The Best Ways to Remove Paint Splatters From Any Surface

No matter how careful you are with your DIY paint job, there’s a good chance a few drops will end up where you don’t want them, such as on your tile floor or dripping down a glass window pane. While this can certainly be annoying, and potentially require a few extra hours of labor, with the right knowhow, paint stains and splatters can be removed from most surfaces.

Note: when working with either paint or removal chemicals, be sure to use protective gear, such as gloves, a mask, and eye protection, and ensure the area is well-ventilated.

How to remove paint from carpet

The faster you can attack a paint stain on your carpet, the better: Wet paint is generally easier to remove than dry. If the paint is still wet, start by using a paper towel or cloth to blot and remove the excess paint—but do not scrub. If the stain has dried, start by scraping away large chunks with a utility knife and running a vacuum over the area.

If the stain is from latex paint, moisten the carpet with hot water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Work it into a lather using a stiff brush and scrub until the stain begins to dissolve. Follow up with a handheld carpet cleaner/steamer.

If you’ve got stains from oil-based paint, start with several passes with a carpet cleaner and cleaning solution. Then blot the stain with a cleaning cloth and a few drops of paint remover, acetone, white vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide (test first to see the effect on your carpet color, and be sure to ventilate the room well). This may take some time, but once the stain has lessened or disappeared, clean thoroughly with carpet shampoo.

How to remove paint from wood

There are several methods for removing paint drops and stains from wood. If you’re covering a large surface, a heat gun will loosen paint (as well as varnish and other finishes) so you can scrape it off en masse, wipe clean, and follow up with a denatured alcohol wash. Another option is a chemical paint stripper, which will allow you to scrape away softened paint—just be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging, and finish with an abrasive pad or nylon.

Finally, you can sand using sandpaper or a power sander, but note that this method creates a lot of dust and can damage the wood if not done carefully. Sand in the direction of the grain, and wipe with a damp cloth.

How to remove paint from hardwood floors

Note that hardwood floors may take a bit more care than other wood, and like carpet, the type of paint that’s spilled matters. For water-based paint, Bob Vila recommends scrubbing with a solution of 2 cups water with several drops of dish soap followed by a 3:1 rubbing alcohol and lemon juice solution applied with a microfiber cloth.

If the paint is oil-based, you’ll likely need to use a paint thinner instead.

How to remove paint from concrete

To remove paint spills from concrete, start by loosening the dried paint with a scraper or stiff brush. Then apply a chemical paint stripper following the manufacturer’s instructions, and finish by pressure washing the affected area. Acetone can also be effective for oil-based, acrylic, and enamel paints—apply, soak, scrub, rinse, repeat.

How to remove paint from glass

The first step to removing paint from glass, such as a window pane, is to scrub with a rag soaked in hot white vinegar. If paint remains, switch to a solution of warm water and dish soap to lubricate the glass, then use a razor blade or scraper at a 45-degree angle to gently lift the paint off the surface. Finish with a glass cleaner.

How to remove paint from tile

For paint drips on your tile floors or a tile backsplash, start by scraping using a razor blade or utility knife just as you would with glass. If needed, follow with vinegar, a paste of baking soda and water, or a commercial paint remover that’s formulated for your tile and the paint type.

How to remove paint from vinyl

If there’s wet paint on your vinyl or linoleum flooring, use dish soap and warm water to remove as much as you can. If you have dried flecks or drops, start with a plastic scraper. For stubborn spots, Redditors recommend scrubbing with isopropyl alcohol, Goo Gone, or Simple Green—paint remover may be necessary for oil-based paint or vinegar for latex paint, though both may damage the floor if not cleaned up quickly.

How to remove paint from brick

The safest way to remove paint from brick is with a gel or paste paint stripper and fabric strips. Leave the chemical remover to soak in following the manufacturer’s instructions—as the paint softens, it sticks to the fabric and peels away. Note that this may take several rounds plus some scraping or scrubbing with a stiff-bristled brush.