PAINT SPILL CLEANUP

Paint Brush Dripping

Paint Can Spill

Who hasn't needed a paint spill cleanup? So many of us are Do-It-Yourselfers, especially when it comes to painting projects. We bring home our favorite paint chips and maybe even small jars of paint in order to choose the perfect colors. We raid the paint section of our local hardware or big box store for just the right types of paint brushes and buckets. We don clothes we don't care about, move as much as we can out of the way, and cover everything else with tarps before we begin our work.

But disaster can strike no matter how prepared we are! Paint brushes can slip right out of our hands. Buckets full of paint can be accidentally tipped over. If it can happen, it probably will! So an important part of prevention is being prepared just in case a paint spill cleanup becomes necessary.

Painted Dog

PAINT SPILL CLEANUP - RULE #1

When it comes to a paint spill cleanup, the most important rule to remember is to start the cleanup while the paint is still wet. Paint that has dried can be almost impossible to remove completely, even by a professional.

PAINT SPILL CLEANUP - FIRST STEP

Scoop up as much of the paint as you can using a smooth object such as a spoon or a piece of cardboard.

And always scoop from the outside to the center (as you would any spill) in order to avoid making the spill bigger.

WHAT TO DO WITH
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
THAT HAVE
UNWANTED PAINT
ON THEM?

TEXTILES:

If the item is a piece of clothing or a cushion cover or curtains or drapes, take it as soon as possible to a dry cleaner. If it is an area rug, take it to a rug cleaning plant ASAP. If the textile can be washed in a washing machine you may want to try that.

Paint Spills on Pants and Shoes

UPHOLSTERY:

When cleanup involves upholstery, make sure the fabric is water cleanable. If it is, remove the excess wet paint and mix a solution of 1 part cold water to 1 part dish washing liquid (such as Dawn). Sponge the spill, then rinse until all the paint is gone. As a last resort you may try blotting with acetone (main ingredient in nail polish remover).

If there is any doubt as to the DIY cleaning of your upholstery, call a professional upholstery cleaner to take care of the paint as soon as possible.

WALL-TO-WALL CARPET:

When cleanup involves wall-to-wall carpet, only try to clean it yourself if the amount of paint is small. A large area will need a professional cleaning and your diluting of the spill will only push some of it deeper into the carpet.

If there are only some small spills, try putting ice on them and you may be able to peel them off.

With some carpets you may be able to use a razor to shave off the top of the carpet to remove the paint.

Your best chance for removal is with a professional carpet cleaning done as soon as possible. Try to keep the area wet, if possible, with wet paper towels or cloths.

Paint Spill on Carpet

THE TYPE OF PAINT WILL DETERMINE THE BEST
PAINT SPILL CLEANUP METHOD

WATER-BASED PAINT:

Most interior paints are water-based. This is an easy type of paint spill cleanup. Follow the instructions for cleanup on the paint can, if available. Always try the cleanup on an inconspicuous area first.

A basic solution to help with the water-based paint spill cleanup is a solution of 1 part dish washing liquid to 1 part warm water. Gently sponge the spill with this solution and wipe gently with a cloth until most of the paint is removed. Then dilute any remaining spill with water and soak up the residue with clean cloths or paper towels.

OIL-BASED PAINT:

If the spill is already dry, try to soften it using a paint thinner recommended by the paint manufacturer. Turpentine is typically recommended for this type of paint spill cleanup along with as many absorbent cloths as possible.

Dab the turpentine onto the cloths and then onto the spill, then rinse and repeat with clean cloths. Again, work towards the center of the spill so as not to spread it further.

Just an important reminder: Cleaning with turpentine requires plenty of ventilation and all cloths are must be allowed to dry out completely before disposing of them to avoid spontaneous combustion.

ACRYLIC PAINT:

This is the easiest type of paint to remove. Wet the stain with warm water and then sponge it with a solution of 1 part dish washing liquid and 1 part warm water. After the spill is lifted, rinse. If the paint is on a type of textile that can be put in a washing machine, you can use that method.

ABC IS HERE TO HELP

Please call our office with any emergency such as a paint spill on upholstery, carpeting or rugs. Time is of the essence so the paint does not dry and become permanent. We will use whatever method is appropriate for the type of paint spill and the type of carpet, rug or upholstery fabric.

We are here from 8 to 5 Monday through Thursday and 8 to 4:30 on Fridays. We are also open every Saturday from 10 to 1. Our phone number is 607-272-1566. You do not need an appointment to bring items to our plant. We also provide a pickup and delivery service.

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