How to Remove Paint Drips From Drywall

You return to a room to admire walls you painted the day before and notice that the newly painted surface contains some flaws. While you were painting, you didn't realize that paint was running, and now you have several dried paint drips to remove. You find you can't wipe the dried paint away, and you are unsure of how to remove the drips without damaging the paint. Luckily you have a couple of options if you find yourself in this situation.

Things You'll Need

• Masking tape
• Sanding block
• 100- or 120-grit sandpaper
• Small paintbrush
• Touch-up paint

Instructions

Sanding

1. Mark off the area, including the paint drip, with masking tape.

2. Attach a piece of 100- or 120-grit sandpaper to a sanding block. Sand the dried paint drip until it is even with the wall.

3. Wipe any residue away with a clean cloth.

4. Apply the touch-up paint to the affected area of the wall with a small paint brush.

5. Allow to dry.

Removing the Paint with Paint Stripper

1. Mark off the area that includes the dried paint drips with strips of masking tape.

2. Dip a clean cloth into a paint stripping solution designed to remove the type of paint you used.

3. Repeatedly wipe the dried paint drip with the cloth, saturated with paint stripper, until the drip is removed. Add more paint stripper to the cloth as needed.

4. Allow the area to dry completely before proceeding.

5. Apply touch-up paint to the affected area with a small paintbrush.

6. Allow the area to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use a utility knife to scrape the dried paint drip from the wall surface. Then you can sand the area with fine-grit sandpaper, and repaint.

References

• Paint Removal
• Getting Rid of Dried Paint Drips
• Removing Paint Runs