Repainting worn-out surfaces is always met with excitement as you let your imagination run wild. But there are two not-so-fun stages before and after painting. Before painting, you have to strip off the old paint. There’s also removing accidentally spilled paint from floors, windows, clothes, tools, and other areas it is not needed after you finish painting.
Removing paint is a task many find daunting, thanks to some chemical-laden toxic commercial paint removers. They emit strong smells that leave you feeling noxious and may also harm your health in the long run.
Furthermore, they don’t come cheap. With these, your small budget can inflate very quickly if you are covering a large area. Consequently, homeowners and crafters are always looking for safer, more cost-effective alternatives.
Can you make a homemade paint remover? Yes, you can make a homemade paint remover using everyday ingredients you probably already have or can buy cheaply. Depending on the type of surface, you can use ammonia, vinegar, or baking soda, to mention but a few.
If you’ve been looking for DIY alternatives to store-bought paint removers, you are in the right place. Read on as we discuss the best homemade paint removers.
Which Is The Best Homemade Paint Remover?
If you make a quick search on the internet, you’ll stumble upon many recipes for homemade paint removers. The ingredients vary from one recipe to another.
If you’ve never tried any, you may be left wondering, which is the best homemade paint remover? There’s no one best homemade paint remover. The effectiveness of the DIY paint remover depends on three things:
- The size of the surface or paint coverage
- The type of surface you are trying to remove paint from
- How old the paint is
Some ingredients work like magic on small spots of paint but would be impractical to use on an entire wall. Others are good for fabrics or walls but not concrete or glass.
You might get quick success with a fairly fresh paint stain using a particular ingredient but struggle with old paint. Therefore, finding out which is the best homemade paint remover for what job is of utmost importance.
Let’s dive into the various homemade paint removers and find out their strengths and what jobs they are suitable for.
The 5 Best Homemade Paint Removers
Being new to homemade paint removers, many are skeptical at first about whether a DIY formula can really match up to their commercial counterparts. Indeed, there are many recipes out there, but only a few are up to the task. Here are five options that have proven to work like a charm.
1. Washing Soda, Water, And Flour Solution
Washing soda mixed with water and flour makes a paint loosening paste. It is the best homemade paint remover for walls and other large surfaces.
If you were wary about using toxic chemicals on walls in enclosed dwelling places, you’d be happy with this recipe. That is because washing soda is a pretty harmless salt used in detergents, while water and flour are everyday items we consume for nourishment.
Consequently, these ingredients make a non-toxic, all-natural remover that is better to breathe in and be around. In addition, walls need a lot of paint remover due to the surface area, but you end up spending so little with this alternative.
Here’s how to make DIY washing soda paint remover:
- Mix 4 spoonfuls of washing soda for every cup of cold water. You can make a big batch following this ratio.
- Once the two are thoroughly mixed, add spoonfuls of flour gradually until the solution thickens into a creamy consistency that is easy to spread.
- Apply this formula using a paintbrush or spreader onto the surface and allow it to rest for about half an hour to weaken the paint.
- Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the surface while rinsing it out with water such that the solution comes out with the paint.
2. Hot Vinegar
Vinegar is the one go-to household item for every problem. In the kitchen, it holds the key to many culinary secrets, and if you are very particular about flavors, you can’t miss it.
But that’s not all. Vinegar is also a surface cleaning, freshening, and unclogging solution in kitchens and bathrooms. Therefore, it is not surprising that it is a paint removal option.
Vinegar is the best homemade paint remover for glass and mirror-like surfaces, so if you’ve been painting your walls or window frames and have a few drips here and there, you don’t need to look far to get rid of them.
Here’s how to make DIY hot vinegar paint remover:
- Pour half a cup of vinegar into a microwavable container.
- Next, heat the vinegar in a microwave until hot but do not bring it to a boil.
- Once it is hot, dip in a rag or sponge to suck in some vinegar and then hold it onto the paint. You can also apply it over the paint with a brush.
- Allow a few seconds for the paint to absorb the vinegar, moisten, and become loose.
- The paints should then be easy to scrape off with minimal effort by hand or with a tool.
- If the paint is still stubborn, repeat the procedure to weaken the bonds further.
3. Borax, Ammonia, And Washing Soda
The longer the paint stays on a surface, the tougher the solution it needs. Well, this next combo is so strong and performs the same as store-bought chemical paint removers, if not better.
To make this paint remover, you’ll need ammonia, borax (also known as sodium borate), and washing soda. These are potent cleaning agents and will strip any paint in no time.
This homemade paint remover is ideal for walls, floors, furniture, and various other surfaces. It is effective for stripping dried paint that is years old.
Here’s how to make DIY paint remover with borax:
- Start by pouring ammonia, borax, and washing soda in a vessel in a 1:1:1 ratio. Mix enough water into the three ingredients and blend to create a thick paste with the same consistency as paint.
- Brush the mixture onto the painted surface and leave it there for 15 minutes to half an hour or even longer if you like. This time allows for the products to break down the paint.
- Using a brush or steel wool, scrub off the paint while rinsing with warm water. It comes off like a dream.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a stain remover that works by oxidation, just like bleach. However, it is gentler and less damaging since it lacks chlorine.
Hydrogen peroxide is ideal for paint removal on fabric such as clothes, carpets, curtains, rugs, or sofas. It is a one-part homemade paint removal recipe, so it is pretty easy to use.
Here’s how to make DIY paint remover with hydrogen peroxide:
- Ensure you have your gloves on and you are working in a well-ventilated room. Open windows and a fan to improve circulation.
- Begin by wetting the paint and surrounding area with warm water. The dampness helps the hydrogen peroxide dissolve and penetrate deeper into the fibers.
- Apply a spoonful of hydrogen peroxide over the paint and leave it there for some time. Two hours is enough time for it to work its charm and break down the paint.
- The next step is to wet a toothbrush and scrub off the paint. Depending on the delicacy of the fabric, you can choose a less abrasive alternative like a damp cloth or towel and rub off the paint by pressing hard on it.
- If the paint is very old or the fabric is heavily stained, you can repeat the procedure by adding more hydrogen peroxide, waiting an hour, and then scrubbing until the paint comes out.
5. Baking Soda Solution
Another way to save yourself a trip to the store and money is to use baking soda. Baking soda is the same as sodium bicarbonate.
This homemade paint removing option shouldn’t come as a surprise because baking soda is a classic when it comes to natural deep cleaning alternatives. You’ll find natural enthusiasts using it in place of toothpaste and even shampoo.
Though not strong enough compared to the other methods above, you’ll succeed with small things like metal tools, door hinges, lock latches, and other hardware you want to remove paint from. This method involves soaking in hot water to ensure the item is the ideal size and won’t be damaged by immersion.
Here’s how to make DIY paint remover with baking soda:
- Fill a large old crockpot you no longer need with water. Add 1/4 cup of baking soda into the pot.
- Set the pot on heat until it starts to simmer. Lower the heat to prevent the solution from boiling but maintain the simmer.
- Now take your metallic items and place them inside the simmering pot of baking soda solution. Ensure that they stay free from the walls of the pot and also each other.
- Cover with a lid and leave for 10 minutes. Check if the paint has slid off. You may go for a bit longer if not.
- Remove the items using a pair of tongs and if there’s any leftover paint, it will be a breeze to brush out. Rinse and dry your items.
So the next time you have those “oops” painting moments or want to repaint some old stuff, you know what homemade paint remover to use.
It saves you money, gives you complete control of the ingredients you use in your home, and is an eco-centric alternative to branded paint removers. Just be sure to take all safety precautions like ventilation and protective gear where necessary.
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