Acrylic paint is terrific for DIYers and artists alike. It adheres well to wood, dries quickly, and comes in lots of sweet colors. But what happens when you want to remove it from the wood?
You can remove acrylic paint from wood using soap and water, rubbing alcohol, a heat gun, sandpaper, or a putty knife. The exact method you should use will vary depending on how much paint you need to remove from the surface of the wood.
Want to know which method of removing acrylic paint is best for you? Let’s look at all the ways of removing acrylic paint from wood and which ones should be used for which occasions.
What is Acrylic Paint?
Acrylic paint is a common material used to cover the surfaces of all art projects. You will likely come across acrylic paint from walls to furniture at some point during your DIY project.
Acrylic paint is made of water, pigment, and acrylic resin. It is known for having a vibrant color that shows up well on wood and other similar materials. In addition, it is mostly non-toxic and comes in various attractive colors.
Because it dries more quickly than other paints, it is a favorite in the art world as the paint is less likely to run in a direction you didn’t want. But because of its quick drying properties, it is also more difficult to remove than other types of paint.
What are Some Methods for Removing Acrylic Paint from Wood?
If you’ve found that you accidentally got acrylic paint where you didn’t want it, or maybe you want to change the color of a wood piece of furniture, the good news is, paint can be removed from wood. There are five different methods, and the one best for you depends on your situation.
These methods are as follows:
- Soap and water
- Rubbing Alcohol
- A heat gun
- Sandpaper
- A putty knife or paint scraper
If you are trying to remove acrylic paint from a large area (like a wood floor), then the more abrasive methods, like rubbing alcohol or a heat gun, will generally work best. For more minor clean-ups, soap and water or a simple putty knife will likely do the trick.
It is recommended to have all or at least most of these items on hand, as you may not know which method will work for you until you try. Also, don’t be afraid to try multiple ways if the first one you go for doesn’t remove all the paint.
Method 1: Soap and Water
Soap and water is a non-toxic and easy way to remove acrylic paint. While this method works well for small spills or mistakes, it should not be used to remove acrylic paint from a large surface area.
Materials:
- Dish soap
- Warm water
- Bucket
- Old rag
- Gloves (optional)
Steps:
- Fill the bucket with warm water and add a squirt of dish soap. Don gloves if you prefer to wear them as you clean.
- Wet the rag by dipping it into the bucket. Scrub the bit of paint for a few moments.
- Repeat the above steps as much as necessary until the paint begins to soften and flake off.
- Before you apply new paint or do anything else to the wood, allow it 1-2 days to dry completely.
Method 2: Rubbing Alcohol
While the soap and water method may be easy, it doesn’t work when you strip furniture to give it a DIY overhaul. In these cases, you will need something stronger, like rubbing alcohol.
Materials:
- Rubbing alcohol
- An old rag
- Putty knife
- A clean rag
Steps:
- Start by scraping as much of the paint off the wood as you can using the putty knife. Be careful not to damage the wood.
- Pour rubbing alcohol on the old rag and scrub the areas where the pain didn’t come off.
- Once you have scrubbed, use the clean cloth to wipe away chipped paint bits and excess rubbing alcohol.
- After you remove all the paint, it’s important to allow the wood to dry before you add any new colors to the wood.
Also, keep in mind that rubbing alcohol is abrasive. So as you use it, do your best to keep it on the paint and avoid excessive direct contact with the wood.
Method 3: Heat Gun
Rubbing alcohol effectively removes acrylic paint, but it also doesn’t have that great of a scent. If you prefer a smell-free method of removing large amounts of acrylic paint, it is recommended to try the heat gun method.
Materials:
- Heat gun
- Goggles
- Heat Proof gloves
- A putty knife
- A mask
Steps:
- Start by putting on your mask, goggles, and heatproof gloves.
- Preheat the heat gun to the highest setting.
- Hold the heat gun about four inches from the wood, near the pain you want to remove. Move the gun in circular motions.
- Continue moving the heat gun until the paint begins to bubble, then set down the heat gun and scrape away the bubbled paint with the putty knife.
This method is often preferred by those who do lots of DIY projects because you don’t need to wet the wood to remove the acrylic paint. Thus it is less damaging to the wood, which can be critical when working on an antique piece.
Method 4: Sandpaper
Sandpaper is an effective method for removing acrylic paint from wood; the only problem is it will also rough up the wood in the process. Therefore it should not be used for antique pieces or once you do not plan to refinish.
You should never use the sandpaper method on a wood floor. It will damage it as it removes the acrylic paint. Instead, use the soap and water method.
Materials:
- Sandpaper
- Goggles
- A wet rag
- Gloves
- Water
Steps:
- Sanding wood is a messy business. It’s best to do this method outside or at least cover your workspace with a drop cloth. Put on your goggles.
- Begin sanding the wooden surface which has the paint you wish to remove.
- Once dust or bits of paint begin to build up, use your gloved hand or the wet cloth to buff it away.
- If the wood gets wet during the buffing process, allow it to dry before doing anything else with the wood.
Method 5: Putty Knife or Paint Scraper
The final method of removing acrylic paint from wood is by using a putty knife or paint scraper. This method can be used for mistakes or large projects and is often combined with other ways to increase its effectiveness.
Materials:
- Putty knife or paint scraper
- Personal protective gear (optional)
Steps:
- Put on any personal protective gear you want. It is recommended to wear at least goggles to protect your eyes from paint bits.
- Carefully slide the putty knife or paint scraper under the corner of the paint, avoiding contact with the wood as much as possible.
- Slide the putty knife underneath the paint and pry away from the surface.
- Repeat as necessary until all paint is removed.
Like the heat gun, this is a favorite method as the wood can be painted directly after the acrylic paint is removed if you desire!
Final Thoughts on How to Remove Acrylic Paint from Wood
Overall, removing acrylic paint from wood is quite simple as long as you have all the necessary materials. Start with one method, and try another if it doesn’t work. Remember to always let the wood dry before repainting the surface for your next project!