How to remove paint off vinyl floor

Hello!

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How do you get dried paint off of vinyl flooring?
What's the best way to get paint off of vinyl?
Will paint thinner damage vinyl flooring?
Does rubbing alcohol damage vinyl flooring?

I just moved into my first home a week ago, and I have been trying to remove paint splatter since move in day.

It seems that the previous owner painted the white trim in a hurry, and almost every doorway has paint droplets or paint smudges on the vinyl plank flooring.

I’ve googled the issue, watched YouTube videos, and even called paint and floor stores. I can’t get it off!

Here’s what I’ve tried.

-scraping with my nail -scraping with a credit card (some thicker droplets come off) -70% rubbing alcohol -hand sanitizer

I’m afraid to try acetone because I don’t know if it’ll ruin the floors.

Any suggestions for paint removal without damaging vinyl plank? I will be forever grateful!

I spilled some latex paint on my vinyl laminate floors and wooden dining room chairs while painting them a few months ago. I never got around to try removing the paint. What would be the easiest way to remove this paint. Thank you.

Lori on Aug 28, 2015
Did u try Too Gone? It's amazing, but before, what bout plastic scraper that's not sharp?
- @Lori -thank you, I will certainly try that! :D
I second the plastic scraper to get it off. On my vinyl laminate floors I use a butter knife by gently scraping or my fingernails sometimes work too. Hope that helps!
- @Bobbie-A Vision To Remember Thank you for your advice Bobbie. I tried that one a few weeks ago but it just didn`t work! :D
CK on Aug 28, 2015
There is a product at most paint stores (even Home Dept/Lowes) that claims to remove dried on paint . Don't remember the name, haven't tried it but you may want to check it out. However, when we moved into our current home, there were paint spots on laminate as well as hardwood floors. I used a plastic scraper (and sometimes a wide, flat edged screw driver...VERY gently) to remove all the paint spots.
- @CK Thank you for sharing this Connie. I will try to find out about that product. :D
Dee on Aug 28, 2015
Rubbing alcohol will remove paint. I use acetone to remove spots from my laminate. My manufacturer recommended it, and it works like a charm without harming the laminate.
Shari on Aug 28, 2015
Vinyl or laminate flooring? They are not the same. If you have a steam mop (or can borrow one), you may find the steam will remove the latex paint from vinyl floor. When I first got my steam mop, I was shocked to see old, dried latex paint splatters lift right out of the nooks and crannies of the textured vinyl floor in my laundry room the first time I used the mop. Unfortunately though, I haven't been able to remove a few spots of milk paint with the steam. If your floors are laminate, sometimes using the edge of a razor blade will pop dried paint spots loose. Removing paint from your wood chairs is a lot trickier since many things that typically remove paint like alcohol, acetone etc., can potentially ruin the finish. You may have to sand and refinish (or repaint) the chairs anyway.
Do not use a steam mop on laminate flooring. It has to much water. secondly I know this is going to sound ridiculous but toothpaste will work. Try it and let me know.
WD-40 It will penetrate and condition at the same time
Mr Clean Magic Erasers work great!
Nancy on Aug 29, 2015
The kids. Got something red on my new linolem flooring, not sure if it's kool aid or nail polish. It's not raised I tried vinager and cornstarch paste and it did not work. So can't recommend that
Some will scrape off. I have used permanent marker to colour spots on furniture.
I agree with Lisa the magic eraser.
Mary on Aug 29, 2015
Murphy's oil soap. Put some on and let it soak awhile. It will come right off! Oh, and don't dilute.
I agree with Mary, Murphys oil soap. I soak my brushes in it too.
Dee on Aug 30, 2015
rubbing alcohol will remove the paint. Just put a paper towel down soaked in the alcohol for a few minutes and it will take the paint off.
This happened to me recently & I used Goof Off. Works great!!
I tried alcohol with no luck. I tried wd40 with no luck and then I tried the undiluted Murphy Oil Soap and it was like magic. This is on linoleum. Thanks to the person who recommended it!
Seems like it's a trial and error process based on the paint and the flooring. I might try to call the floor manufacturer first, if you know who it is. Otherwise I start with a little bit of diluted rubbing alcohol until you're sure it won't damage the finish.
You can try a plastic scraper.
I would use a plastic (NOT metal or that will leave worse marks) and gently try to scrape it off.
Annie on Jun 20, 2021

Wrap a butter knife in a warm wet rag and use this to super gently scrape it down.
Whatever product you try, do a small test on either a leftover piece of flooring or a spot that is unseen, see if it does any damage. I'd first try letting some quite warm water sit on it, either puddle it a bit or soak a rag. You should be able to get most of it up by then gently scraping with a plastic putty knife.

How do you get dried paint off of vinyl flooring?

Scrape under the dry paint, adding more water if necessary to help loosen it. Usually, the paint will peel off the vinyl floor instantly. Remove the remaining paint residue by gently rubbing with a plastic scouring pad and a little dish soap. If necessary, use a vinyl eraser.

What's the best way to get paint off of vinyl?

If paint accidentally gets on vinyl that was not prepped for paint, Isopropyl Alcohol should take it off..

Do not use abrasive or caustic solvents such as paint thinner or mineral spirits as they may damage your windows or patio doors..

Do not scrape or use tools that might damage the surface..

Do not power-wash..

Will paint thinner damage vinyl flooring?

Certain rubber compounds can permanently stain vinyl. Never use vinegar, acetone or lacquer thinner to clean these floors. For extreme staining like nail polish , paint, dye and permanent markers try applying fingernail polish remover that contains acetone, but is not pure acetone with a soft cloth and gently rub.

Does rubbing alcohol damage vinyl flooring?

We recommend Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) for cleaning tests on wood, laminate, and luxury vinyl flooring because it dries quickly, it's readily available, safe to use, and it's an effective solvent.