How to remove paint from timber floors?

Innov8tive

This paint is on the wooden floors in my house. I tried using some wd40 and elbow grease. No joy. I'm wondering if I should use the flat edge of a blade to get this off or something else that is not going to ruin the finish. All I know is it is paint from a tin of paint and been there a long time. but keen to just use stuff I have at home to remove. The whole house is being renovated so trying to keep costs down where I can. I have white vinegar - microfibre cloths - detergents at home. Would like to know what is actually going to remove this paint. 

JacobZ

Hi @Innov8tive,

I can see that you have paint splatter on what appears to be varnished floorboards, so the goal is to remove it without softening or scratching the varnish.  

Are you aware of whether the paint is water-based or oil based? Also, do you know what the floorboards were coated with? Knowing these things would help to guide our approach.

Start by trying to soften the paint gently. Place a slightly damp (not wet) cloth or paper towel over the paint spot and leave it there for about ten to fifteen minutes. This helps loosen water-based paints, allowing them to be lifted off more easily.

After ten to fifteen minutes, remove the cloth and use a plastic scraper to carefully scrape at the edge of the paint. If the paint begins to come away, continue scraping until it’s fully removed. Wipe the area with a lightly damp cloth to remove residue, then dry immediately.

If the paint is stubborn, you could try using a mild solvent sparingly, ensuring you test it in a hidden location beforehand to gauge how the varnish will react.  

For water-based paint, apply a small amount of methylated spirits to a soft cloth and then lightly dab the paint, following up with the plastic scraper. For oil-based paint, use a little mineral turpentine, again lightly dabbing at the splatter, never scrubbing, then follow up with the plastic scraper.

If you still have no luck, then you could try using a fine-grit sandpaper such as this 400 Sandpaper, being extremely careful not to overdo it.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob