How To Remove Paint From Hard Plastic
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The mere sight of paint stains and splatters on plastic surfaces such as handles, vinyl plant vase, light switch, appliances and outdoor furniture from a just-concluded painting project is such a killjoy.
Fear not! On the bright side, the malleability of plastics makes it less likely to permanently bond to paints.
Plastics are vulnerable. Therefore, the use of wrong paint stain removal solvents can destroy and cause it to melt.
However, with these safe and effective DIY techniques on how to remove paint from plastic, you can remove paint from any plastic and still leave it intact.
Read Also: Best Paints for Plastic
Materials that Will Come in Handy
The first thing you must know on how to remove paint from plastic is that you do not need to break a bank to carry out these DIY paint cleaning techniques.
Most of the supplies are household materials and tools which you probably already have handy at home.
Solvent
Make your choice from below:
- Rubbing alcohol: Rubbing alcohol for example Isopropyl alcohol are good paint dissolvers
- Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil acts as a lubricant and can be used to loosen the bond between the paint and a plastic surface. Although not as effective compared to other solvents, it works better on oil-based paint stains and poses no risk to the surface of the plastic.
- Acetone Nail Paint Remover: Nail Paint Removers are a petroleum-based solvent that is made up of acetone. Quite popular in the beauty world as the main remover of nail paints, it is also known to dissolve paint on plastics.
Other materials and tools needed for removing paint from plastic are:
Mild dish soap
Mild dish soap cannot be used as the main paint removal all by itself but when combined with warm water, it makes the cleaning process less of a chore.
The use of soaps with harsh chemicals can cause further complications on plastics because of their easily degradable nature.
Warm Water
Warm water is useful in the paint removal process because it plays a major role in breaking down the bond between paint from plastic surface.
Air Purifying Respirators
Like the one below:
Sale
Leeko Anti-dust Spray Chemical Gas Dual Cartridge Respirator Paint Filter Mask with Activated Carbon Box
- Material - Mask(Soft silica gel), filter box(activated carbon)
- The soft Gel - Like nose and mouth cover will fit all users
- Full Range of Protection - Designed to protect you from breathing in dust and fine particles
- Comfortable to Wear - Both eyeshade and respirator with elastic ribbon, making you wear comfortable
- Effectively filter poison gas and clean air; Using time about 200 hours according to operating environment
Last update on 2021-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Gas masks or air-purifying respirators help to filter out gaseous particulates out of the air as you breathe. This is important to prevent health hazards.
Work hand gloves
Check the one below:
G & F Products 12 Pairs X-Large Rubber Latex Double Coated Work Gloves for Construction, gardening gloves, heavy duty Cotton Blend,3100XL,Blue
- This bulk pack of reusable knit work gloves are perfect for people who always need a pack of durable work gloves in hand. These latex dipped gloves are handy for construction, warehouse work, gardening, mechanic work, moving, landscaping, taking out the garbage, and other manual labor type activities that require you to keep your hands protected and covered
- Double dipped latex coating provide extra heavy duty
- Cotton blend technology, rubber coated with Blue latex
- With this bulk pack of work gloves, you will never need to look around or try to buy gloves last minute. Throw a pair in the glove box in case you need to change your tire. Leave a couple pairs in your shed, basement, kitchen, bathroom or wherever else you might need to get hands on
- sold by Dozen 12 Pairs
Last update on 2021-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Rubber gloves preferable. They are recommended for hand protection against petroleum-based solvents. Prolonged exposure to acetone may lead to skin irritation for sensitive skin types.
Putty knife
Putty knives are otherwise known as spatulas. Putty knives are effective in scraping paints off plastic surfaces. A rubber putty knife is highly recommended because a metal one can cause blemishes or damages to the plastic.
Sponge
The sponge is a material that readily absorbs solvents like alcohol. Its mild texture makes it the best fit for scrubbing and cleaning the surface
Clean Rags or Paper towels
This serves as a substitute to sponges.
How to Remove Paint From Plastic
Follow the easy steps below to remove paint from any type of plastic material in your home:
Read Also: How to Clean Paint Off Car
The Mild Soap and Water Method
Washing is the safest method to get stained paint off the surface of the plastic. For effective results, it is best to tackle the paint stain while it is wet. This is when the paint hasn't adhered properly to the surface for long.
Prepare a bucket of a solution, containing a mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Stir the mixture together to form a lather and medium consistency.
In situations where there is no dish soap, any mild liquid detergent will do.
Dip a clean rag or sponge into the solution. Use it to gently wipe stained areas. Squeeze out excess water from the sponge, for items that may damage when they come in contact with water.
Perform a few passes until you start to see visible changes.
Before dipping, make sure to rinse off the sponge in clean water after each pass.
Gently rinse off the lather and paint residues from the item. For larger items, make use of a hose or bucket. For smaller items make use of a running tap.
Make use of a damp paper towel to wipe off soap residue for non-water resistant items.
You can either air-dry items outdoor in a well-ventilated area or pat dry with a towel.
If the paint stain refuses to come off, perhaps it may be that the paint is already dried up. Proceed to the next method.
Read Also: Best Car Paint Removers
Using Vegetable Oil
As a lubricant, vegetable oil is used to soften the bond between paints and plastic surfaces
Apply a few drops of the vegetable oil on a clean rag and apply onto the paint stain. Apply some elbow grease. After some attempts, you should begin to see visible changes, once the paint begins to soften move to the next method.
If the paint doesn't loosen, then vegetable oil isn't suitable for the type of paint. A stronger solvent should be used.
Scrap it off
A rubber putty knife is the best tool for scraping off an already dried paint stain. Its straight edge and flat surface make it easy to lift up dried paint.
While this method is rather effective, take care not to apply too much pressure, this may damage the plastic
For extremely tough paints, use warm water, rubbing alcohol or vegetable oil to soften it before scrapping again.
Be careful not to add to much pressure when using a putty knife to avoid damaging the plastic.
Alternatively, reapply vegetable oil into the paint stain to lubricate and ease the bond. and scrub once more.
Dip a sponge or clean rag into clean water, Squeeze out the excess water. wipe the remnants of the paint from the plastic. Leave to air dry.
Read Also: Best Wood Paint Strippers
Use Nail Paint Remover with Acetone
Place a generous quantity of nail paint remover (such as the Super Nail Pure Acetone Polish Remover) onto the paint and apply it with a clean rag. If the stain does not come off easily, leave the solvent in place for about five to 10 minutes before applying again.
Acetone as a petroleum-based solvent readily evaporates when in air, so you may consider another option, which is:
Dampen a paper towel or clean rag with the nail remover solution acetone on it. Rub it all over the stained surface. Leave to sit for duration of 6 – 10 minutes.
Soak the solvent into the spot again. By now, the paint will be gradually losing its bond. However, if no visible change is seen, try the rubbing alcohol method instead.
Use Rubbing Alcohol
Alcohol can also remove paint from plastic. First, apply a little quantity in a hidden spot to ensure it is safe to apply on plastic. When confirmed safe to use, place a generous quantity of solvent on the dried paint.
Do not reapply to avoid the risk of destroying the plastic. Rather, let the rubbing alcohol soak on the paint for about 5 – 10minutes.
When a visible wrinkle is seen on the paint, use the putty spatula to scrape it out. Afterward, wipe the surface with a clean rag to clean paint residue from the surface.
Read Also: Best Way to Remove Paint from Plastic
DIY Hacks and Safety Tips On Plastic Paint Removal
Unplug electronic appliances before cleaning to prevent electrical mishap.
Alcohol possesses some health risks when used without proper preparation.
Avoid naked flames when using a solvent as some of the liquids mentioned in this guide are petroleum-based solvents. Hence, they are moderately flammable.
Rubbing alcohol is harsher than vegetable oil and acetone. And it poses more health concerns. As a preventive measure to prevent direct contact to bare skin, put on rubber gloves.
In order to avoid inhalation hazards, use a respirator mask at all times. Also, ensure that your workspace is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling toxic chemical fumes.
Use fans to ease air movement if working in an airtight area.
Don't abuse the solvents. Use as instructed in the product's guidelines. Excess usage may cause a plastic meltdown.
Always wear your work gloves before handling alcohol. This is to prevent direct contact with bare skin in people with a sensitive skin.
Scraped paint is classified as a hazardous waste and should be handled with caution. Try to dispose of it immediately after work.
Rubbing alcohol should be between the ranges of 91% – 99%. Anything lesser may not be effective.
Avoid using colored nail paint removers; they may likely stain the plastic. Use a normal, acetone-based nail paint remover.
Read Also: Best Paint Removal Heat Guns
Conclusion
Taking off paint stains on plastic shouldn't be a worrisome task.
Your knowledge on the right kind of plastic, paint type and the type of solvent to use are key factors involved in the procedures of removing paint from plastic effortlessly.
The success of your cleaning project is fully dependent on those factors. Luckily for you, I have provided you with a step by step guide, safety tips and a few hacks.
I hope this step by step guide has the right answers to your quest of knowing how to remove paint from plastic.
Happy cleaning!
How To Remove Paint From Hard Plastic
Source: https://spraygadgets.com/how-to-remove-paint-from-plastic/
Posted by: montalvohissionere.blogspot.com
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