Removing paint from tiles requires extra care compared to removing it from plaster or concrete walls. Tiles have a glossy, baked-on surface that can be easily scratched or dulled if the wrong method is used. In addition, strong chemicals or aggressive scraping can damage the tile joints. Whether you’re dealing with dried paint splatters or stubborn stains, choosing the right technique is key to protecting your tiles. In this article, we’ll walk you through four effective methods to safely remove paint from tile surfaces without causing damage.
Removing Paint from Tiles
Removing paint from tiles carries the risk of damaging them. When tiles are produced, they are heated in high-temperature furnaces, and then a glossy coating is applied. Improper paint removal, especially on interior walls and floor tiles, can damage this glossy layer. Therefore, you should be careful and choose the right method to remove paint from the tiles.
What Liquid Removes Paint from Tiles?
Liquids such as acetone, paint remover, lacquer thinner, alcohol can remove paint from tiles. However, it may cause some damage to the tile. Therefore, it should be tested first.
Does WD 40 Remove Tile Paint?
Wd 40 can only help to remove small paint stains from the tile. It can also leave an oily film on the tile. That’s why WD-40 isn’t the best option for removing tough stains from tile surfaces.
Does Alcohol Remove Paint from Tile?
Yes, alcohol can help remove paint from tiles, especially if the paint is still fresh or hasn’t fully dried. To use alcohol:
- Dampen a cloth or sponge with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol).
- Gently rub the painted area, working in small sections.
- Once the paint starts to loosen, wipe it off with a clean cloth.
- Rinse the tile with warm water to remove any alcohol residue.
- If the stain is being stubborn, just go over it again until it’s gone. Be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the tile’s surface.
Does White Vinegar Remove Paint from Tiles?
Vinegar is not very effective at removing paint stains from tiles. It can be effective only if the stain is small and has not yet dried.
How to Remove Paint from Tiles?
1-Scraping
Scraping paint off tiles is a very risky method. No matter which scraping tool you use, there is a possibility of scratching the tiles. For this reason, we do not recommend scraping paint off tiles. It’s a good idea to use a plastic spatula only to scrape off any paint that has not yet dried on the tiles. Then you can move on to detailed cleaning. This way you won’t scratch the tiles.
2-Paint Thinner
As mentioned above, there is a shiny layer on the tile. You should use the right thinner to prevent damage to this layer. So which thinner removes the paint on the tile? Cellulosic thinner and synthetic thinner can remove the paint on the tile. Cellulosic thinner “Lacquer Thinner” is more effective in removing paint.
However, it can dull the surface of the tile. For this reason, you should wash the surface of the tile immediately with soapy water as soon as you remove the paint stain on the tile. To remove larger paint stains, pour cellulosic thinner “Lacquer Thinner” onto a clean, dry cloth and wipe the painted tile with this cloth. “Related post: Does paint thinner remove paint?”
3-Paint Remover
Paint removers have various chemical components. They can damage some sensitive surfaces. Some paint removers can also damage glazed tiles. Therefore, you should buy a paint remover that is suitable for sensitive surfaces. Paint remover removes paint and stains from tiles. However, we recommend that you test it before applying it.
Use a plastic scraper or putty knife to gently lift loose paint without scratching the tile surface. Apply a tile-safe paint remover or stripper to the affected area. After allowing the product to sit for the recommended time, use a non-abrasive brush or sponge to scrub away the loosened paint. Once the paint is removed, rinse the tiles with warm water to eliminate any residue from the remover and dry with a clean cloth. If there’s still some paint hanging around, just repeat the process a few more times until it’s all gone.
4-Acetone
Acetone is a good stain and paint remover. However, it is usually sold in small packages. It is therefore more suitable for removing small stains and paint residues from tiles. To remove a few drops of paint stain from a tile, apply acetone to the tile, wait 10-15 seconds and wipe with a cloth.
