How to Remove Paint from Tile & Grout: Simple DIY Methods

We've all been there—paint ended up on your tile despite your best efforts. Fortunately, you can get paint off tile using materials you probably already have around your home. The process is similar whether you've got ceramic tile, porcelain tile, or something more exotic. For this article, we interviewed professional house cleaner Alessandra Mendes to teach you how to get paint off tile, remove paint from grout, and answer additional questions about removing paint from tile.

How do you get paint off tiles?

Wipe up any wet paint with a damp cloth. If the paint is dry, try scraping it off with a utility knife or other scraper. Apply heat with a hair dryer or dampen the paint with a vinegar solution to loosen it and make it easier to scrub away. Cautiously apply a paint remover or paint thinner to remove stubborn stains.

Section 1 of 3:

Best Ways to Get Paint Off Tile

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1
Wipe up wet paint spills immediately. Wet paint is easier to clean, so work fast so the paint doesn’t have a chance to dry. Dampen a cloth or paper towel and use it to wipe up the paint. If you clean it up immediately, you can usually remove all traces of paint.^{[1]
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- Take care that you don’t spread the paint to the grout as you clean the tile. If you get wet paint on grout, wipe it up as soon as possible so it doesn’t dry.
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Scrape off dried paint with a utility knife. This is a great option if the paint is thick or already peeling. Hold your utility knife (or another scraper) at a 45-degree angle and work it across the edges of the paint spill. By pushing the blade at this angle, the paint will come off without scratching the tile.^{[2]
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- Use caution if you’re cleaning glass or marble tiles, as it’s easy to accidentally scratch these materials.
- If you don’t have a utility knife, use a putty knife, razor blade, or painter’s knife.
- Always be careful when handling a sharp utility knife or other blade.
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3
Soften dried paint with heat. If you’re struggling to scrape off the paint, use a heat gun or hair dryer to loosen it. Turn the heat to high and direct it at the paint until it liquefies. Then, simply wipe it off with a rag or scrape it off with a utility knife or other scraping tool.^{[3]
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- Open a window or turn on a fan to improve ventilation so you don’t breathe in paint fumes.
4
Use vinegar for a natural and effective solution. Vinegar is an amazing cleaning product—mix equal parts vinegar and hot water. Then, dip a sponge or scouring pad into the solution and scrub the tile. The vinegar will break up the paint so you can wipe it away.^{[4]
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- Add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to the solution for even deeper cleaning. Baking soda is naturally abrasive, so it can remove the paint without scratching your tile.
- Do not use vinegar if your tiles are made of limestone. Acidic products can wear the material out.
- Mendes says, “Always test any product in a small area first to ensure it doesn't cause any damage to the tile.”
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Use a paint remover or thinner on latex or oil-based paint. Latex and oil paints are often harder to remove than acrylic, so opt for a paint remover product or paint thinner to get rid of stubborn stains. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply the product correctly; usually, you’ll spray the product onto the tile and let it sit before wiping it off with a cloth. Rinse the area with clean, soapy water when you’re done.^{[5]
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- Before using a commercial paint remover, test it on an inconspicuous area to see how it reacts with the tile.
- Some paint removers can irritate or burn skin, so wear rubber gloves, protective eyewear, and a dust mask when using it.
- If the paint is tough, it may be necessary to scrape it off after applying the paint remover.
- In some cases, Mendes says dried paint “may require professional cleaning or cleaning devices.” If nothing you do seems to work, consider hiring a professional cleaner to get the job done.
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Apply nail polish remover to oil or water-based paints. Acetone, which is in most nail polish removers, can effectively remove both wet and dry oil-based paints as well as water-based. Pour some nail polish remover onto a microfiber cloth and dab it on the tile. Let it sit for a few minutes to soften the paint, then scrub the tiles to remove excess paint. Rinse with soapy water to remove any remaining acetone.^{[6]
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- Mendes says, “The best products for removing dried paint from tiles include rubbing alcohol, acetone, or nail polish remover containing acetone. These solutions effectively break down the paint without damaging the tile surface.”
Use the rough side of a scouring pad to remove lingering traces of paint. Dip the scouring pad into a bucket of warm, soapy water and scrub the tile until all the paint is gone. Avoid using an abrasive pad like steel wool or sandpaper, as these can damage even the sturdiest ceramic tiles.^{[7]
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Remove Paint from Grout

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1
Clean grout with bleach or baking soda. Dip a bristle brush or an old toothbrush into diluted bleach or mix a baking soda paste with baking soda and water or vinegar. Then, work the solution of your choice into the grout with the brush to clean it. Rinse the grout with warm water and let it dry.^{[8]
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- To dilute bleach, combine ³⁄₄ cup (180 ml) of bleach with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water in a large bucket.
- Do not use bleach if you have colored grout, as it could discolor it.
- Do not mix bleach with other cleaning products.
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Blot water-based paint with rubbing alcohol. Alcohol (or acetone) can also be an effective way to remove paint from grout, as it can be used to get paint out of most surfaces.^{[9]
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Research source} Dip a cloth into the alcohol and dab at the stained grout until the paint comes off. Avoid rubbing the paint, as this can make the stain worse.
- Rubbing alcohol may not remove oil-based paint. Acetone usually does a better job at this.
Grout’s porous surface often soaks up paint quickly, making it difficult, or even impossible, to remove it entirely. If you don’t want to scrape and regrout the area, consider applying a colored epoxy to the grout instead. This can restore the grout’s color and help seal its surface. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply it correctly.^{[10]
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Section 3 of 3:

Removing Paint from Tile FAQs

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Rubbing alcohol can remove water-based paint but not oil-based. Dab a cloth in rubbing alcohol and rub it on a small, inconspicuous area. If the paint comes off easily, it’s water-based. Make sure the alcohol doesn’t damage the tile’s surface before applying it to the rest of the stained area.^{[11]
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The methods included in this article can be used to remove paint from almost any tile, including shower tile, floor tile, and backsplash tile. Find out what the tile is made of (porcelain, limestone, etc.) to determine which removal method to use. If you’re not sure, try a less abrasive method first and test any solutions in an inconspicuous area.
Yes, it’s possible to remove acrylic paint from tile. Acrylic paint is water-based, so it can be removed by scraping, with vinegar, with alcohol, or sometimes with soapy water and a bit of elbow grease.^{[12]
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There are several types and brands of paint remover that are safe to use on ceramic tile—just read the label to check. If you’re not certain, it may be better to try a different removal method or to at least test the remover in an inconspicuous area before applying it.^{[13]
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Research source} Some popular products include Motsenbocker’s Lift Off Latex Paint Remover, Smart’n Easy Citrus Paint & Varnish Remover Gel, Peel Away 1 Paint Remover, and Goo Gone Latex Paint Clean Up.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Are there any other ways to remove paint from tiles?

Alessandra Mendes
Cleaning Specialist
Alessandra Mendes is a Cleaning Specialist and the Founder of Cleaning Glow. With ten years of experience, Alessandra and her team specialize in providing residential cleaning services in the San Francisco Bay Area. All members of the Cleaning Glow team have completed thorough background checks.

Alessandra Mendes

Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

Consider using rubbing alcohol, acetone, or nail polish remover containing acetone as effective solutions. Start by spot-testing a small area of the tile surface to ensure compatibility with the chosen product and to prevent potential damage. Once confirmed, apply the selected solvent directly onto the dried paint stains. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to penetrate the paint. Then, using a clean cloth or sponge, gently rub the affected area in a circular motion to loosen the paint. Repeat the process as necessary until the paint is completely removed. Afterward, rinse the tiles thoroughly with water to remove any remaining residue from the solvent. Dry the tiles with a clean towel to finish.

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Check what your tiles are made of so you know which products to use.

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To avoid getting paint on tile in the future, cover your work surface with a drop cloth or newspaper whenever using paint.

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Warnings

Paint and paint removers contain chemical compounds that are harmful if you breathe them in. Open windows and run fans when you're painting or using products that have solvents.

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Test any paint removal method on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the stained tile. This will help ensure the solution doesn’t damage the surface.

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If the paint is very old and you think it might be lead-based, it may be best to call a professional. If you choose to handle it yourself, always work with a mask and do your best to protect yourself from the dust.

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