How To Remove Paint From Hardwood Floors - No Chemicals Needed

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Hardwood flooring is a classic and timeless choice that's as durable as it is delicate, especially if it's constructed from some of the "softer" hardwoods such as ash or cherry. In fact, when cleaning your hardwood floors or removing stains, it's best to always use products that are specifically made for hardwood surfaces, as many chemicals can easily damage them. And there is one substance that often finds its way to the surface of hardwood floors: paint. 

A common mistake many people make when painting their home is doing so without adequate floor coverage. And when paint is allowed to sit and harden on hardwood floors, removal becomes challenging, especially for large stains. But if you want to remove those unsightly paint stains from your hardwood floors, there are ways to do it without chemicals. These methods include using items such as a Homax putty knife, a Seekone heat gun, or applying Clabber Girl baking soda.

It's always better to remove wet paint from hardwood floors with a soapy cloth as soon as it happens. And you should never use objects such as knives, box cutters, or other sharp metal objects to scrape the paint off the floor, as you risk either damaging the wood itself or scraping off the finish, which can leave the wood beneath more susceptible to damage. An exception to this would be if you plan to refinish or repaint the floors. Fortunately, you can remove dried paint spots from your hardwood floors without spending a lot of money at the hardware store. If you don't already own a heat gun, you can buy one online for less than $25.

Removing paint stains from hardwood and following this up with a deep cleaning and shine session can easily bring old hardwood floors back to life. So, to start with the paint removal part, grab a moist microfiber cloth, a plastic putty knife, some paper towels, and a bowl of soapy water. First, go over the stain a few times, rubbing it with a damp cloth to soften the paint. Afterward, try scraping it off using the putty knife. 

If this doesn't work, mix three parts baking soda with one part water in a bowl to create a thick paste. Next, apply the solution to the paint stain using your putty knife. Let the paste sit for about 30 minutes. Next, scrape it away using your knife and perform additional applications if needed. 

To remove the paint using a heat gun, start by adjusting the gun to the lowest heat setting and testing it on a small area. If the paint doesn't soften (give it a quick poke with your knife), turn it up to the highest setting but no more than 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. For this method, hold the gun a few inches over the paint for a few seconds, then immediately follow up by gently scraping the paint away with your putty knife. Do this in small sections of a few inches at a time. Be sure to have a rag or paper towels ready for the removed paint. Also, avoid holding the gun over one spot for too long, as it can damage your wood.