The thing about paint stains is that they can stress you out just by existing. Maybe you’ve been staring out into the abyss, hoping to will the world to get paint off laminate floors,
You may have done this to yourself, or a painter you hired did it. It is still plaguing your mind. But here is the kicker: You have probably realized or are worried that if you just start scraping away at the paint, you might damage your laminate floors.
While trying to get paint off anything is a daunting and often cumbersome task, it is, in fact, doable. As a matter of fact, you may even have the substances needed for the job in your possession.
So, let’s help you get those hideous paint stains off your beautiful laminate floors.
What are Laminate Floors?
Laminate floors are actually very cool if you geek out over that sort of thing. Laminate floors are essentially multiple layers of synthetic substances mixed together. These synthetic substances are then fused together using a lamination process — hence the name.
The whole idea behind these floors is to replicate the look and feel of natural yet sometimes expensive materials like wood or stone.
By the end of the process, you would never be able to tell the difference between a laminate floor and floors made from stone or wood.
Here’s the cherry on top of this sundae: You only have to pay a fraction of the cost of a similar-looking floor that is made from wood or stone.
This type of floor is gaining popularity among most homeowners because it is
- Cheaper
- Durable
- Requires little maintenance
- It is easy to clean
Nonetheless, much like their more expensive compatriots, they still get scuffed up and damaged.
Paint Stains on Laminate Floors
Paint stains are a pesky yet common occurrence. They typically make their appearance like unwanted house guests after a paint job. And not to knock DIY enthusiasts, but they usually show up after a DIY paint job.
The typical causes of paint stains are:
- Paint spill
- Accidental drips
- Paint splatter
Our best advice is to wipe them away as soon as they happen. But we do understand this is not always doable, as sometimes you only notice them when it’s too late.
Let’s turn this discussion into a practical, actionable plan. Removing paint from floors should be done carefully. That means you can not grab one of those metal scrubs or abrasive cleaners and go to town. Anything abrasive and extremely aggressive can cause more damage than the paint you are trying to remove.
Now that we have a general idea of laminate floors and paint stains, let’s get to the heart of the matter: how to remove paint from laminate floors!
We have one tried and tested method of removing paint from your laminate floor, and we are going to go through it now!
What you will need:
- A plastic scraper
- A clean, white cloth
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- An alcohol-based substance, like rubbing alcohol or acetone
- Cotton balls
Step-by-Step Guide to Get Paint Off Laminate Floors
Step 1: Scrape Off Any Excess Paint
Begin by using the plastic scraper to scrape off any excess paint that is on the floor.
Step 2: Prepare a Cleaning Solution
- Throw in a few sensible drops of dish soap into a bucket of warm water and mix
- Submerge the clean white cloth into your soap-water mixture and squeeze out the water
- Ensure the cleaning cloth is damp and not soaked.
Step 3: Clean the Stain
Now it’s time to get to the stain.
- Using the damp cloth, gently rub the stained area in a circular motion
- Be gentle and avoid putting too much pressure on the laminate surface
- If the paint stain is stubborn, you can use a plastic scraper to help loosen it, but be careful not to scratch the floor surface
Step 4: Use Acetone or Rubbing Alcohol
Has the stain refused to budge? No worries, we are still going.
- Grab a cotton ball and lay it on a negligible quantity of acetone or rubbing alcohol
- Gently rub it over the stained area, and be careful not to use too much alcohol or acetone, as it can damage the laminate floor finish. Test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure the solution doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry the Floor
After removing the paint stain,
- Rinse the floor with clean water and a damp cloth
- Ensure you remove any soap or cleaning solution remnants
- Dry the floor with a clean, dry cloth or towel
This safe, tried, and tested method works a large portion of the time. However, if you do not find success with this method, there are other ways to get that stubborn stain to move.
Other Methods to Get Paint off Laminate Floors
Magic Erasers: The thing about Magic Erasers is that they are actually great at removing multiple stains, especially paint stains on laminate floors. Also, a magic eraser is incredibly gentle on floors and would be ideal to remove a paint stain without damaging the floor.
- Simply dampen the Magic Eraser with water
- Gently scour the affected area in a circular motion
- After scrubbing, rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean cloth or towel
Heat Gun: This method is perfect if the paint stain is old and stubborn.
- Hold the heat gun several inches away from the stain
- Direct the heat toward the floor until the paint begins to soften
- Once the paint is soft, use a plastic scraper to gently scrape it off
A word of warning: do not hold the heat gun over the laminate floor for too long.
A steam cleaner: Do you own a steam cleaner? Perfect! You have a ready-made paint stain remover for your floor.
The heat and moisture from the steam can soften the paint and make it easier to remove.
- Simply fill the steam cleaner with water and use the attachment for hard flooring
- Direct the steam toward the paint stain for a few seconds
- Now gently scrub the area with a damp cloth or mop
The Things to Always Keep In Mind
The last thing you want when trying to get paint off laminate floors is to cause more damage than you started out with. Unfortunately, that is always a possibility. But it does not have to be.
Here are some pointers to avoid absolutely wrecking your floor:
- Always, and we repeat, always patch test whatever method you are using
- Do not use aggressive or abrasive cleaners like bleach or steel wool
- When applying a cleaning solution to the stain, use a cotton ball or dilute it first
- The old adage says prevention is better than cure. When you are doing your next paint job, make use of old newspapers and drop cloths on the floor to ensure you never have to go to all the trouble to get rid of the stain
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use vinegar or baking soda to get paint off laminate floors?
The answer is yes, you can.
- Simply mix either vinegar or baking soda with water
- Dip a clean rag into either mixture
- Then use a circular motion to wipe the paint stain, or use a magic eraser
- Then wipe with a rag dipped in water
Final Thoughts
We hope you feel more confident to get paint off laminate floors after reading this article.
As we promised, most of the methods we mentioned above utilize objects and products you most likely have in your house.
Here’s hoping you have gotten rid of that gnarly paint stain on your precious laminate floor.
Remember, there is no shame in calling a floor specialist to remove the stain. It might cost you, but it is better for you and your floor in the long run.