool:
- Gently scrape (the method of using a dull tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains) to remove the excess paint and sponge (the method of using a dampened pad to apply light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain) the stain with a dry-cleaning solvent such as Afta Cleaning Fluid.
- Apply a dry spotter to the area and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with dry spotter. Let it stand as long as any stain is being removed.
- Change the pad as it picks up the stain. Keep both the stain and pad moist with dry spotter.
- Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) with the dry-cleaning solvent and allow to dry.
- If stain persists, sponge with water and apply a wet spotter and a few drops of ammonia. (Do not use ammonia on wool or silk.)
- Cover stain with an absorbent pad moistened with wet spotter. Let it stand as long as any stain is being removed.
- Change the pad as it picks up the stain. Keep both the pad and stain moist with wet spotter and ammonia.
- Flush well with water and repeat as necessary.
Washable Fibers
Follow these steps to remove blood stains from Acrylic, Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, or Spandex:
- Flush the solvent indicated as a thinner on the paint container through the stain. If no thinner is indicated, use turpentine. Be careful not to spread the stain.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and repeat if necessary.
- Rub the area with bar soap (not a deodorant-type) or a liquid detergent.
- Rinse again and launder.
Hard Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from Acrylic Plastic, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Vinyl Clothing:
- Wipe excess immediately with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry. Do not use a thinner on these materials, as it will eat through them.
- If necessary, dip a cloth into a dry-cleaning solvent and quickly but gently dab at the remaining stain.
- Rinse well and wipe dry.
Flooring
Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum, Vinyl Tile:
- Wipe immediately with a damp cloth.
- Cover the stain with a rubbing alcohol compress and let it remain in place for a few minutes. Then wipe the area with a cloth moistened with ammonia. (Do not use ammonia on linoleum or vinyl floor tile.)
- If stain persists, try rubbing very gently with superfine steel wool dipped in liquid wax.
- Wash the area with warm soapy water, rinse, then wax when dry.
Bamboo or Cane
Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from Bamboo, Cane, Paint (flat or gloss), Porcelain Fixtures, Stainless Steel:
- Scrape to remove any excess spill.
- Wipe area immediately with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added.
- Rinse thoroughly with clear water and wipe dry.
Stone Surfaces
Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from Bluestone, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo:
- Scrape up the excess spill.
- Wash the area with a solution of washing soda or detergent (not soap) and water.
- Scrub with a cloth or soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse well with clear water and allow to dry.
Brick
Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint from brick:
- Apply a commercial paint remover to the stain and allow it to dry.
- Use a wire brush to remove the stain, then wash area with clear water.
- Allow the area to dry.
Carpet
Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from carpet:
- Gently dab at the stain with a cloth dipped in the solvent indicated on the paint container label or use turpentine. Do not soak the stain, as the solvent will damage the rubber backing and pad.
- Continue to wipe with a clean, solvent-dampened cloth as long as the stain is picked up.
- Sponge with water and wash with a concentrated liquid carpet shampoo.
- Sponge the area with water, blot excess liquid, and allow it to dry thoroughly.
Tile and Glass
Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from Ceramic Glass/Tile, Glass:
- Scrape to remove any excess. (Caution: Do not scrape ceramic glass range-tops -- soak to loosen the stain.)
- Wipe the stain with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water.
- Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
- If any traces remain, allow to dry, then scrape gently with a razor blade.
Grout
Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from grout:
- Wipe up excess paint. Then wipe area with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water.
- If stain remains, dip a wet toothbrush into a little baking soda or powdered cleanser and gently scrub the spot.
- Rinse well with water and wipe dry.
Leather or Suede
Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from leather or suede:
- Gently scrape to remove the excess.
- Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish to create a great volume of suds.
- Apply only the foam with a sponge. Wipe with a clean dry cloth.
- If any stain remains, try rubbing with cleaners such as Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner into the spot with a clean soft cloth. Allow it to dry.
- If stain persists, test a dry-cleaning solvent on an inconspicuous place. If safe to use, gingerly apply to the stained area, and allow it to dry.
- On leather only, follow with cleaners such as Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap.
Wood
Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from wood:
- Wipe immediately with a sponge dampened with warm water.
- Wipe dry, then wax the wood. Note: This stain may be impossible to remove if not treated immediately.