How do you take paint off switchplates and trim?
Question:While painting the walls, I got some paint smeared on the switchplates and trim of doors etc. How do I get it off to get a clean, neat look?
Thanks!
Answers:
If it is latex, you can use acetone (same ingredient in nail polish remover) to wipe off dried latex. Just check to see that it does not dull the surface of the plastic. You might also try denatured alcohol, that would also remove dried latex.
I use acetone to clean off dried latex drips and smears all the time. it's also good as a cleaner/degreaser.
I would say to just paint a primer over the switchplates and trim and then paint them back to white (or the original color). You could experiment with paint thinner after taking the switchplate off, but you don't want to do this on the trim and mess anything up. The only other suggestion I have is a Mr. Clean magic eraser. They get off just about anything. Good luck!
Just scrape it off being careful not to scratch them; I have done that over and over to remove paint that got on stuff while painting rooms.
Next time you paint, the proper way is to remove the switchplates, outlet plates, and any other removable pieces. After the paint is dry you put them back up again. For things you can't remove and you don't want paint on you put tape on it.
Switch plates are easy, if you used latex paint. Take them off and place them in a tub of hot water with a bit of dish detergent for a couple of hours. The paint should come off with your fingernail, a plastic spatula or a plastic scouring pad. Be gentle so as not to scratch the finish on the plates. The sooner you do this, the better.
Trim is another story. If you did not paint the trim as part of the project, you may be able to scrape a certain amount of the paint off with a plastic spatula or other gentle sharp edged tool. Any chemicals you use will also remove the paint from the trim, so the only other option would be to touch up with a bit of the trim paint.
as far as the switchplates go.. if u used latex.. take them off & soak them in HOT water.. the paint should peel rt off. As far as the trim goes... is it the orginal trim or were u gonna paint it w/ anthr color? U can do the same thing like putting a HOT rag over it & then slowly peeling off the paint UNLESS the trim has never been painting.
Depends on what type of paint, if it's oil paint you can try turpentine and if it's latex than I would use a straight razor blade and gently scrape the surface at an angle, then use a Mr. Clean eraser, that works great, you may not even need to use the razor. Good luck
The switch plates can be clean by taking them off the wall and soaking them for a bit, then washing them. You might have to use some household cleaner to get it totally clean. Make sure that they are totally dry before putting them back on. The door is a little harder. If the paint you used is water based you should be able to wash it off with a little elbow grease. If it is oil based you will have to get some mineral spirits from the hardware store, apply it to a old rag a lightly wipe the paint off with light strokes so that you don't mess up the finish that is on the door.
Try a Mr. Clean magic eraser if it is not a lot. I always just replace the switchplates. They are very inexpensive.
goof off and elbow grease
More Related Questions & Answers...