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How To

How to Remove Gloss Paint From Carpet

Member
By Stephen Orr
User-Submitted Article
(1 Ratings)
SaOrr / Trademark Painting
SaOrr / Trademark Painting

Removing gloss paints or any other sort of paints can prove challenging, but can be done.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Soapy water solution, or thinners and a rag or scrub brush.
  1. Step 1

    The first step is to identify what kind of paint you are trying to remove. If it is a oil based paint you will need to use a solvent like paint thinners. If it is latex or acrylic you will want to use a hot soapy water solution. Read the instructions on the product label for clean up. This is important because if you use the wrong solvent it will make the paint gum up and make your problem worse.

  2. Step 2

    Start by applying your solvent to the painted or stained area. Use the least harsh solvents first, like water or paint thinner. These solvents are less likely to bleach out the area you are cleaning ( Especially carpet). Use a green scrubby or a bristle brush to scour the area. Use a clean rag to wipe away the paint that broke up. You may have to repeat the process. Some times it will fade a little more every time you scrub it. Other times it will come right out.

  3. Step 3

    If water or paint thinner does not work for you, there are harsher chemicals. Most paint stores sell a paint remover called goof or oops. This product is a mild paint remover that is a little more harsh then the prior solvents. I recommend testing this product in a discreet area first to see if it is going to bleach out the area you are going to clean. Goof or oops is often used for paint removal off of carpet, leather and upholstery

  4. Step 4

    If none of these solvents work for you, there are three other porduct called denatured alcohol, acetone and lacquer thinner. These are some of the harshest of Paint removers.These solvents remove all kinds of paints including latex, oil and acrylic. Use the steps above for cleaning with a rag or scrub brush. Again use a test spot to check for bleaching. Be very careful these solvents will take color out of everything. I have used lacquer thinner to get purple stain out of brand new white carpet, with no traces of ever being a mess.

Tips & Warnings
  • Read instructions on product label for solvent information.
  • Be sure to use a dicreet test spot before applying solvents to prevent bleaching of your carpet.
Resources

Comments  

QuackJack said

Flag This Comment

on 7/24/2009 Very valuable tips.

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