How to remove paint from plastic: water-based, alkyd, latex

It is possible to remove paint from plastic in various ways. When carrying out repairs, many take measures to protect things from dust, putty or paint, but it is not always possible to avoid troubles. Often during finishing work sockets, switches, ventilation openings "suffer". At the same time, plastic is sensitive to aggressive substances, which complicates the task. Do not despair, since there is still a way out.

Features of removing paint from plastic

To remove paint from plastic, you should be aware of the removal features. This will help to avoid possible troubles and save time.

When removing paint, the following rules are followed:

• a fresh blot is faster and easier to remove than an old one;
• a fresh stain is removed with water and any detergent;
• old contamination is pre-prepared (treat the surface with a solvent), and then washed off;
• when working with electrical appliances, they adhere to safety precautions;
• use a removal method depending on the type of paint.

How to remove various types of paint from plastic

Removing a stain should begin with determining the type of paint - depending on the type of coloring composition, a method for removing contamination is selected. There are several ways to remove paint from plastic items.

How to remove oil-based paint from plastic

Solving the problem with traces of oil paint on plastic is not so easy. If the stain is completely fresh, a soapy solution will help. To do this, dilute any detergent with water in the container, and use a clean rag to check the contamination. At the same time, this method is not always effective; there is a high probability that traces will remain on the product.

The ways to eliminate pollution are as follows:

1. Wipe off the recent stain with vegetable oil. For this, a cotton pad moistened with oil is carefully carried over the problem area. Leave for 10 minutes and wipe with a clean cloth. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
   
2. Once the pigment is absorbed into the plastic, use any cleaning gel. It is applied to the surface and washed off after 10-15 minutes.
   
3. Window cleaner helps to get rid of the pigment left on the plastic. Leave the product on the product for 10 minutes and wipe it with a clean cloth.
   
4. Old contaminants can be easily removed with purchased chemicals from the chemical industry (white spirit, refined gasoline, alcohol, kerosene, ammonia). A clean cloth is moistened with the selected method and the surface is treated.
   
5. Washing off old paint from plastic is carried out using brake fluid. To do this, the product is applied to a cotton pad and then to the stain. The method is suitable for various types of paints and varnishes.
   

How to scrub latex paint from plastic

The latex coating can be easily washed off with a solvent.Before starting the procedure, a small amount of the product is applied to the plastic. This will ensure that the product will not be damaged. When working, use rubber gloves, goggles. It is desirable that the room is well ventilated during the procedure.

White spirit also works well for removing old paint from plastic. It is applied to the problem surface and left for 10-15 minutes. Experts recommend purchasing a domestically produced liquid, since the imported product contains less aromatic hydrocarbons and the dissolving ability decreases.

In addition, methanol copes well with pollution. The product may leave yellowing on the plastic. To avoid this, after treatment, the surface is thoroughly rinsed with warm water.

How to remove alkyd-based paint from plastic

Old stains are removed with a variety of plastic paint strippers, such as white spirit, thinner or ammonia. The tool is applied to the product, wait a short amount of time and wipe it with a clean cloth.

How to wash water-based paint from plastic

Water-based paint is a quick-drying solution that is safe for others. It is easy to apply to the surface and retains its properties for a long time. Eliminate stains in the following ways:

1. Fresh blobs can be easily removed with a soapy solution. To do this, add washing powder, detergent or remnants to the water. The resulting liquid is applied to the problem area and left for 10-15 minutes. Then they are washed off and wiped with a dry cloth. Repeat the procedure if necessary.
2. Dried spots are pre-soaked. This makes it easier to remove dirt. To do this, a small amount of water is applied to the pollution and left for half an hour. Then wipe the stain with a clean cloth.
3. If the stain is old or thick, use a commercially available product such as thinner, white spirit, or a plastic paint remover such as SYNTILOR Hard. The selected solution is applied in accordance with the instructions. As a rule, the stain is removed the first time. To do this, wipe the problem area with a clean rag or cotton pad.
4. To remove paint from a plastic bumper, or other bulky plastic products, use liquid glass, silicone sealant. For this, the selected agent is applied to the surface. The effect of the substance is that it loosens the stain, as a result of which the contamination is easily torn away from the problem area. Typically, silicone cures within 12-24 hours. Then, with a sharp knife, carefully make an incision in the central part of the solidified substance and begin to carefully remove it.

How to wash watercolor or gouache paint from plastic

Watercolors or gouache paints are easier to remove than other types of paints. A freshly placed stain can be easily removed with laundry soap or detergent. Fairy dishwashing liquid works very well. Repeat the procedure if necessary.

Dried blots are also removed with soapy water or purchased products (white spirit, solvent). But it is usually sufficient to use simple, non-aggressive means.

Tips & Tricks

For convenience and to save time, experts recommend using a few helpful tips. These include the following:

1. If paint gets on the plastic, measures are immediately taken to eliminate contamination.
2. The soap solution is removed with a wet cloth and then with a clean dry cloth.
3. When working with chemicals, be sure to wear rubber gloves and carry out the procedure in a well-ventilated area. In addition, a protective mask is used to minimize the ingress of harmful substances into the body.
4. Before carrying out the procedure, check the reaction of the product to the paint remover from plastic.This will help avoid unpleasant consequences. For this, the substance is applied to a small area of ​​the product and waited for about 15 minutes. If after the specified time nothing has happened, then the product is easily applied to the entire problem surface.
5. To soften a large contaminated area, soap solution or water is applied in small portions so that the softened paint does not have time to dry while part of the surface is being treated.
6. Feminine sanitary pads are used when washing off paint from large surfaces. They perfectly absorb impurities dissolved by a chemical agent.

These practical tips will help you manage pollution successfully.

Conclusion

There are several methods to remove paint from plastic. First, they use the usual home methods (soap solution, vegetable oil), which contain gentle substances that cannot damage the plastic. If it is not possible to cope with the stain, then only then purchased products are used. To avoid negative consequences, first check the reaction of the product to the procedure in a small area.