How to Remove Oil-Base Paint Stains: Tips and Guidelines

Painting is a quick and easy way to update a room. Follow these stain removal tips to make sure your household surfaces don't become innocent victims of your home-improvement efforts.

The first step in removing paint stains is to identify the stained material.

Below are the most common types of materials that can become paint-stained, with steps on how to remove oil-base paint from each:

Non-washable fibers such as Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Silk,Triacetate, Wool
Washable fibers such as Acrylic Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Modacrylic,Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, Spandex
Hard surfaces such as Acrylic Plastic, Plexiglas, Polyurethane,Vinyl Clothing
Flooring such as Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum, Vinyl Tile
Bamboo or cane
Stone surfaces such as Bluestone, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite,Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone,Slate, Terrazzo
Brick
Carpet (synthetic or wool)
Ceramic Glass/Tile, Glass
Grout
Leather or suede
Wood

Non-washable Fibers

Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from Acetate, Burlap, Fiberglass, Rayon, Rope, Silk, Triacetate, or Wool:

Gently scrape (the method of using a dull tool to gently lift off excess solid or caked-on stains) to remove the excess paint and sponge (the method of using a dampened pad to apply light strokes, moving outward from the center of the stain) the stain with a dry-cleaning solvent such as Afta Cleaning Fluid.
Apply a dry spotter to the area and cover with an absorbent pad dampened with dry spotter. Let it stand as long as any stain is being removed.
Change the pad as it picks up the stain. Keep both the stain and pad moist with dry spotter.
Flush (the method of applying stain remover to loosen staining material and residue from stain removers) with the dry-cleaning solvent and allow to dry.
If stain persists, sponge with water and apply a wet spotter and a few drops of ammonia. (Do not use ammonia on wool or silk.)
Cover stain with an absorbent pad moistened with wet spotter. Let it stand as long as any stain is being removed.
Change the pad as it picks up the stain. Keep both the pad and stain moist with wet spotter and ammonia.
Flush well with water and repeat as necessary.

Washable Fibers

Follow these steps to remove blood stains from Acrylic, Fabric, Cotton, Linen, Nylon, Olefin, Polyester, or Spandex:

Flush the solvent indicated as a thinner on the paint container through the stain. If no thinner is indicated, use turpentine. Be careful not to spread the stain.
Rinse thoroughly with water and repeat if necessary.
Rub the area with bar soap (not a deodorant-type) or a liquid detergent.
Rinse again and launder.

Hard Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from Acrylic Plastic, Plexiglas, Polyurethane, Vinyl Clothing:

Wipe excess immediately with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry. Do not use a thinner on these materials, as it will eat through them.
If necessary, dip a cloth into a dry-cleaning solvent and quickly but gently dab at the remaining stain.
Rinse well and wipe dry.

Flooring

Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from Asphalt, Cork, Linoleum, Vinyl Tile:

Wipe immediately with a damp cloth.
Cover the stain with a rubbing alcohol compress and let it remain in place for a few minutes. Then wipe the area with a cloth moistened with ammonia. (Do not use ammonia on linoleum or vinyl floor tile.)
If stain persists, try rubbing very gently with superfine steel wool dipped in liquid wax.
Wash the area with warm soapy water, rinse, then wax when dry.

Bamboo or Cane

Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from Bamboo, Cane, Paint (flat or gloss), Porcelain Fixtures, Stainless Steel:

Scrape to remove any excess spill.
Wipe area immediately with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water to which a few drops of ammonia have been added.
Rinse thoroughly with clear water and wipe dry.

Stone Surfaces

Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from Bluestone, Concrete, Flagstone, Granite, Limestone, Masonry Tile, Sandstone, Slate, Terrazzo:

Scrape up the excess spill.
Wash the area with a solution of washing soda or detergent (not soap) and water.
Scrub with a cloth or soft-bristled brush.
Rinse well with clear water and allow to dry.

Brick

Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint from brick:

Apply a commercial paint remover to the stain and allow it to dry.
Use a wire brush to remove the stain, then wash area with clear water.
Allow the area to dry.

Carpet

Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from carpet:

Gently dab at the stain with a cloth dipped in the solvent indicated on the paint container label or use turpentine. Do not soak the stain, as the solvent will damage the rubber backing and pad.
Continue to wipe with a clean, solvent-dampened cloth as long as the stain is picked up.
Sponge with water and wash with a concentrated liquid carpet shampoo.
Sponge the area with water, blot excess liquid, and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Tile and Glass

Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from Ceramic Glass/Tile, Glass:

Scrape to remove any excess. (Caution: Do not scrape ceramic glass range-tops -- soak to loosen the stain.)
Wipe the stain with a cloth or sponge dipped in warm sudsy water.
Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry.
If any traces remain, allow to dry, then scrape gently with a razor blade.

Grout

Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from grout:

Wipe up excess paint. Then wipe area with a cloth dipped in warm sudsy water.
If stain remains, dip a wet toothbrush into a little baking soda or powdered cleanser and gently scrub the spot.
Rinse well with water and wipe dry.

Leather or Suede

Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from leather or suede:

Gently scrape to remove the excess.
Mix a solution of mild soap in lukewarm water. Swish to create a great volume of suds.
Apply only the foam with a sponge. Wipe with a clean dry cloth.
If any stain remains, try rubbing with cleaners such as Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner into the spot with a clean soft cloth. Allow it to dry.
If stain persists, test a dry-cleaning solvent on an inconspicuous place. If safe to use, gingerly apply to the stained area, and allow it to dry.
On leather only, follow with cleaners such as Tannery Vintage Leather Cleaner & Conditioner or Fiebing's Saddle Soap.

Wood

Follow these steps to remove oil-base paint stains from wood:

Wipe immediately with a sponge dampened with warm water.
Wipe dry, then wax the wood. Note: This stain may be impossible to remove if not treated immediately.