How to Get Paint Out of Carpet

How to Get Paint Out of Carpet

Different types of paint require different cleaning techniques to get the results you want. However, two rules apply to any kind of paint. One, always clean the stain as soon as possible, wet paint is much easier to remove. Two, always use the least abrasive option available to protect your carpet.

Water-based Paint

The most common paint for DIY projects or crafting is a water-based paint. Water-based paint is much easier to clean as it readily dilutes with water, so no chemicals are needed. To remove water-based paint from your carpet, first, remove all excess paint using thick paper towels or rags. Take care not to rub the paint into the carpet fibre. Next, use a damp towel to blot the paint until it is all removed. Finally, rinse and blot the area with a clean towel and allow to dry.

If the paint is already dry, you can still try to remove the stain. Use needle-nose pliers or a putty knife to remove the excess dried paint. Then, use hot water and a little detergent to soak the area. With a stiff brush, lather the water and gently loosen the paint. Repeat this process until all the paint is removed and then blot the area with a clean towel.

Oil-based Paint

The technique for removing oil-based paint is similar to water-based paint, but the products are different. First remove all the excess paint, next saturate the area with a carpet cleaner and cleaning solution. Now, using a cloth dipped in paint cleaner, hydrogen peroxide or 100% acetone, blot the paint until it dissolves. Keep going until it is all removed. Due to the harsh chemicals, we recommend you open a window and wear gloves.

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint dries quickly so you’ll need to work fast. As with other paint, always remove any excess first. If the paint is wet, you can remove it in the same way as water-based paint. Dilute and blot until all the paint is gone.

If the paint is already dry, you can spray it with WD-40 and leave it for approximately 30 minutes. The WD-40 should loosen the paint and make it easier to remove.

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