Spray paint is always my top choice as a beautiful finish is easily achievable. It is pretty durable, too, which must worry you when you need to remove the paint. Removing spray paint is not as tough as boiling the ocean but can be challenging. Not to worry, as we’ll answer how to remove spray paint from wood.
You can use rubbing alcohol or acetone to remove spray paint from wood easily. Apply the solvent to the paint and rub it off after a few minutes. You also can get a spray paint remover, which is the most convenient option.
A detailed understanding of these processes is necessary to clean the spray paint properly. I will try to discuss all the methods step-by-step with detailed instructions. Stay tuned till the end to find the best way to remove spray paint from wood.
Is spray paint removable?
Spray paint is more convenient to use than other paints. It is especially one of the best options for wood painting projects.
However, you may spill spray paint on wood during painting that you want to remove. Or maybe you want to remove the old paint for repainting.
Spray paint usually lasts for around 2 to 10 years. You must be wondering whether the spray paint is removable or not.
Yes, you can easily remove the spray paint from the wood without damaging the underneath finish or the wood.
Top 5 methods to remove spray paint from wood
There are several ways to remove spray paint from wood. You will need to select the method depending on the paint type. For example, acetone is best for oil-based spray painting, while rubbing alcohol is better for removing latex spray paint.
Before jumping to the cleaning process, let’s learn about the items you will need to remove spray paints from wood.
Basic items you will need for removing spray paints:
- Clean rag or towel
- Putty knife
- Paint scraper
- Soapy water/mineral spirits
Key items you will need for removing spray paints (Depending on your preferred method):
- Spray paint remover
- Olive oil
- Rubbing alcohol
- Acetone
- Baking soda
Now, let’s start cleaning spray paints from wood by following the top 5 methods:
Method 1: remove spray paint from the wood floor using spray paint remover
Our first method to remove spray paint from wood is to use a spray paint remover. This is the most convenient method as you can use the remover on any surface, including the wooden floor.
You can choose Motsenbocker’s Lift-Off Premium Spray Paint and Graffiti Remover for this process. It can efficiently remove the spray paint from the wooden floor.
How to remove spray paint from the wood floor using spray paint remover?
After purchasing the remover, take a clean towel and start removing the spray paint by following the steps below:
Step 1: Spray remover
First, spray the paint remover on the wooden floor. Whether there are paint drops or graffiti, spray everywhere. Then let it soften the paint for a few minutes. You won’t have to wait long as it works fast.
Step 2: Rub the surface
In the second step, start rubbing the floor with a clean towel. The spray paint should come off easily.
Step 3: Clean the floor
Finally, use soapy water to clean the leftovers. Dampen a clean towel in the water and wipe the residue to get a shiny wooden floor.
Related: How Do I Use Sandpaper For Removing Paint From Wood?
Method 2: remove spray paint from wood furniture using olive oil
Harsh chemicals can damage the wood finish while removing paint. It is essential to protect it while removing the paint from the wood. Olive oil can be your best solution in this case.
Yes, you heard right. Olive oil is not only good for cooking healthy foods but also can be used as a spray paint remover.
How to remove spray paint from wood furniture using olive oil?
Gather the following items first:
- Olive oil
- Putty knife
- Clean rag
- Mineral spirits
Now, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Apply olive oil
First, spill a few drops of olive oil on the furniture and use the rag to wipe and cover the whole area. Ensure the oil reaches every corner of the furniture. Let the oil sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 2: Scrape off the paint
Then, cover the putty knife with the rag for scraping the paint. This is done to prevent damage to the wood. After covering, start scraping off the spray paint from the furniture. Put pressure if necessary.
Step 3: Clean residues
After removing the spray paint from the wood furniture, there will be some residues that will require cleaning. Pour a generous amount of mineral spirits on the rag and wipe the wood to clean the residues.
Soapy water usually does the cleaning job. But due to using oil earlier, it’s preferable to use mineral spirits.
You May Also Like: How To Remove Acrylic Paint From Wood?
Method 3: remove spray paint from unfinished wood using rubbing alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is an excellent product for disinfecting and household cleaning. You can also use it to remove spray paint from unfinished wood. Try to use 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol for the best results.
How to remove spray paint from unfinished wood using rubbing alcohol?
Prepare the following things first, and then follow the steps below:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Rubbing brush
- Clean rag
- Water
Step 1: Saturate the rag
Saturate the rag by dipping it into a generous amount of rubbing alcohol. Although it’s not harmful to the skin, it’s better to wear gloves while working.
Step 2: Wipe on the wood
Now, wipe the rag all over the spray paint you want to remove. Give it 10 to 15 minutes to dissolve the paint.
Step 3: Brush out the paint
Then use the brush to rub all over the wood to remove the spray paint from the unfinished wood. Continue rubbing until the paint gets off the surface.
Step 4: Clean the surface
Then rinse the wood surface with clean water. Use a clean rag or towel to finish the process. The wood will stay wet for at least a day, and then it will dry.
Method 4: remove spray paint from the wooden fence using acetone
Many also prefer to use spray paint on wooden fences to give them a better look. Sometimes kids may also make graffiti on them, and you will need to remove the paint.
Acetone is a great solvent for breaking down different substances such as nail polish as well as spray paint.
How to remove spray paint from wooden fences using acetone?
Get the acetone solvent, take a clean rag, and follow the steps below to remove the spray paint:
Step 1: Apply acetone to wood
Pour enough acetone on the wooden fence. Ensure the solvent covers all the areas from where the paint needs to be removed. Let the acetone sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 2: Wipe with a rag
Now, saturate the rag with acetone and start scrubbing the paint to remove it from the wood. You may need to put a decent amount of pressure if the paint is stubborn. Keep repeating this step until you achieve the desired results.
Step 3: Clean residues
Once you successfully have removed all the spray paints from the wooden fence, use clean or soapy water to rinse the residues. Then wipe with a dry cloth to finish the process.
Method 5: remove dried spray paint using baking soda
Spray paint remover and acetone work perfectly to remove dried spray paint. You also can use baking soda as a spray paint remover. It works for dried spray paint.
How do you remove dried spray paint using baking soda?
Gather the following items first:
- Baking soda
- Water
- A bowl
- A brush
- Paint scraper/putty knife
- Soapy water
- Clean towel
Now, follow the steps below to remove dried spray paint:
Step 1: Create a paste
Mix baking soda with warm water to make a paste. The paste should not be too thin or too thick.
Step 2: Apply on wood
Apply the paste to the spray paint that you want to remove. Use the brush to cover the whole area well. Leave the paste on the paint for around 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 3: Scrape off the paint
After the paste is dry, the paint should automatically peel off. Use a putty knife or paint scraper to remove the dry spray paint from the wood efficiently.
Step 4: Clean the leftovers
In the last step, use a clean towel dampened with soapy water to remove the paint leftovers. Now you can repaint the wood or do whatever else you are planning to.
Conclusion
Spray paint has always been better than traditional painting. You were thinking about how to remove spray paint from wood; now you know the answer. Whether you’re using water-based paint or oil-based paint, you can remove the spray paint using these methods.
