How to Remove Paint on Hardwood Floors

Wiping up wet paint stain right after it spills is the best way to prevent a stain on your hardwood floors, but you may encounter paint stains that are old and already dry. Fortunately, you don't need to refinish or replace your hardwood floors because of a dried paint stain. There are a variety of methods you can use—including soap and water, a paint removal product, denatured alcohol, cleansing pads, and paint thinner—to remove paint on hardwood floors and get them looking brand new again.

Method 1

Method 1 of 5:

Using Soap and Water on Water-Based Paint

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You can read the label on the can or look it up online. If the paint is water based, you should be able to lift it from the floor using soap and water. If you're not sure what kind of paint it is, try using soap and water first before moving on to a harsher removal method.^{[1]XResearch source}
Get every part of the stain wet using the paper towel. Continue rubbing back and forth over the stain for a few minutes.^{[2]XResearch source}
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The paint should be wet from the soapy water and lift off easily. If the paint is still too dry, add more soapy water to the stain using a paper towel.
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Scrape off the remaining paint using a dull knife. Angle the knife and gently apply pressure to lift and peel the paint off the hardwood floor.^{[3]XResearch source}
- If you don't have a dull knife, try using the edge of a credit card.

Method 2

Method 2 of 5:

Trying Paint Remover

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There are many products on the market designed to remove paint from surfaces. Visit your local hardware or home improvement store and select a product like Goof-Off Paint Remover or OOPS!^{[4]XResearch source}
Use a cotton ball or swab to apply the product directly onto the stain. Try not to get the product on unstained areas of the hardwood.^{[5]XResearch source}
Leave the solvent on the painted area for around 15 minutes to give it time to break down the paint.^{[6]XResearch source}
Use a rag or paper towels to clean up the paint and paint remover. If the area is greasy or slippery, clean it with mild soap and water to eliminate slip hazards.^{[7]XResearch source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 5:

Removing Paint with Denatured Alcohol

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You can find denatured alcohol at your local hardware store or online.^{[8]XResearch source}
Give the alcohol time to absorb into the paint and break it up so it's easier to remove.^{[9]XResearch source}
Apply pressure to the brush and scrub in a back and forth motion, bringing the bristles of the brush over the entire surface of the stain.^{[10]XResearch source}
Dispose of the rag when you're finished.^{[11]XResearch source}
Make sure the area of hardwood floor is dry when you're finished.^{[12]XResearch source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 5:

Removing Paint with Cleansing Pads

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Look for cleansing pads designed to fight acne, as they'll have acids in them that will help break down the paint stain.^{[13]XResearch source}
Hold the cleansing pad with your fingers and apply pressure as you rub it over the surface of the stain.^{[14]XResearch source}
Whenever a cleansing pad dries out or gets covered in paint, dispose of it and use a fresh one.^{[15]XResearch source}

Method 5

Method 5 of 5:

Using Paint Thinner

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Paint thinner is a harsh solvent and should only be used if other cleaning methods were ineffective. Don't apply paint thinner to water-based paint. Use caution when applying paint thinner to hardwood floors, as it may damage the finish.
Place a box fan near one of the open windows to help keep the area well ventilated.
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Soak a small section of a rag with paint thinner. You can find paint thinner at your local hardware or paint store.^{[16]XResearch source}
- If you want to avoid the smell of paint thinner, you can use mineral spirits instead.^{[17]XResearch source}
Apply pressure to the rag while repeatedly rubbing it back and forth over the stain.^{[18]XResearch source}
Apply more paint thinner if the rag dries out and there's still more paint to be removed. Wipe off any excess paint thinner once the paint stain is gone.

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Question
How do you remove latex paint from hardwood floors?
Mitchell Newman
Construction Professional
Mitchell Newman is the Principal at Habitar Design and its sister company Stratagem Construction in Chicago, Illinois. He has 20 years of experience in construction, interior design and real estate development.
Mitchell Newman
Construction Professional
Expert Answer
If you can get to a latex paint stain within 24 hours, it's easy to clean it with soap and water. After that, you can use a product like Goof Off, which is available at any hardware store. You just have to use it sparingly, or it might take the finish off your floor.
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