How To Remove Paint From Carpet: Expert Methods, Tips and Tricks for Professionals

Paint is designed to stick to hard surfaces, so you can imagine how tough it can be to remove from something as delicate and absorbent as carpet - especially dried paint. Without the right approach, equipment, tools or techniques, you're in for a colorful situation.

Whether a client has called on you to help clean a major paint spill that's been ground into the carpet fibers or there are just a few small, dried paint droplets to take care of, we'll detail the products and techniques you need to deliver the best results. Plus, we'll also share a few tips that you can pass along to your clients to help mitigate paint spills and staining in the future.

Why Paint Is Tricky To Clean Up - Especially on Carpet

Most paint contains various binders and resins that help it adhere to walls and other surfaces. But when spilled on the carpet, those same materials and properties cling to fibers and form a strong bond.

Pigments and fillers are also a problem with spilled paint. While they're what make paint so colorful and opaque for its intended purpose, these components can easily penetrate and embed themselves into porous surfaces.

Perhaps most important when considering a favorable approach to paint removal from carpet, however, is the type of paint you're dealing with. There are two common types, each with unique properties that may slightly influence how you go about paint stain removal.

Oil Based Paint

Oil based paints, like enamel and alkyd paints, can be particularly stubborn due to their strong adhesive properties and water resistance. They often require specialized solvents, like mineral spirits, turpentine or paint thinner, for complete removal.

Oil-based paint is commonly used indoors for applications where durability, hardness and a smooth finish are necessary, such as:

• Metal surfaces.
• Doors and cabinets.
• High-traffic areas.

Water Based Paint

Water-based paint includes acrylic paint and latex paint, which are generally easier to tackle compared to oil-based counterparts. These paints are water-soluble, making a simple soap and water cleaning solution a good option.

However, if it dries, it can still form a strong bond with the carpet fibers. These types of paint are commonly used on features where carpets are present, such as:

• Interior walls and ceilings.
• Woodwork and trim.
• Furniture.
• Commercial and public buildings.

How To Remove Paint From Carpet: Supplies and Step-by-Step Instructions

The following paint removal method recommended by our experts works on both oil- and water-based paints. Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and personal protective equipment on hand, including:

• Matrix® Break Down POG (Paint Oil and Grease Remover)
• Matrix® Release
• White, clean cloth
• Nylon spotting brush
• Bone spatula or dull knife
• Clean, warm water
• Gloves
• A mask
• Eye protection

When you're ready, follow the instructions below:

1. Apply Matrix® Break Down POG (Paint Oil and Grease Remover) undiluted to a white, clean cloth.
2. Tamp and blot the cloth against the stain with a nylon spotting brush. Note: Do not apply Break Down POG directly to the carpet or allow the solution to penetrate through the backing as this can cause delamination.
3. Apply Matrix® Release undiluted to the affected area and work it in with a bone spatula.
4. Tamp and blot with a spotting towel and tamping brush until you observe that there is no more material transfer happening.
5. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean, warm water.

Warnings and Cautions

• If possible, always check the paint can label for specific cleanup instructions and recommended solvents.
• Always test materials for colorfastness, follow label directions and never mix products unless specified in the label directions.
• Dispose of paint waste, rags and solvents according to local environmental regulations.
• Ensure good ventilation when using solvents, as they can produce harmful fumes.
• Always wear gloves and eye protection to avoid skin and eye contact with solvents and paint.

How To Help Clients Mitigate Paint Stains on Carpet in the Future

Once you've cleaned the spilled paint as best you can, here are a few tips, tricks and reminders you can share with your customers to help them mitigate a stubborn paint stain in the future - whether they're a large commercial business or a single homeowner:

• Use drop cloths and dust sheets: Emphasize the importance of using high-quality drop cloths or dust sheets to protect the wood floor or carpet during a painting project. Lay them out flat to avoid tripping hazards that could cause injuries and spills, and ensure they're covering the entirety of the floor before beginning.
• Protect furniture: Advise customers to move furniture away from the painting area, or cover it securely with drop cloths.
• Tape edges: Recommend using painter's tape to create a barrier around the baseboards where the wall meets the carpet. This provides an extra layer of protection against small splatters and drips.
• Act quickly: The sooner a paint spill is addressed, the easier it will be to treat it. Advise customers to keep a clean white cloth on hand to blot up excess paint and small spills quickly.
• Call a professional cleaner: Remind customers that if they don't have the proper tools on hand, calling a professional carpet cleaner ASAP to address the spill is often their best option.

Paint Removal FAQs

If you still have questions about paint stain removal, we're here to answer them! Here are a handful of commonly asked questions:

Does White Vinegar Remove Paint From Carpet?

While white vinegar is a useful household cleaner to have around, we don't recommend using it on paint stains - even water-based paints.

Should I Scrub or Blot a Paint Stain on the Carpet?

Always blot, never scrub. Scrubbing a paint stain will spread the paint further into the carpet fibers, making it harder to remove. Always blot the stain with a clean, absorbent cloth to lift the paint.

Can I Use Nail Polish Remover To Remove Paint From the Carpet?

While nail polish remover (acetone) can be effective on some paint stains on hard surfaces, it's a strong solvent that can damage delicate carpet fibers. For that reason, we recommend NOT using nail polish remover on the carpet. But no matter which product you use, it's crucial to test it in an inconspicuous area first.

How Long Do I Have To Clean a Paint Spill Before It Becomes Permanent?

The sooner you tackle a paint spill, the easier it will be to remove. Fresh spills are more responsive to cleaning solutions. Left untreated, paint can dry and become much harder to remove.

Get Expert Carpet Cleaning Training To Tackle Spilled Paint and More

Tackle paint spills and other cleaning challenges like a true professional. Visit our Training Hub at learn.jondon.com to browse our selection of carpet and upholstery cleaning classes and to sign up. And before your next gig, equip yourself with commercial carpet stain removal solutions that will help you get the job done.