How Can I Remove Paint From a Kitchen Appliance?

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There are several home cleaners that you can use to clean paint from kitchen appliances.
Image Credit: © by Martin Deja/Moment/GettyImages

It happens. Small chips or unfortunate swaths of paint can wind up on the smooth surface of stainless steel kitchen appliances in many ways, from remodeling efforts to a mishap at the factory. When streaks or clumps of dried paint have found their way onto a gleaming kitchen appliance, it can ruin the overall aesthetic of a clean space.

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Water-Based Paint Clean Up

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If the paint on the stainless-steel appliance is water-based, then it will be much easier to remove than the thicker oil-based variety. Cleaning water-based paint marks that are relatively fresh requires quick action with a damp rag. Simply swipe at the fairly fresh paint mark or gently rub until all of the remains of the paint are removed.

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Paint that has had a lengthy amount of time to dry may require more effort to remove. Gather soft cloths, a small bucket, mild dish soap and warm water. Scrub the area with a mix of 1 tablespoon of mild detergent to 2 cups of warm water to take down the unsightly paint swatch.

If that first attempt leaves behind bits of dried water-based paint, then use a Magic Eraser sponge to gently scrub at the area. Nail polish remover can be dabbed onto small bits of paint and wiped clean without harming the stainless steel surface.

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Remove Paint with Solvents

There is a wide variety of solvents to use on stainless steel appliances that will not harm the finish and are generally safe to use under the right circumstances. The professionals at Acme How To suggest turpentine for the first round of removal. This natural paint thinner on stainless steel is gentle yet effective and works particularly well on unwanted brushes of oil-based paint marks.

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Lacquer thinner, which is a combination of acetone along with other solvents, can quickly take down thick swaths of old, dried paint. Dampen a clean work rag with the solvent and rub it onto the surface in small, round motions until the area is free from paint. Rinse the area clean with a gentle cleanser, such as Bon Ami, or 1 tablespoon of mild detergent mixed with water.

No matter what type of solvent you use, make sure the area is well-ventilated before you begin working on the surface of the appliance. Don't attempt to combine solvents once you begin to apply. Thoroughly clean the area before applying a different solvent if the first one was ineffective.

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Remove Paint from Kitchen Sink

Paint can wind up dripping down the sink or around the drain when cleaning brushes and such after finishing a paint project. The difficulty in removing the paint from the stainless steel sink is often due to the grooves and drains.

To remove paint from a kitchen sink, Elli Bistro restaurant supply doesn't recommend using abrasive techniques and tools to solve the problem. This can cause unsightly scratches to the durable finish of the stainless steel. Always use gloves and test a small area of the sink before advancing with a technique to ensure that the finish stays pristine.

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Reach for the solvents, such as nail polish remover or turpentine. Use a soft toothbrush dipped in the solvent of your choice and gently rub it around the hard-to-reach areas where the paint has spread.

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