How to Get Paint Off Vinyl Siding

Painting window and door moldings to update the appearance of your home, and to protect them from further weather damage, has one major drawback--paint spills on the vinyl siding. While it may seem like the headache it is, there are a few options to remove the paint. Remember to use a drop cloth and painter's tape to avoid spills the next time you paint your home.

Things You'll Need

• Warm water
• Sponge
• Liquid soap
• Brillo pad or scouring brush
• Drop cloth
• Gloves
• Graffiti paint remover

Instructions

1. Prep the painted spot. Moisten it with soapy warm water and a sponge. Saturate the area, wait a few seconds, then repeat several times.

2. Use a scouring brush or Brillo pad to gently loosen the paint by scrubbing in a soft, circular motion. Dampen the brush or Brillo pad to keep the area moist while scrubbing.

3. 

   Observe the area to see if the paint is coming off. If it is, then continue repeating Step 2 until the paint is removed. If the paint is not coming off, then you will have to use a formulated paint remover to finish the job.

4. Purchase a graffiti paint remover (see Resources). It is formulated for both water and oil-based paints. Protect your area with a drop cloth and wear gloves to protect your hands. Follow the instructions on the label of the product you purchased. If a scouring brush or pad is recommended for use with the graffiti paint remover, then use it by scrubbing in a circular motion, then a back-and-forth motion, both vertically and horizontally. This should remove the paint from your vinyl siding.

5. Clean up the area when the paint is finally removed, and store the graffiti spray paint remover in a safe place away from children.

Tips & Warnings

• Next time paint spills on the vinyl siding, wash it away while it is still wet.

• Only use the formulated paint remover according to the instructions on the label. Test the paint remover on a small area to see how it affects your vinyl siding. Be gentle when scouring vinyl siding--you only want to remove the paint, not make scratch marks in your siding.

Resources

• Buy graffiti remover