How to remove dried oil based paint

Oil-based paint does have a strong smell, but it is renowned for its smooth texture and durability. You will find that oil-based paint leaves less brush marks and has a richer appearance, but it is harder to clean and strip from surfaces without a good oil-based paint remover.

Oil-Based Paint Remover

Oil-based paint is a great choice for your home. It works well for interior doors, metals, woods and exterior house painting projects. Unlike water-based paints, it contains a natural or synthetic oil for a base. When it comes to removal, however, you may have to do a bit of extra work.

Some oil-based paint removers work on water-based paint as well, but be sure to buy ones that specify in the product description that they are for oil-based paints. Bob Vila explains that solvents contain chemicals, like methylene chloride (a volatile organic compound, or VOC), toluene, methanol and alcohol. Another option is caustic oil-based paint stripper. These contain lye and work well on masonry and concrete. Avoid using them on hardwoods and aluminum.

These oil-based paint removers have strong odors and can be hazardous to your health without the proper safety precautions. Be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves and also cover any other exposed skin. Wearing a respirator or mask may seem like overkill, but it is the best way to protect yourself.

Other Paint Strippers

There are VOC-free paint removers on the market, but they do cost more. They do not contain methylene chloride or lye nor do they have a strong odor. Instead, they contain naturally occurring solvents. Biochemical paint removers have N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and plant-based solvents, which are safer to use. Still, protective gear is recommended when using them. When applying any oil-based paint remover, spread it on about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick, allow it to sit for about four hours and remove the paint with a paint scraper.

Once the oil-based paint is stripped, you have to treat the surface before moving forward with painting. The method for doing this depends on the type of paint stripper that was used. After using solvents, Bob Vila says the surface has to be washed with water or mineral spirits. The latter is less toxic than paint thinners.

Caustic strippers have high pH levels, so the surfaces have to be neutralized to bring the level back down to a pH of 7. This is easily done by mixing together equal parts of water and vinegar. This can then be poured onto a cloth and used to wipe down everything. VOC-free and biochemical paint stripping can be followed up with a water/mineral spirits rinse just like you would do after using solvents.

Oil-Based Paint on Skin and Clothing

After your work is finished, you may also need to remove paint from your skin. Healthline assures painters that this paint is not harmful as long as it is removed after a brief period of time. Use a little bit of glycerin first to loosen the dried paint. Then, apply some turpentine with a cotton ball and rub gently. Using soap and warm water, wash the area.

What if the paint got onto your clothing? According to Family Handyman, you can first try to scrape it away with a dull edge, like a house key. Then, add some paint thinner to a clean cloth and blot the stain until it disappears. Do not use any water while doing this.

Afterward, rinse it in clean water and spot-treat the stain with some laundry detergent before laundering as usual. Keep in mind that oil-based paint stains cannot always be removed, especially after it has dried completely.

Things You Will Need

  • Oil-based paint remover

  • Mineral spirits

  • Vinegar

  • Glycerine

  • Turpentine

  • Cotton ball

  • Paint thinner

  • Laundry detergent

  • Safety glasses

  • Gloves

  • Respirator or mask

  • Paint scraper

  • Cloth

  • House key

The last place you want that masterpiece is on your shirt. Oil-based paint can lead to a messy clean-up in the studio since oil paint is difficult to clean – your laundry being no exception. Paint stains are a combination stain, and depending on the base ingredients they will be different. Oil-based paint stains contain oily elements as well as pigmentation, and since paint tends to dry quickly, your best chance for oil-based paint stain removal is to act quickly by rinsing the garment under cold water, while the stain is wet. You’ll also want to use a washing detergent, like Ariel, that can remove combination stains. Follow out Ariel stain solutions for tips on oil-based paint removal from clothes.

How to remove dried oil based paint

Removing oil-based paint stains

  • 1

    Remove excess

    Get rid of the excess oil paint stain from the garment using a spoon before rinsing the fabric inside out under warm, running water.

    How to remove dried oil based paint
  • 2

    Pre-treat

    Pour Ariel Original Washing Liquid directly onto the stain.

    How to remove dried oil based paint
  • 3

    Load

    Place the garment in the wash along with similar items.

    How to remove dried oil based paint
  • 4

    Dose

    Use the pre-treat cap to dose the right amount of washing detergent according to the dosing instructions on the side of the pack. Place the cap directly into the drum of your washing machine drum, on top of your clothes.

    How to remove dried oil based paint
  • 5

    Wash

    Wash on the usual cycle, on the hottest wash temperature indicated. Always check the instructions on the garment’s fabric care label.

    How to remove dried oil based paint
  • 6

    Unload

    When the cycle is complete, unload the garments immediately.

    How to remove dried oil based paint

Effective stain removal on a variety of stains

When you’re getting creative, oil-based paint stains are not the only ones you’ll come into contact with. You’ve also got tempera paint stains and acrylic paint stains to contend with as well, not to mention ink stains and marker stains. Luckily for you, and not for those tough stains, Ariel offers outstanding stain removal from the first wash!

How do you remove old oil

Usually, two round of oil, soap, water and some scrubbing removes the paint. The final step is just to take a clean cloth and wipe off any remaining residue that might be left after washing.

Which solvent will dissolve oil

Turpentine is the traditional oil solvent choice. Turpenoid is turpentine's odor-free substitute. This 1-quart bottle of turpenoid is an ideal solvent for both thinning oils and varnishes and for cleaning brushes efficiently.

Does vinegar remove oil

Does Vinegar Dissolve Paint? Yes, vinegar dissolves both water-based paint and oil-based paint from wooden and metal surfaces. It's a natural paint remover, making it one of the best ways to remove paint.

What dissolves hardened paint?

Use a plastic scraper or putty knife to gently scrape away paint (tip: vegetable oil can be used to soften up the paint). Denatured alcohol or acetone will work on tougher areas but be sure to spot test beforehand.