If for some reason paint found its way onto your carpet, it can be frustrating and not pleasing to look at. Some people panic and throw away the entire carpet without trying to remove the stained area first. With due diligence and some know-how to clean paint stains, you can actually save quite a bit of money and still retain the beauty of your carpet.
In general, paint is always easier to remove when it’s still wet. Gently dab the spot to remove as much fresh paint as possible and don’t scrub it into the carpet so you won’t scatter the paint and create a larger mess. The crucial part is identifying what type of paint you’re dealing with since the removal process highly depends on the formula the paint manufacturers used. Reading the label can help determine whether it is oil-based, water-based, etc. If you’re unsure, take the paint container to your local store for assistance. Well anyways, here’s GetPro Painting’s take on the types of paint and how to remove them from your carpet:
REMOVING WATER-BASED AND LATEX PAINT
Water-based paint and latex paint have little or no odor and dry quickly, so cleaning them is easier and requires a little effort. These procedures may require a series of repetitions if the paint does not come off on the first try.
- If the paint is still wet on the carpet, simply blot the paint without scrubbing so it won’t spread out, especially if the paint is a different color palette from the carpet.
- If the paint is dry, Hot water with a little bit of dishwashing soap and let the solution sit for a while to soften the paint. Using a scraper and gently scraping it should do the trick
REMOVING OIL-BASED PAINT
Oil-based paint is made of natural or synthetic oils and is resistant to moisture. The most important thing to keep in mind when cleaning oil-based paint is time. The sooner you clean up the paint, the easier it is.
- If the Oil Paint is still wet, dab the stain with a paper towel or cloth dampened with thinning solvent or apply a small amount of turpentine to the stained area.
- If the Oil Paint is dry, use a steamer to slowly break down the paint and gently scrape it since it may take a while to dissolve the pigment, take your time so you won’t damage the carpet fibers. Finally, rinse the area using a solution of mild dishwashing detergent and lukewarm water.
REMOVING ACRYLIC-BASED PAINT
Most commonly used by artists, hobby painters, or even kids for painting projects, acrylic paint is among the top culprits in carpet stains. However, it is not impossible to clean it up. These procedures may require some repetitions if needed.
- If the Acrylic Paint is still fresh, simply blot the surface area with a paper towel or cloth dipped in water.
- If the Acrylic Paint is dry, start by brushing the area with a toothbrush then scrape the loosened chunks. Blot the area with a mixture of laundry detergent and warm water. If the paint remains solid, try patting the area with a rag moistened with acetone. Lastly, vacuum the carpet once it’s dry to remove any chunks/pieces of paint left and to lift the fibers up.
Accidental spills or stains in your household are unavoidable when working with paint especially when you’re doing this for the first time or working with an amateur team of painters. Enlisting the help of professionals can help save you a lot of time and money. GetPro Painting has over 2 decades of painting experience. We’re not strangers when it comes to stains and spills and definitely knows to avoid them. If you have a painting project you want to be done professionally, or if you have any other inquiries, contact GetPro Painting for a free consultation and estimate for any painting projects. Call us today at (734) 328-1657 or email us at info@GetProPainting.com.