How to Remove Paint from Vinyl

Co-authored by Jeff Baldwin

Last Updated: July 23, 2024

With do-it-yourself paint jobs, there is the potential for drops of paint or even large spills on your vinyl flooring. The spill can be removed by proper and quick action. To remove paint from vinyl, you will first need to determine the type of paint that was spilled. Then, follow the removal procedure whether it be for oil-based, water-based, or dried paint.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Taking off Water-Based Paint

Download Article

Use a dry paper towel or soft cloth to remove as much of the fresh spillage as possible. Wipe it up until there is nothing else you can by simple wiping. If the spill is large, you can contain it with cat litter or shredded paper.^{[2]
X
Research source}
2
Use damp paper towels. After you’ve wiped up with dry paper towels, use damp paper towels to tackle the rest of the spilled paint. Go over the spilled area until as much of the paint has been removed as possible. The damp paper towels should remove most of the paint.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- You will have to go through several damp paper towels if the spill is large.
Advertisement
To remove the remainder of the paint, mix several drops of mild soap into a bucket of water. Then, dip a clean cloth into the mixture. Use the cloth to clean up the rest of the spilled paint.^{[4]
X
Research source}
4
Use a cloth with rubbing alcohol. If the paint has still not been removed, pour rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth and gently rub it over the paint. Press the cloth on the stain and allow it remain for ten minutes if the stain has not been removed. Then, remove the cloth and rinse the area with water.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- Make sure the area is dry after you rinse it off. You can dry it off by patting it with a cloth or paper towel.
5
Repeat if necessary. The paint may not be removed completely on the first try. Repeat the process as many times as necessary until all of the spilled paint has been removed from the floor. Avoid using alcohol too many times on the floor, but you can use water and mild soap as much as needed.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- For really stubborn paint, try spraying a little latex paint remover on the spot. Let it sit on the paint for a few minutes before scrubbing it off with a wet cloth.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jeff Baldwin
  Residential Painter
  
  Expert Interview. 26 February 2021}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Oil-Based Paint

Download Article

Take a damp cloth to remove as much of the spilled paint as possible. Use the damp cloth scoop up the paint and wipe it, rather than spreading it around. Do this until you can’t remove any more paint with only the damp cloth.^{[8]
X
Research source}
After you’ve wiped up as much paint as possible, pour rubbing alcohol onto a cloth. Place the cloth on top of the area with the spilled paint. You may have to use multiple cloths if the area is large. Allow the cloth to sit on top of the paint for ten minutes. Then, wipe it up with a damp cloth.^{[9]
X
Research source}
If the paint has not been removed, you can use steel wool and liquid wax to remove the paint. Liquid wax can be bought at many car shops and supermarkets, like Walmart. The steel wool should be superfine, and it can be bought from most grocery stores. Dip the steel wool into the liquid wax and gently scrub the surface until the paint is removed.^{[10]
X
Research source}
4
Clean the area. Once the paint has been removed, you will need to remove all of the cleaning products from the vinyl. Use mild soap and water to clean the area. You can dip a rag into the soap and water, or you can use a mop. Then, allow the floor to dry.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- You can apply a coat of wax to protect the floor once it has dried.
5
Use PEC-12. If nothing else works to remove the paint, you can use a product called PEC-12. It’s a commercial solvent that is highly effective in removing oil stains, but it is highly toxic. Make sure to use gloves, a face mask, and eye protection when using it. Apply PEC-12 to the damaged area and use a non-abrasive wipe or cotton balls to wipe off the paint. Then, rinse with water and pat it dry with a cloth.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- PEC-12 can be purchased online and at many camera supply shops because it is often used to clean cameras.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Removing Dried Paint

Download Article

1
Use a plastic scraper to remove the dried paint. Try scraping off the dried paint with a plastic scraper or plastic spatula. If that doesn’t work, you can use a razor. Be sure to use the razor carefully to avoid damaging the vinyl.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- You can also use a spoon.
Pour a small amount of mineral spirits or turpentine on a cloth to moisten it. Rub it over the dried paint until it has loosened up or been removed. Repeat this step as many times as necessary.^{[14]
X
Research source}
If the dried paint has not been removed, pour a small amount of acetone nail polish remover onto a clean cloth. Wipe the area until the dried paint has been removed. You may want to test the nail polish remover on a small spot of the flooring to make sure it won’t damage the vinyl.^{[15]
X
Research source}
Use just water or water and mild soap to clean the area. Do this to make sure that there aren’t any remaining chemicals on the floor. Then, pat it dry or allow it to dry on its own.^{[16]
X
Research source}

Video

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Can oil based paint be removed without using a solvent?

Community Answer

You can try to remove it using just warm water and soap.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
Question

How do I remove dried purple CPVC pipe cleaner off of a vinyl floor?

Community Answer

Simple Green all-purpose cleaner works wonders! Just spray the floor with it, let it soak a minute, then take it off with a scrub brush.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 3
Question

How do I remove a large area of dried spray paint from a vinyl floor?

Community Answer

The techniques mentioned above should be of help. Spray paint isn't too different from normal wall paint.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

You can use a paint stripper to remove particularly stubborn paint or paint stains, but only do so as a last resort. There is an increased chance with paint stripper to damage the vinyl surface.

Thanks
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 8
If your vinyl is in a visible place, such as a floor, test a small corner before you apply any chemical to a large area. Do this whenever there is a potential for a corrosive or negative reaction.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 4