Painting can be a tedious task. However, it can be more of a challenging task to remove paint from a particular surface. This will also depend on the material on which paint has been done. For example, there are some non-washable walls that can cause some difficulty when it comes to removing paint.
You may also come across the need for removing paint from plastic. Fortunately, it is relatively easier to remove paint from plastics as compared to other materials. However, paints are susceptible to paints. Some paints can cause such plastics to melt easily. Thus, it is advisable to remove it from the plastic as soon as possible.
How to Remove Paint from Plastic?
There are five useful ways in which plastic can be removed from paints. However, before even beginning the process, you should purchase some handy items which can be useful. This includes working hand gloves, sponges, putty knives and few cups of warm water.
Nevertheless, the following are some methods pertaining to how to remove paint from plastic:
- Use soap and water
- Vegetable oil method
- Scarp the paint off the plastic
- Using nail paint remover
- Rubbing alcohol
Use Soap and Water
The safest way to remove the paint from the plastic is to wash it off. In order to make the process more effective, make sure the paint is removed while it is wet. This is due to the fact that paint is yet not stuck to the surface and therefore, is easier to remove.
It is advisable that you use soap, or any other similar solution, along with water. Solution can be prepared by mixing warm water and some drops of soap. The mixture should be stirred to create medium consistency within it. If you do not have soap, then detergents in liquid form can be used.
The sponge should be dipped in the solution and then use to wipe the stained areas. Repeat the process until you see visible results. Once this is done, use a damp towel to clean the residue on the plastic surface.
Vegetable Oil Method
Using vegetable oil is an undermined method. A lot of individuals do not know about this process. It can effectively be used as a lubricant through which the stronger bonds between the plastic surface and paint can be broken.
All you have to do is add some drops of oil to a soft cloth. The cloth can be used to wipe off the paint on the plastic. Elbow grease can also be applied along with vegetable oil. You should repeat the process in order to see the visible changes.
However, this method does not guarantee a hundred per cent results. Each vegetable oil has different qualities. Therefore, some vegetable oils may not be as effective as others. In such a case, you should use a solvent that is more effective than oil. Nevertheless, repeat the process several times to ensure whether the oil is effective or not.
Scrap the Paint off the Plastic
A knife can effectively be used for scrapping paint off the plastic. This is particularly for those stains of paint which are dried. The edgy and flat surface of the knife helps it to scrap off the paint.
Although this method can be an effective remedy, apply excessive pressure on the plastic can potentially damage it. Therefore, you should exercise care and caution when using a knife to remove paint.
There will be cases when the paint will not be removed so easily. This is due to it being very hard. It is recommendable to apply water, alcohol or oil on it to make it softer. This will ease the bonds between the plastic and the paint. Thereafter, it will become much easier to scrape off the paint. In any case, this is a highly effective and easy method that can remove the paint within no period of time.
Using Nail Paint Remover
Surprisingly, nail paint removers can be used to remove paint from plastic. All you need to do is apply nail paint remover. This should be done using a clean cloth. Just apply it and leave the paint as it is for some time. It will automatically get removed. However, if the stain is not being removed easily, then apply nail paint remover again. Repeating the process may be helpful.
There is another similar alternative. Acetone may be applied as well on the paint. You should dampen a cloth with acetone on it. Thereafter, rub the cloth on the surface. Keep the surface as it is for approximately fifteen minutes. By this time, the paint will gradually come off. This is due to the acetone’s ability to weaken the bond between the plastic and the paint.
Rubbing Alcohol
One of the most beneficial uses of alcohol is that it can help in removing paint from surfaces which are made of plastic. Given that alcohol comes in different variety, you need to ensure that it is safe to use on plastic. Therefore, first, do a trial test by applying a limited quantity of alcohol. This will confirm whether it is safe.
Thereafter, the rubbing alcohol must be applied in proper quantities on the paint. Let it soak into the paint. Let the surface be as it is for the next ten to fifteen minutes. If the alcohol is effective, then you will see a wrinkle on the paint. This means that the bonds are now weakening. Once this happens, use a spatula or a knife to scrape the paint out. Thereafter, use a wet cloth to remove all the residual paint from the surface.
In case the rubbing alcohol is not working effectively, you can resort to the other methods listed above.
The bottom line
Above are some of the ways in which paint can effectively be removed from plastic surfaces. If you are planning to use such methods, make sure you have all the materials in order to successfully remove the paint.
