You’ve been in the middle of a major renovation project. First, you laid new laminate flooring. Then, you painted the walls. Uh-oh. Now your brand-new floor is dotted with unsightly paint drips. Is there an easy way to remove those stains so that your new floor isn’t ruined?Yes, if you know how to get paint off laminate flooring, it can be a rather quick job. Pick your cleaning solution, and then follow the step-by-step instructions for paint removal. Hopefully, your floor will soon be as good as new!
When to Get Paint off Laminate Flooring
If you can wipe the spill before it fully dries, you’ll have the easiest time. Often, fresh splashes can be removed with a simple swipe of a damp rag. After about 10 minutes, you may need to select a different cleaning approach.
Cleaning Solutions for Removing Paint from Laminate Flooring
Stubborn paint stains may need more than a wet rag. A cleaning solution can provide the stain-busting power that you’ll need for those spots. You have a few different options for which solution to use.
It’s usually best to start with the gentlest solutions and work your way up to stronger chemicals if needed. No matter which you choose, always test these solutions in a discreet spot before using them in the middle of your room.
Homemade Mixture
Just a few simple ingredients are all it takes to prepare a gentle solution for cleaning up dried paint. In a container, combine equal portions of water, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. After stirring them together, squirt in a few drops of dish soap.
Acetone Nail Polish Remover
If the homemade solution isn’t quite strong enough, nail polish remover could be your next try. For the best results, choose a formula that includes acetone. Nail polish remover can be effective on both oil-based and latex paints.
Ammonia-based Window Solution
Window cleaner is another chemical you may have at home that you can use to remove paint from laminate flooring. The ammonia that it contains can help break down the paint.
Paint Remover
Commercial paint removers are designed to gently lift latex paint splatters. Many times, they work well. The advantage of other products is that you may already have them on hand. If those options don’t do the trick, though, you may want to make a trip to the hardware store for a bottle of paint remover.
This type of product won’t work on oil-based paint stains, however. In that case, the best solution to buy at the hardware store is paint thinner.
How to Get Paint off Laminate Flooring: Step by Step
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Open windows.
Cleaning solutions should be used in well-ventilated areas.
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Clean the laminate floor.
Sweep or vacuum to get rid of any dust and debris. That way, the dirt won’t get in the way of your cleaning solution. Also, you won’t have to worry about dirt particles scratching your laminate as you scrub the stain.
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Lift the paint.
Some paint stains are raised. If you can carefully slide a putty knife underneath one edge, you may be able to pry the splatter away from the laminate. To remove any remaining marks, continue with the following steps.
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Apply your solution.
Spritzing the floor with your chosen cleaning solution could leave you with waterlogged laminate. Instead, it’s usually best to soak a cleaning cloth in the mixture. Wring it out to remove excess liquid. Rub the cloth over the stain.
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Wait.
Let the solution sit for about five minutes. This will allow it to penetrate the stain and loosen the paint’s grip on the laminate.
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Scrub and tweeze.
Use a clean, damp rag or a soft brush to scrub at the stain. With tweezers, pick away any loose bits of paint. Continue scrubbing and tweezing until you’ve removed as much paint as you can.
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Repeat as needed.
If some paint remains on your laminate flooring, repeat the process. You can use the same chemical multiple times, or you can advance to stronger solutions.
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Clean up.
Once you’ve removed all the paint, thoroughly rinse the area with water and a clean rag. Finally, allow your good-as-new laminate to air dry.
