Removing Wet Oil-Based Paint from Carpet

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Even in the life of a professional house painter spills occur, which are a nuisance to clean up. Outdoor spills are different than indoor spills and the severity of indoor spills vary depending on the surface.

 

One of the worst possible spots for paint to overflow is on carpet, especially when the paint in question is oil-based. Unlike water based paint which can still be tricky to remove, oil-based paint has its own pitfalls.

 

Things you’re likely to need for cleaning: rubber gloves, paper towels or clean white rags, paint thinner, a plastic garbage bag.

 

Now, the key to attacking an oil-based paint spill includes several important points:

• Tend to the scene as soon as possible.  
• Don’t use water.
• Don’t rub the paint into the carpet.

 

Once the spill occurs dash for paper towels or clean white rags to start the removal process. Wear rubber gloves and immediately begin dabbing the paint absorbing as much as possible in the towels or rags. NOTE: when dabbing or blotting direct yourself from the outside of the spill inward. Moving outward will spread the stain. Also, when each towel or rag seems bloated discard in an available plastic bag.

 

Next, apply paint thinner:

• Chances are if you are using oil based paint you have a recommended thinner available for cleaning brushes and maybe other items. If not run to purchase some at the local hardware store.

 

• When using thinner make sure to ventilate the room in question well as the thinner has extremely potent chemicals that may save your carpet but could be detrimental to your health.

 

• Moisten a clean rag or paper towel with the thinner and begin dabbing the paint gently. Again, do not rub or grind into the carpet as this may push the paint into the carpet and ruin any fighting chance you may have to remove the stain.

 

• Have patience when trying to remove the paint through dabbing and blotting. It is not easy but will be rewarding in the end as you will hopefully save the rug.

 

Finally, when it seems the stain has been caught and removed use a carpet cleaning product to wash the area.

 

You may find a chemical smell remains from the thinner. If so one option is to pour baking soda over the area letting it sit for about an hour before vacuuming it up.

 

If you were not able to remove the paint or the stain is visible, you may need to call a carpet cleaning professional to finish the job.