How to Remove Silk Screen Paint

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Things You'll Need

  • WD-40

  • Goo Gone

  • Acetone

  • Lacquer thinner

  • Water

  • Dish soap

  • Towels

Many useful items come silk-screened with logos and other advertising info. If you prefer your item not to be emblazoned with silk screen paint, it is usually easy to remove. The method for removal depends on the material the item is made from.

Step 1

Remove silk screen paint from plastic items; this is the easiest material to remove silk screen paint from. Spray the silk-screened area thoroughly with WD-40. Oil often will cause the paint to slide off. Let it sit for a moment, then wipe it off. If all the paint does not come off the first time, spray it again and repeat the process until it does. Afterward, wash the item thoroughly with soap and water.

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Step 2

If this fails, use a commercial remover such as Goo Gone on plastic. Apply the remover and allow it to sit for a moment before attempting to wipe off. You may need to repeat the process a few times to get all the silk screen paint removed. Once you are finished, thoroughly wash the item in soap and water.

Step 3

Easily and quickly remove silk screen paint from a glass item with acetone, such as that found in acetone nail polish remover. Apply the acetone to a towel and scrub the paint until it is removed.

Step 4

If silk screen paint has gotten on wood furniture, first try to remove it by gently scraping it off. If this fails, try lacquer thinner. Be aware this will also remove the finish on the wood, and you will need to repaint or lacquer the area again afterward. Use only a small amount of thinner, just enough to dab on the area affected. Quickly wipe it away with a damp towel. This works best on unfinished wood items.

Tip

You can also try soaking and scraping the screen printing paint from the item if you are afraid commercial removers may damage it.

Warning

Work in a well-ventilated area when using chemicals to remove paint. Do not get any chemical used to remove the silk screen paint inside a vessel that holds food or drink, such as a water bottle.

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