Removing paint – how do you do it?

Removing paint is an important job to get a perfect end result for new paintwork. In addition, it often happens that we unknowingly spill paint on, for example, the wooden floor or on our clothes. In this blog we would like to tell you per situation how best to remove paint.

Removing paint from wood

Removing paint from wood is relatively easy, but it does depend on the type of paint. Latex paint, for example, is removed differently than oil-based paint. To remove latex paint from wood, take a soft cloth, hold it under the tap and wring it out. Then gently rub the paint with the cloth. If that doesn’t have the desired effect, you can also use cleaning alcohol. Dry the wood with a clean, dry cloth.

To remove oil-based paint, it is best to use turpentine. Dip a tip of a soft cloth into the turpentine and gently rub the paint on the wood. Then rinse the cloth and repeat the first two steps until the paint is removed from the wood. Then dry the wood with a clean, dry cloth.

DIYers often try to remove paint with baking soda. We don’t recommend that because it can damage the undercoat. In fact, it rarely works. So you’re better off using other means.

Removing paint with brute force: what remedies can you use?

Does cleaning with a cloth not work? Then it’s time for coarser artillery. For example, you can use paint stripper from Alabastine. This is especially useful for cleaning corners and edges. It is aggressive, so be careful with metal. If used incorrectly, it can corrode metal.

Of course, you can also remove paint by heating it with hot air guns, a hair dryer or a paint burner. You then use a paint scraper to remove the paint. It is a simple method because the paint is instantly loosened by the heat. Beware of smoke and the creation of harmful fumes, though.

Rather not use power tools? Then you can also use old-fashioned sandpaper. This works simply; you sand over the wood or metal with the paper. Be careful with it, as there is a chance of scratching the material you are trying to remove the paint from.

Removing paint from clothing

Painting is preferably done in old clothing, but what if you just ran past a freshly painted wall with your new sweater? Can paint be removed from clothing? Fortunately, the answer is “Yes!

Of course, there are all kinds of chemicals you can use to get paint out of clothes, but the old tip Grandma used to give is definitely worth trying: use ox gall soap. This works best with turpentine-based paint. The paint may not have hardened. Therefore, it is important to clean your clothing immediately after a spill with this soap. You can also put the garment in milk overnight before washing it.

Have you already washed the clothing but the paint won’t come out? Then dab some nail polish remover on the stain. Rub it in for a while and put the garment in the washing machine. The paint stain will then come out quickly.

If all this doesn’t work, you can also try turpentine. Then don’t rub too much into the stain and be aware that it can leave a nasty odor. Fortunately, a strong-smelling detergent works wonders in this regard. With any luck, you’ll make quick work of that pesky paint stain.

To get you started, Pilgrim Tools has a number of handy products to help you easily remove old paint residue.