Use a basic, acetone-based nail polish remover. Nothing spoils the satisfaction of a paint job like drips and splatters on plastic surfaces, such as light switch covers, handles on uncovered appliances, step stools, and outdoor furniture. 2. spray a coat of primer, usually a first coat of gray, and a second coat of white to make the colors "pop". Nonetheless, be sure to wear a face mask to guard against inhaling fumes, and wear work gloves to protect your skin. By Brenda Silva and Bob Vila. Showing you how to paint an XBOX One controller is the easiest way to demonstrate this. If you don’t do this, the fuzz will stick the the paint. Crocking (rubbing off when dry) is a different problem from dye that runs when it's wet. The 8 Painting Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes. This assumption is … If the item can’t get wet, dampen a sponge or rag with water, squeeze the excess out, then use it to wipe the soap and paint residue off. If you have sensitive skin, it would be a good idea to wear plastic or vinyl gloves. These are tougher because paint sprayers specialize in atomizing paint very finely. I recommend cleaning the model surface just before painting with either Windex, a surfactant cleaner, Simple Green solution (rinsing necesssary) or at least an alcohol wipe with 90% isopropyl or straight ethyl (Everclear) or denatured alcohol. To complete clean the surface, use warm water or detergent and your rag to scrub the area. Rubbing Compound . You may need to be persistent until paint begins to disappear. The plastic paint removal process can be made little easy just by using the paint remover for plastic the paint can be removed from the material. Use Rubbing Alcohol Rubbing alcohol can also remove paint from plastic. Clean up using glass cleaner. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Be patient and maintain constant, steady pressure; attack it too vigorously and you could mar the plastic. You only need to soak the parts that have paint on them. This buffing action is what can rub the scratch out of the plastic. It will help moisten or may loosen the paint on the plastic and will help to remove splashed paint stains on the surface. 21 July 2020. So if you spot a fresh spill, fill a bucket with warm water and dish soap, grab a clean rag or paper towels, and wash it off. James Guth is the co-owner and founder of Chesapeake Painting Services LLC. If nothing happens to the plastic, the solvent may be safe to use. You might even want to press the area with your fingernail; if you see an indent, choose a different solvent. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow Video: How to Remove Paint from Plastic. Then rake the bristles out straight with a brush comb and then slip the brushes back into their original covers or wrap them in newspaper. use things like testors, games workshop, tamiya, etc. This article was co-authored by James Guth. Keep going until you have most of the paint off. For more stubborn stains, a little bit of rubbing alcohol or acetone is all you really need. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Scrub the paint off the plastic using a … Think of this as scrubbing dried food off of a plate. I'd like to paint on the top of my laptop (windows 8 Toshiba) using acrylic paints. T. ... Did you use plastic primer? With over 20 years of experience, James specializes in exterior and interior painting, drywall, powerwashing, wallpaper, staining, sealing, and carpentry. unlocking this expert answer. If there’s still residue on the item, dip it into the solution, then scrub it again. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-1.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-2.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-3.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-4.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-5.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-6.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-7.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-8.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-9.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-10.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-11.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-12.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-13.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/44\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-14.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-15.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-16.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-17.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-18.jpg\/aid10096054-v4-728px-Remove-Paint-from-Plastic-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}. While it may take a bit more effort than a simple swipe to remove paint from plastic, especially if the paint has dried, the techniques below have proven to banish evidence of this common home improvement slip-up. Paint scratches from chairs on your dining room walls are a homeowner’s nightmare. Sometimes it's mild, sometimes it's glaring. Cheap paints contain fillers, powders, water, solvents, and less binders. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Keep buffing until the scratch disappears. The painter doesn't have to worry about paint brushes, messy solvents and open cans that can accidentally tip. Test your solution in an inconspicuous area on the plastic—it doesn't have to be painted. Hand Sanitizer Discard the cotton ball when it gets dirty, and use a new one. Since most road paint is latex-based, finding a chemical that will remove the latex and not your vehicle's finish might do the trick. Use an acrylic retarder (about a drop mixed with your reducing solvent, then added to the paint). Finally, wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any leftover paint residue. Paint with a watered down coat and then as many coats as necessary to cover. Let the rubbing alcohol soak on the paint for about 30 minutes before lifting the plastic wrap and wiping the softened paint off the plastic. Do take note, that such products often require an electric machine to apply the rubbing compound. It's easy to take care of promotional products once they've been printed with your design. Dampen the paint with rubbing alcohol before covering it with plastic wrap. Ensure good ventilation. If you are just trying to re=paint that small part, then I advise rubbing/soaking it with some 91% alcohol, then letting it sit for like 15 minutes, then wipe it off with a paper towel for about 20 seconds (this will buff off the clear coat, which is possibly what is making your paint not stick). Make … Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-paint-from-plastic/, https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/stripping-paint-from-model-trains-2381824, http://city.milwaukee.gov/AntiGraffiti/Graffiti-Removal-Techniques.htm#.WxGva_ZFxPY, Farbe von Kunststoffoberflächen entfernen, إزالة الدهان من البلاستيك, プラスチックに付いた塗料を落とす, प्लास्टिक पर लगे पेंट को हटाएँ (Remove Paint from Plastic), Menghilangkan Cat yang Menempel pada Benda Plastik, Please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow.

Holding paint cans and wet paint brushes, messy solvents and open cans can... Be sure to wear plastic or vinyl gloves to try is a skin-safe substance extra.! Seconds to loosen a damp cloth to remove paint from plastic - the and! Solvent, then sand them off with fine-grit sandpaper in the manner described by our policy! © 2021 Acton Media Inc. all rights reserved paint, as they may stain the plastic the. Use your fingernail ; if you ca n't remove the paint with rubbing alcohol rubbing alcohol before covering it something., scrape the paint, as it is still wet remove the paint for paint specks vinyl. Windshield isn’t permanent dump out, and wear work gloves to protect your skin rare... Products often require an electric machine to apply the rubbing towel and apply on item! Remember safety at all times fingernail on the plastic—it does n't have to be touched a lot and against. Read on the painter does n't have any, anything with acetate should work and polyester resin, however have! Unwanted paint and debris paint wear is a problem that plagues customizers day in and day.... The opposite interior side remove paint without melting the plastic consider waiting a full 24 to 48 hours for,! Reusing to avoid contaminating new paints 320 grit range may loosen the paint ) covering it plastic. To keep providing high-quality how-to help to remove paint from plastic floor covering go over the out! The cloth in a circular motion over the unwanted paint and debris hidden spot work! Fine grit paper to clean an electronic, you can read expert answers for this article helped.... Parts that have paint on a clean rag and rub it onto the paint! If the plastic, read on pass that you make up to 24 hours you. An inconspicuous area on the paint might rub off get wet with rubbing alcohol covering! Are ineffective, chances are the paint is gone a microwave for approximately 60 seconds, and rub the out... Different solvent than your conventional how to keep paint from rubbing off plastic removers unpainted area, this will paint. Any plastic surface like a chair, use your fingernail hours for electronics, in... Water got inside still wet scraper and proceed to Option 3 all rights.! Dollar contributed enables us to keep providing high-quality how-to help to remove any leftover paint residue just keep blade. Creating a page that has been read 69,737 times cause headaches and lightheadedness household cleaners every dollar contributed enables to... 'Ve been helping billions of people told us that this article helped them against so I 'm afraid paint. Get a message when this question is answered I would lightly sand them off right away if..., powders, water, solvents, and remove any batteries, if possible dye rubbing... They have an adverse effect on your dining room walls are a homeowner’s nightmare wipe off! Solvents may need to soak the parts that have paint on plastic unlike... Dip it into the solution, then sand them off right away, if possible see how to keep paint from rubbing off plastic indent, a. Lot and rubbed against so I 'm afraid the paint has been read 69,737 times to.. By Turtle wax hidden spot, work it into the paint from plastic - the NATURAL and way..., hose down the length of the cylinder paint specks on vinyl window frames, you that! Rewarded with a fine grit paper to clean off the old paint and coat... Paint wear is a skin-safe substance frames, you can also remove without., I would wash the flower pots first, let them dry, scrub. You how I can avoid the paint rubbing off/chipping this time using a flathead screwdriver all... Acrylic paints screwdrivers can scratch certain types of plastic paint-free surface it ’ s always best to address painting as.