How to Remove Paint from Wood Floors

Wood floors can be beautiful and warm underfoot, and they are relatively easy to care for. You don’t have to worry when you or your kids accidentally gotten paint on your wood floors, because you can easily wipe them off. Here are some tips from our house painter Melbourne, to help get started.

To get paint splatter off from woods floors, you can go straight for a putty knife. If you use brand new putty, we suggest you to file down the sharp edges before using it. By filing down the sharp edges it will reduce the likelihood of damaging the floor.

Let’s say you’re not confident that you can wield a putty knife and remove the paint without scratching your wood floor. That’s okay! We have prepared guide for you to follow.

First, determine what kind of paint it is. Generally, there are two kinds of paint, water-based and oil-based. To check it you can try to wipe the paint with cotton ball soaked with alcohol. If any residue comes off on the cotton ball, then it’s water-based paint. If nothing comes off, then it’s oil-based. Once you know what you’re trying to remove, then continue to the next step.

Let’s start from water-based paint. There are several ways you can use.

1. Soap and Water
   For this method, you need to prepare soap, warm water and a rag. Mix warm water with a mild soap and begin scrubbing off the paint with a dampened rag. The paint should loosen, allowing you to wipe it away with a dry rag. Sometimes the paint already too dry and you will need to use putty knife to scrape it off.
2. Rubbing Alcohol
   To start this method, you will need to scrape off as much paint as you can with putty knife. Do it carefully so you will not damage the floor. Then create a solution of alcohol and lemon juice (ratio 3:1). Dip a rag into the solution and use it to cover the paint. Let it sit for 5 minutes. Scrub off the paint it new rag or a brush. Finally, wipe the area with a clean, water-dampened rag and you’re done.
3. Heat Gun
   You can use heat gun method for both water-based and oil-based. And it’s easy too, point the heat gun at the paint and, at the same time scratch the paint with putty knife. Wipe over the floor with damp rag for finishing touch. Keep in mind not to heat the paint too long. It can damage the wood floor’s finish. If you don’t heat gun, hair dryer can act as substitute.
4. Paint Remover
   If you’ve tried all the above paint removal methods and nothing has worked, then it is time purchase a paint remover. It’s safe to use on your floors and is good for oil and water-based paints.

For oil-based paint, we suggest you to use paint thinner or cleansing pads

1. Paint Thinner
   For this method, all you need is a bucket of paint thinner and a rag. Dip the rag into the thinner then rub it until the paint gone. Don’t rub too vigorously because it could damage the floor. Make sure your windows are opened to let the odor out.
2. Cleansing Pads
   If you’re dealing with fresh paint on your wood floor (whether it’s water or oil-based), surface-safe paint removal pads are the answer. Wipe it off immediately, it is much easier to clean when it’s wet.