Remove Oil Based Paint From Hardwood Floors

How to remove oil based paint from wood floors with paint thinner.

Remove oil based paint from hardwood floors.

Removing oil based old paint is more challenging compared to acrylic paint as some of the effective solvents used to dissolve the paint may also damage the floor finish. Dried paint stains unless they are recent on your wood floor can prove difficult to remove without damaging the floor s finish. Keeping your wood floors looking like new requires constant care and maintenance. However with the proper procedures you can remove both latex and oil based dried paint from your floor s surface without damaging the wood.

To remove paint on hardwood floors start by adding a drop of dish soap to a damp paper towel and rubbing the paint stain. Open up windows and get a fan going in the area to keep it well ventilated this odorless paint thinner is another option. Heavy maintenance will be required however if you drop certain stain causing substances such as oil based paint on your wood floor. If that doesn t take the paint off use a rag to blot denatured alcohol on the stain let it soak in for a few minutes then scrub it with a brush.

If the paint is oil based rub it out with white spirit turpentine or acetone. Dampen a rag dab the floor and then touch. Dip a rag. If the paint is smooshed over the surface make a solution with vinegar rubbing alcohol water and dish soap and rub it out.

Ok no really if none of the above methods work to remove paint spills and you know the paint is oil based it s time to try paint thinner. Caution must be taken to prevent harming the finish or gouging the wood. For oil based drips ask your local paint store for the best solvent and removal method or try step five below. Dried paint can be a challenge to remove from hardwood flooring without causing major damage especially if the paint is oil based.

Always try out other methods to remove paint from hardwood without chemicals before resorting to commercial solvents. If there s dried paint in between floorboards or other small cracks use soap and water or solvent on a pointy ended cotton swab the kind they sell for makeup says macmillan or an old toothbrush. Many chemical cleaners are too harsh to use on this type of floor but there are methods to safely lift dried paint.