When spray painting, most people opt to do this outside to avoid getting stains around their home. However, there are times that, no matter how many precautions you take, accidents still happen. For example, if you don’t let an object dry before setting it on the floor, it can stain your carpet. But, that’s not a cause for worry. As long as you act quickly, you can remove the stain with no difficulties.
Paint thinner is the most effective way to get spray paint out of your carpet. Dampen a rag in paint thinner and blot the stains on the carpet for 15 – 20 minutes. Avoid rubbing which can spread the paint. Use wet rag to soak out the paint thinner from the carpet and let air dry.
In this article, we will walk you through several different options for removing spray paint from your carpet. In addition, we will give you step-by-step instructions for these methods so that you can apply them the right way, and get that carpet back to its original shape.
How To Get Spray Paint Out Of Your Carpet
Spray paint is easy and convenient to use. It makes it very simple to cover any surface with an even layer of paint. Unfortunately, it’s also easy to spray it by accident onto a carpet or rug.
Once this happens, it can be challenging to remove the stain and repair the damage unless you use the proper technique to avoid further problems. Below we suggest how to prevent spray paint from getting onto your carpet, and if it does, how to remove it safely.
Different Types Of Spray Paint
Spray paints are understandably popular with DIY enthusiasts as well as professionals and artisans. Not only are they effortless to use, but there are also different varieties available depending on the purpose for which they will be required.
- Spray paint for outdoor surfaces such as playground equipment or ornamental gates is specially formulated to protect against rust.
- Decorative spray paints, with a variety of finishes, are used to renovate indoor items.
- Enamel spray paints give a shiny protective coat to wood or metal objects.
However, you do need to take extra care when using spray paints as they can ruin valuable items such as carpets, rugs, and your favorite items of furniture if paint gets on them.
Prevent Overspray Of Spray Paint
Before you start any painting task, it is essential to prepare the area to protect it from damage. For safety reasons, spray paint should only be used in a well-ventilated indoor space or outdoors. To prevent your possessions from being splattered by overspray, remove small items, and store them safely in a box.
Protect all the areas surrounding the items that you are going to spray paint. They should be well-covered with a large tarp. Limit the risk of overspray by only working in a defined area and keeping the can at a distance of 6-8 inches from the object you want to cover with paint.
4 Ways To Remove Spray Paint From Your Carpet
It is sensible to avoid using spray point anywhere near an uncovered carpet. However, accidents do happen, and paint can get spilled. Spray paint stains can be removed by the methods we suggest, although the results will depend, to some extent, on the type of fibers your carpet has.
Before you try any of these techniques, test the removal product on a small hidden area to ensure it doesn’t harm it. These suggestions can be used on both wet and dry paint.
Paint Thinner
Paint thinner is the most obvious choice for removing oil-based paint from any surface. The stains on carpets can be dissolved by blotting them with a cloth or sponge soaked in paint thinner.
- Apply paint thinner. Make sure you use gloves since this is made with strong chemicals. After putting your gloves on, soak an old rag in the paint thinner. Blot the spot where the spray paint got onto your carpet.
- Blot until you cannot see the ink. This may take 15 to 20 minutes, but it works! Make sure you cannot see the ink before you stop blotting. Never scrub the carpet, or it will cause the ink to spread.
- Rinse the area. Take a clean rag with soap and hot water, and clean the paint thinner out of your carpet. Don’t scrub the area until all the thinner is removed.
- Dry the carpet. You’ll want to take another dry towel and scrub the area until it’s damp. Afterward, you can set a fan on high, aimed the spot to encourage it to dry quicker.
Dish Detergent
Dish detergent is always a great stain remover as long as it’s applied correctly. Make sure if you have white carpets, you use one that’s clear so that the dye from the soap doesn’t stain the fibers.
- Create the solution. Combine 2 pints of tepid water with one teaspoon of dish detergent. Blot the area with a sponge or cloth dipped in the solution until the stain disappears.
- Remove excess water. Pat the area with a thick towel to soak up all the extra water in the carpet.
- Rinse the soap from the carpet. Next, you’ll want to take a spray bottle full of warm water and spray it on the area to ensure the soap is out of your carpet.
- Rub the area dry. Grab the same towel you used to remove the excess water in step 2 and scrub the area to dry it as much as you can. Then, put a fan on the spot, and let your carpet air dry.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Another stain removal method you can try is 3% hydrogen peroxide. You’ll want to apply it to the stain and then rinse the carpet to prevent the peroxide from discoloring it.
- Apply the peroxide. Put the peroxide onto a cloth, and blot the area to remove the paint. Keep doing this step until all traces of the paint are gone from the surface.
- Rinse the carpet. Next, you’ll want to rinse the carpet with cold water. You can do this by putting it into a spray bottle or dumping little amounts at a time onto the area.
- Dry the carpet. Take a thick towel and remove all the excess water. Then, let your carpet air dry. Check the spot after it’s dried to ensure the peroxide hasn’t dyed your carpet.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol works by lifting the binding agents of paint to the carpet threads. Even with old stains, you can apply to rub alcohol with a paper towel or a cotton pad.
- Apply alcohol. Put some rubbing alcohol onto a paper towel or a white cotton pad. If the stain is deep down into the carpet, then press hard around the site but don’t rub. Rubbing will spread the stain. Do this step until the ink is gone and transferred to the cloth.
- Rinse the area. Use some cold water to rinse the rubbing alcohol from the carpet. Make sure you dry it as best as you can before allowing it to air dry the rest of the way.
Make sure you don’t apply too much-rubbing alcohol. If you do, this will sink into the backing and destroy the latex in your carpet.
Related Questions
Can I use acetone on the carpet?
Acetone can bleach carpets. If you’re worried about it changing your carpet’s color, you can try a non-acetone product first. Test an inconspicuous area before proceeding to ensure it will work for your particular carpet.
Does spray paint come out of the carpet?
Spray paint can come out of your carpet when using any type of paint thinner. You can apply a moderate amount with a cloth and blot the area.
Our Takeaway
It’s a pretty straightforward process to get spray paint on your carpet. Even if you apply the paint outside, if the object is not thoroughly dry, it can transfer the paint onto your carpet and other surfaces in your home.
As we’ve explained in this article, if you use the methods we outline, the damage won’t be permanent. You have several simple, low-cost options to choose from, which are usually sufficient to remove any spray paint stains. This way, your carpets can remain in good condition, and you can continue to enjoy spray painting without worry!