A few recommendations on how to quickly and easily remove water-based paint from walls

Painting is one of the popular types of finishing work. It’s easy to use water-based paint, and the effect of the repairs will last for a long time.

Problems often arise when it is necessary to remove water-based emulsion from surfaces and remove random stains from complex delicate materials.

Let's figure out how to clean water-based paint from the floor, ceiling, clothes, etc.

Is it necessary to wash off the old paint layer?

If, before painting the walls or ceiling, there are traces of the old paint, the question arises of how to remove it. Only if the surface has been cleaned can you begin to work, but if the paint is still firmly fixed, you can cover it with a new layer.

Of course, you can’t do without surface preparation. In order for the new layer to fit perfectly onto the old one, you need to:

1. Use a damp cloth to remove any remaining dust and dirt from the walls.
2. After this, the surface should dry completely.
3. Now, using a special primer, you need to cover the application area.

Sometimes there are situations when it is impossible to do without washing off the old layer:

• old paint is cracked or there are bubbles;
• if you plan to carry out major renovations in the room;
• a different type of paint will be used;
• a tone was chosen that is several shades lighter than the old one.

Below we will describe how to wash off water-based paint.

Preparing for work

The most popular paint in any hardware store is water-based paint, so everyone should know how to remove water-based paint from walls or ceilings. It has many advantages, including:

• Possibility of application to any surface;
• wide selection of shades;
• no repulsive aroma;
• can be easily washed off from dirt;
• no further maintenance required.

Despite all the positive aspects, there is also a significant disadvantage - the difficulty in removing spilled paint.

Before you begin removing paint, you should understand what type of coating was treated with dye - this is what affects the method that will help you get rid of the paint. In addition, it is necessary to carefully prepare all the tools that may be needed for this procedure.

The floor covering must be covered with plastic film or newspaper so that debris from the walls does not damage the linoleum (parquet). Then you need to prepare a basin or bucket into which you need to pour water; find a rag.

You also cannot do without spatulas to scrape off any remaining dye. It is recommended to prepare a roller so that you can use it to wet the ceiling or walls. In order for water to get into the middle of the paint, you should prepare a brush that will be equipped with metal bristles - it will scratch the coating during application. You will also need sandpaper.

For maximum effectiveness, you can use solvent or acetone.

How to remove stains with soap solution

Dried stains remaining on wooden or plastic furniture and linoleum can be wiped off using a regular soap solution, which can be prepared using washing powder, dishwashing gel or laundry soap. This cleaning method assumes that the contaminated surface will be abundantly wetted with water, so it is not suitable for paper, cardboard and drywall.

Paint stains and smudges are generously moistened with soapy water and left to soak for 30-40 minutes, after which the blots are removed with the hard side of a sponge, the stained area is washed with clean water and wiped dry.

A soap solution is used to remove paint from parquet and laminate flooring. The main thing in this case is not to soak the stains for a long time, but to limit yourself to just a couple of minutes and immediately wipe the floor with a dry cloth.

Possible options for the procedure

There are several ways to rid the surface of water-based paint. Each option has its advantages and some disadvantages, so when choosing, you need to take into account all the pros and cons, in addition, pay special attention to the surface from which the paint is removed.

Mechanical method

With this method of removing paint from walls and ceilings, experts note the effectiveness and efficiency:

1. The first thing you need to do is cover the floor with film so that the coating on the floor is not damaged during the work.

2. When working, it is better to use a roller with soft bristles. You need to moisten it in warm water and treat the area with old paint.

3. Leave the damp surface for 15 minutes.

4. Next, you need to use a spatula (you need to choose the width of the spatula that is convenient to work with) to remove the softened paint.

5. When working, all movements must be carried out in one direction.

6. If there are areas that cannot be removed, you can repeat the soaking procedure or remove them using a regular metal brush.

A wire brush should not be used on a surface that is easily damaged, as it will leave scratches!

In the video: how to remove old paint from the ceiling with a spatula.

Using soap solution

Since the substance is water-based, the method of rinsing with a soap solution is quite effective. The only thing to consider is the time cost.

1. You need to pour warm water into a container and dissolve the powder and soap in it to form soap foam.
2. Next, you need to apply the soap solution to the contaminated areas; you can use a sponge or roller for application.
3. Before removing old paint, the soap solution should remain on the surface for 15 minutes.
4. Then we wash off the old softened layer with a regular rag, which must be rinsed in clean water.

Don't worry about soap stains remaining on the surface, as they can be removed with clean water.

Using warm water

It happens that during renovation work paint gets on the floor or even furniture. If such a situation occurs and you need to remove water-based paint, you can use the following method:

1. Apply warm water to the stain for 15 minutes.
2. If the stain is large enough, you can cover it with a damp cloth and leave it for 15 minutes.
3. Clean with a sponge, brush or cloth.

For delicate surfaces, do not use brushes with hard bristles!

Solvent Application

In order to quickly get rid of old paint, a solvent is suitable; it cleans well, but is not suitable for a large surface area, as it has a rather high consumption. You can use chloromethane or formic acid for this procedure. Isopropyl alcohol will also work. Before use, be sure to read the instructions and do not forget to follow the rules of use.

Use of special means

A special product that can be purchased at hardware stores cleans the surface well.

• For example, the "Estate" product can be used on wood, concrete and metal surfaces. To clean, you need to apply it to the surface, leave it for a few minutes and use a spatula to get rid of the paint. After which the surface is washed off with clean water.
• Set Boya Sokucu is suitable for cleaning, as in the previous case, the processing procedure is identical. But after removing the old layer, the surface is treated with a cellulose solution. This product should not be used on plastic surfaces.

Using a professional tool

A special professional tool is used for cleaning, but if it is not available, purchasing it for a single repair is not rational.

You can use a hair dryer or a drill with a grinding attachment attached. When using a hair dryer, you need to direct warm air to the contaminated areas, and use a spatula to remove.

If you use a drill, you need to take into account that a lot of dust will be generated during operation; the room must be well ventilated.

Removing stains with a spatula

Dried water-based paint can be cleaned off with any metal scraper or construction spatula. The method is suitable for removing paint material from hard surfaces that are difficult to damage with an iron object. This way you can remove stains from concrete and brick walls or completely remove the old layer if you plan, for example, to cover the walls with wallpaper.

Cleaning is carried out in several stages.

1. If you need to remove paint from the entire surface of the ceiling or wallpaper, cover the floor and furniture with plastic film or paper.
2. The old paint is moistened generously with warm water. To do this, you can use a roller, sponge or washcloth.
3. Wait 20-30 minutes until the layer is completely saturated with water and swells well.
4. Carefully remove particles of paint material with a spatula.

If it was not possible to clean the paint completely, you need to wet the surface again and repeat the procedure.

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Recommendations

It is better to adhere to several main recommendations:

• To effectively remove paint from a wall or ceiling, it is necessary to apply water to a small area, otherwise the surface will dry out quickly, which will lead to the mandatory repetition of the procedure;
• If paint gets on furniture, remove it quickly, without waiting for it to dry completely;
• If paint gets on clothing, it must be washed with water or blotted with a napkin.

If you follow all the above tips, washing off water-based paint will be quick and easy.

Expert advice (2 videos)

Methods for removing paint stains (22 photos)

Use of solvent and its derivatives

Like all paints, water-based paint can be easily removed with a solvent. Such compositions are often used to treat walls before painting. Even if the old film is quite thick, it can be quickly removed with the following substances:

• isopropyl alcohol;
• solvent;
• formic alcohol;
• white spirit.

Such compounds are quite toxic, so it is advisable to work with them in personal protective equipment. Use respirators and special glasses to protect your eyes and respiratory organs.