How to Fix Dried Dripped Latex Paint on Furniture
The best time to clean up latex paint drips is before they dry, but that isn't always possible. Depending on the finish of the paint and the finish of your furniture, the method for cleaning may vary. If you are concerned about the finish of your furniture, test any chemical removers in a hidden area, such as under an armrest or beneath the seat of a chair, before you try it on the actual stain. If you notice any discoloration, try a different method.
Instructions
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Try scraping the paint off with your fingernail before using any chemical methods. Your fingernail won't damage most surfaces, yet can provide enough pressure to chip paint off of most hard surfaces. Paints with higher gloss sheens are generally easier to scrape off than flat paints, as they tend to stay on the surface rather than soaking in.
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Dip a rag in rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol at a 70 percent solution) and dampen the painted area with the alcohol. Cover the paint drip with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to minimize evaporation, then remove the plastic and use a clean rag to wipe away the loosened paint. Use a wet rag to clean off any alcohol residue.
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Apply a chemical paint and stain remover if rubbing alcohol doesn't work. Tom Fieza of Mr. Fix-it Inc. recommends Homax's "Oops!" paint remover or Valspar's "Goof Off" or "Goof Off 2" for this purpose. Follow the package's directions for using these products.
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References
- Photo Credit paint drips - o2 image by samantha grandy from Fotolia.com