Expert advice: How you should clean up a paint spill
Painting, by definition, is a job that requires you to get your hands dirty. Putting it on is fairly straightforward; removing it, not so much.
So what do you do if disaster strikes and a mess of paint lands on your floor, furniture or clothes?
We talked to the experts for a few tips on how to remove unfortunate spills.
Play it safe
The saying "safety first" might be a cliché but seriously, take all precautions.
In much the same way that the secret to a smooth and even paint finish lies in the prep, a spotless post-painting environment lies in prevention.
"Prevention is the best option," said Karen Warman, marketing manager for Resene. "Always move furniture, remove drapes and cover whatever you can't move to ensure errant paint splats don't end up where they shouldn't. It is much faster to move items than it is to try and remove paint later."
What to do with a spill
Warman advised that if disaster strikes, clean up the paint while it is still wet.
"This is your best chance of getting out all of the paint," she said. "If you wait until it is dry, it is very unlikely you will be able to remove all the paint."
Do this by scooping up as much paint as you can using a spoon or a piece of cardboard. "Make sure you scoop towards the centre of the paint spill to avoid making the spill bigger," said Warman.
Once you have scooped up as much excess paint as possible, you have two courses of action. If the item is easily moved, for example a cushion cover, rug or piece of clothing, take it straight to a dry cleaner.
"Time is of the essence," said Warman, "but in most cases you may not have time to get the item somewhere else before the paint dries."
Your second option is to clean it yourself. Here's how to approach the below.
Water-based paint
"Most interior paints are waterborne, so if dealt with while wet, usually all you need is lots of water and clean cloths," said Warman.
"Refer to the side of the paint container for the recommended 'clean up'. We recommend testing on an inconspicuous area first to ensure the cleaning method does not damage the fabric or upholstery."
If you can't read the instructions on your tin, here's a basic guide. Mix one part dishwashing liquid to one part warm water. Sponge the stain with a solution and a cloth until all paint is lifted.
"Dilute the leftover stain with water and keep soaking up the residue," said Heather Goode, technical manager for Dulux NZ. "Get mild detergent in lukewarm water and give the area light abrasion. Keep soaking up the spill, this should remove most of the paint."
Oil-based paint
When it comes to solvent-borne paints, what you need for clean up is turpentine, commonly known as turps and "many very absorbent cloths". Warman recommended that towelling works well for this part of the job.
"Dab on the cleaning material and work it through the paint to remove it. Rinse and repeat using a clean area of the cloth or a clean cloth."
"Always work towards the centre of the stain so you are not spreading it further. Repeat this step many times until the stain is removed, staying with it as long as possible is the key to removing the paint."
"If you are cleaning up with turps, ensure the area is well ventilated and ensure all cloths used are allowed to dry out thoroughly before disposal to avoid spontaneous combustion."
If the stain is already dry, soften it first using the paint thinner recommended by the manufacturer (check the label).
Acrylic Paint
The easiest of the lot. First wet the stain with warm water, then sponge it with a solution of one part dishwashing soap and one part warm water.
Repeat until it's lifted, then rinse. If it's on a textile you can put the washing machine, do that.
Upholstery
After removing the excess wet paint, mix a solution of one part cold water to one part hand dishwashing detergent.
Use the solution to intensely sponge the stain, then rinse. Repeat this process until all the paint is lifted.
Your last resort is try try blotting the area with acetone (a common ingredient in nail polish remover, it's available at DIY stores).
Carpet
When it comes to carpet, the size of the spill really matters.
"If you drop a decent amount, you're going to need the help of a professional," said Simon Cornwall of Upholstery cleaning specialists.
"Your first chance is your best chance. We have a lot more success when the client does absolutely nothing."
"After that, you start diluting the spill and pushing it deeper into the carpet."
So if your spillage is sizeable, get on the phone in a hurry and let the experts advise you on your course of action.
Otherwise, for tiny droplets, you might be best to let it dry.
Once dry, Goode advised that you may be able to put ice on the stain and then peel it off. Or take a tip from Warman and "depending on the type of carpet, use a razor to shave off the top of the carpet to remove it."
Written by Anabela Rea. Republished with permission of Stuff.co.nz.