How to remove paint from floor boards?

[Finimadness]

How do I get old paint of floor boards. 

So I can clean them instead of replacing them

[JacobZ]

Hi @Finimadness,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

How much paint are we talking? A few drops, or a spilled tins worth?

What kind of floorboards have you got? Are they timber or a synthetic substance such as vinyl or laminate?

Do you have some photos of the floorboards that you can upload? 

Let me know if you need a hand with this, I am happy to help if required.

If there are only a few drops, a painter will often use a Knife Blade to scrape the paint off. Depending on the severity of the issue, this is likely a good option, just make sure you wear gloves and protective clothing to prevent any unnecessary lacerations.

If the spill is much larger, I would need to see it and have a few more details to recommend a solution.

Let me know what you think and if this does not solve your problem, please let me know so I can assist further.

Jacob

[Finimadness]

[JacobZ]

Hi @Finimadness,

You could start by trying some turpentine. Make sure you try it in a test area before committing to its wider use. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth and gently rub the paint spots. Turps is less harsh than other solvents and, if used carefully, is less likely to affect the finish on the floorboards. Just be sure not to leave it sitting too long on the surface, as it can still soften or dull the finish if overexposed.

For thicker or dried-on paint spots, you can carefully use a knife blade held at a shallow angle. Be very cautious with sharp blades to avoid scratching or gouging the timber. A gentle touch and patience go a long way here.

Do you know if they are real timber floorboards, or are they a timber-look material? 

If they are timber, then you could consider being more aggressive and using something like acetone or sanding them back, but this would mean you'd have to refinish the floorboards.

If they are a timber look material, such as vinyl or laminate floorboards, then you may need to replace them.

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

Jacob