How To Get Paint Off Laminate Floor

How To Get Paint Off Laminate Floor
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You were painting your walls and some dripped onto your laminate floor. If you act fast, using a wet cloth can help you to remove the paint while it’s still fresh, but sometimes the paint can set into the laminate and cause a stain.

Are stains easy to remove from laminate floors? The good news is that laminate flooring is an easy surface to clean because it has a coating of aluminum oxide that is resistant to harsh chemicals as well as stains. 

With that in mind, let’s explore how to get paint off your laminate floor. We’ve got seven methods you can try to make your laminate floors look as good as new. 

Contents

How To Get Paint Off Laminate Floor: 7 Easy DIY Methods

There are many different things you can try to remove paint from your laminate floors, but bear in mind that before you go ahead you should clean your laminate by vacuuming away dirt and debris.

Once you’ve done that, here are the DIY cleaning methods to consider.

Rubbing Alcohol, Vinegar, Water, and Dish Soap  

Rubbing Alcohol, Vinegar, Water, and Dish Soap  

Mix together equal parts of rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and water. Then add a few drops of dish soap. Mix the solution well so that all the ingredients blend together and soap suds start to form.

This solution will work well to remove paint from your laminate flooring, especially water-based paints. This is because the paint will be lifted by the vinegar which has a dissolving effect on it.

As for oil-based paint, the rubbing alcohol and dish soap should work well. So, this is a versatile cleaning solution for paint stains, and best of all you probably already have all the ingredients you need at home.

When applying the cleaning solution to the stain, dip a cloth in the mixture and then scrub it on the paint in a back-and-forth motion. You might have to do this many times until the paint is completely lifted from the laminate. Let the floor dry.

Dish Soap 

You can also try dish soap on its own to remove the paint stain. This works well to cut through grease, but it also dissolves the residue of dry paint.

Best of all, it’s very gentle so you don’t have to worry about using harsh chemicals on your laminate flooring.

Rubbing Alcohol

You can also use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) on its own. You can apply it to a variety of floor types, including concrete and vinyl. Since it has a high alcohol content, it lifts paint and can also be used on dried, stubborn paint stains.

To use it, soak a cloth in rubbing alcohol and gently work it into the paint. Cover the entire paint spill with rubbing alcohol. Leave it to sit for about five minutes.

Then, put a clean cloth in cool water. Wipe the stain with it so you remove the excess paint and rubbing alcohol.

Note that rubbing alcohol is especially useful at removing oil-based paint. This is because it’s nonpolar so it can dissolve oil.

Vinegar

Vinegar

This is another easy way to remove paint from laminate floors. Since vinegar is acidic, this makes it useful at removing stains without the use of any chemicals. Mix a gallon of warm water with a cup of white vinegar.

Use a clean cloth to dab at the paint but make sure the entire stain is covered with vinegar. Leave the vinegar to sit on the stain for a few minutes so that it can cut through it. Then, with a soft cloth dipped in cold water, clear away the paint and the vinegar.

Although vinegar is acidic, you can safely use it on laminate flooring. What you should avoid, however, is putting too much water on the floor. This can cause the laminate to get water spots or become warped. 

Nail Polish Remover

If you’re dealing with a slightly more stubborn paint stain, you should reach for acetone nail polish remover. This helps to loosen and lift the paint. Just apply the nail polish remover to the paint stain and leave it for a few minutes.

Then, wipe it off with a cloth. You might have to do this a few times to remove all of the paint.

Use a bit of warm water on a cloth rag to wash off excess nail polish remover from the floor. You can also pull up loosened, dry paint with tweezers.

Is the paint still there? Read on for stronger methods to remove it from your laminate flooring.

Window Cleaner 

Since many window cleaning sprays on the market contain ammonia, they can be used to remove paint from laminate. Ammonia works well to cut through paint ingredients such as sulfur. Simply apply the window cleaner directly to the laminate floor stain.

Let it work for a few minutes, then scrub it with a soft-bristled brush – be sure it’s a soft brush as you don’t want to damage the floor while trying to remove its stains. Or, just use a rag.

Denatured Alcohol 

Denatured alcohol isn’t the same thing as rubbing alcohol. It’s ethyl alcohol with substances that have been added to it.

Denatured alcohol can be used to mop up acrylic and latex paint from laminate floors. It works well to cut through solvent and it also disinfects the floor at the same time.

Just soak a cloth in denatured alcohol, then scrub the paint stain or drips. Once the paint has been lifted, you can use a cloth soaked in warm water to remove any excess paint and denatured alcohol. 

How To Remove Dried Paint From Laminate Floors 

How To Remove Dried Paint From Laminate Floors 

If the paint has had a chance to dry on the laminate floor, you should chip it away and loosen it with the use of a tool. You can use a razor blade, scraper, or putty knife to do this job.

However, before you go ahead and use your tool, you should ensure you’re wearing protective gloves because you don’t want to hurt yourself. Here’s what to do.

  • Press the sharp tool into the edge of the paint spill. 
  • Gently push the sharp tool forward so you can lift the dry paint. You have to be gentle so that you don’t push it into the wood. 
  • Chip away at the paint with the tool. 
  • Finish off with the use of a putty knife or scraper to clean away any excess paint. 

Can You Remove Paint From Laminate Floor With Paint Thinners?

Can You Remove Paint From Laminate Floor With Paint Thinners?

While it might seem like an obvious choice to reach for paint thinners to remove paint from a laminate floor, this is not a good idea.

Paint thinners can discolor the laminate as a result of how they contain chemicals that are reactive and these will damage the surface of the laminate. 

What Are Laminate Floors?

What Are Laminate Floors?

Now that we’ve looked at how to remove paint from laminate floors, let’s look at what, exactly, are laminate floors.

Laminate floors are made out of thin pressed wood board with a printed image of wood that’s fused onto the fiberboard core. They contain a collection of wood fibers and have a layer on top that’s made of resin. 

Laminate flooring is stain resistant because of its several layers. It has a top layer that’s got an aluminum oxide coating, which also protects it against scratches and scuffs. 

Related Questions 

Is laminate flooring prone to water damage?

Laminate flooring can’t handle excess water, as this can cause it to warp or become discolored. This is why you have to be careful when cleaning your laminate floors.

Is there any type of laminate floor that’s waterproof?

Is there any type of laminate floor that’s waterproof?

Luxury vinyl plank flooring is durable and waterproof, too. It comes in a variety of options and it’s also easy to install. 

Does laminate flooring have a long lifespan? 

A laminate floor has a decent lifespan. It can last for between 15 and 25 years. 

Conclusion

While laminate floors are resistant to stains, they can be marked with paint stains that you’ll want to eliminate ASAP.

This article shows some of the most effective methods to remove paint from laminate, from gentle DIY methods to stronger chemical products.

The next time you spill paint on your laminate floor, you don’t have to worry about it or call the professionals. Now you know how to get rid of it so your laminate can shine.