How and what can you clean acrylic paint from different surfaces

Water-based or water-soluble paints are actively used in repairs and finishing works, both indoors and for finishing facades. Acrylic dyes also belong to the category of such materials. Painting any surface is not complete without the formation of stains on overalls, furniture, floors. Let's take a look at the most common ways to remove acrylic paint from different surfaces.

What is acrylic paint

In the production of the dye, a water-dispersed emulsion based on polyacrylate, a polymeric material that is formed as a result of the cleavage of acrylic acid by means of an aqueous solution of ethanol, is used. Since acrylic is a colorless synthetic substance, colored pigments are used to obtain the necessary shades.

To give the paint durability and strength, a film former in the form of dispersed plastic is added to the composition. Water is used as a solvent. Surfaces covered with acrylic paint are reliably protected from fading, keeping the color unchanged for a long time.

The main advantages of acrylic compounds, which contributes to their widespread use, include the following factors:

• easy to apply to the surface;
• there is no pungent smell that causes headache;
• dry quickly.

What is needed to wash it off

How to wash off acrylic paint? Simple logic dictates that you need to deal with water-based paint stains with water. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the time factor, how long ago the paint was applied to the surface. If the coating is fresh enough, no more than one to two hours, then the paint will easily be washed off with warm water.

After more time, from the moment of painting, it will be a little more difficult to wash the stains. To remove a layer of acrylic contamination from the surface, you will need a simple toolkit:

1. a set of sponges for washing dishes;
2. brush;
3. soft napkins or rags;
4. rubber gloves;
5. protective goggles;
6. respirator.

For cleaning, in addition to water, surfactants, solvents, gasoline, universal cleaners, paint remover are also used.

How to remove a fresh stain

The answer to the frequently asked question: “acrylic paint can be washed off with water or not” is of course yes. Just do not delay the procedure, because it is much easier and faster to clean the surface of fresh stains. To do this, you can use a brush or soft cloth, pre-moistened with water or detergent.

You shouldn't delay cleaning clothes either, but before you wipe off the acrylic paint from the fabric, you need to do the following:

1. Use a scraper (spoon, plastic card, spatula) to remove a drop of paint from clothing.
2. Turn the product inside out and soak in cold water until the stain is completely acidified.
3. Moisten a sponge with soapy water and wipe off any dirt.

Also, do not forget that the brush should also be cleaned at the end of the work to extend its life. First, you need to soak it for a few minutes in warm water, and then thoroughly wash off the remaining paint with soap.

How to remove old stains

To remove old dirt, you will have to use acetone, gasoline, white spirit or a special solution for removing paint. In this case, safety rules must be observed, since these solvents have a pungent odor and aggressively affect the skin.

In order to clean the contaminated surface, the following procedure should be followed:

1. Scrape off the dried stain with a spatula or scraper.
2. Treat the remaining traces of paint with solvent and wait a few minutes.
3. Rub the area of ​​contamination with a sponge.
4. Wash (wash) the product in a warm, soapy solution.

It should be remembered that some types of fabrics (surfaces) are destroyed by the aggressive effects of solvents. In this case, you need to carefully approach the choice of cleaning agent, use solutions based on natural substances.

Rules and features for removing acrylic paint from different surfaces

As noted above, acrylic paint contains special resins and copolymers that provide a surface, protective film and quick cure. Therefore, the longer the paint is on the surface, the more difficult it will be to get rid of it. Let's look at ways to clean acrylic stains from various materials.

Linoleum

How to wash acrylic paint from linoleum? The water-soluble acrylic compound can be removed from the linoleum surface with water and a stiff brush. Apply a soft napkin abundantly moistened with soapy water on dried dirt. It turns out a kind of compress. After a day, we remove it and brush the surface of stains with a brush.

Small splashes of paint can be carefully scraped off with a plastic scraper, after heating them with a hairdryer. In case of heavy contamination, use a steam generator used to clean upholstered furniture. An aqueous solution of ethyl alcohol will also help wipe off the paint. It is applied to dried drips and washed off after 8-10 hours. In cleaning the textured surface of linoleum, dishwashing liquid has proven itself well.

Glass

Windows, glass, mirrors splashed with water-based paint can be easily washed hot on the trail with a warm soapy water solution. Modern window cleaning products will help to cope with dried stains. Spray the product liberally onto the glass surface and wipe it off with a soft cloth after a few minutes.

Then we wipe the remaining dirty stains with a clean napkin. It is possible that it will not be possible to clean the glass from traces of paint the first time, then the procedure must be repeated, achieving perfect transparency of the glass.

Plastic

There are several known methods for removing old paint stains from hard surfaces, including plastic ones:

• mechanical;
• thermal;
• chemical.

When working with plastic products, you need to take into account some of the nuances. So, when the contaminated surface is heated, thermal destruction can begin and the workpieces will begin to warp and irreversibly lose their shape. Mechanical removal of paint can damage the surface.

With the least risk, a chemical method will help to cope with acrylic stains on plastic:

1. Apply a soft cloth, abundantly moistened in soapy water, to the problem area, after the paint has softened, remove it with a sponge and water.
2. For greater efficiency, you can resort to using caustic soda. Prepare a 50% caustic water solution, place the contaminated surface in it. After five hours, the layer of paint will separate from the plastic and can be removed with a regular toothbrush.
3. If the contaminated surface is small. Any solvent (solvent, white spirit) will cope with the task.
4. You can wash off acrylic paint with methanol. This is a toxic substance, so you need to avoid contact with open skin and thoroughly wash the surface of the plastic product at the end of work.

Tile

Ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, tiles have a varied character of the surface, from glossy to textured pattern. In this case, the task of cleaning from contamination with acrylic paint is somewhat complicated.

Consider several options for removing paint stains, which are used both separately and in combination:

1. Contamination of the surface in the form of individual strokes or drops, first of all, you need to try to scrape off. A utility knife blade is best suited for this operation. Try the method in an inconspicuous place, if the blade will not leave marks on the tiles, you can safely start working. At the end of cleaning, wipe the tile with a damp cloth.
2. Aged dirt can be heated beforehand. Dividing the surface to be treated into small areas, gradually increasing the temperature, soften the paint and remove it with a scraper. It is important not to let the dirt get charred to avoid staining the tiles.
3. In the case of embossed patterns on ceramics, it is best to use chemical cleaning agents. Start with less aggressive solvents and, if they fail, move on to acetone-based products. Make sure that acetone-containing products do not cause irreparable damage to the surface to be cleaned.

Brick

The most effective of all possible methods of cleaning a brick surface from contamination with acrylic paint is the use of special chemicals for washing away dyes. But first you need to clean the wall from mold and mildew stains. This can be done by processing with a lime solution, which, after drying, is washed off with water.

After that, a reactive paint stripper is applied to the wall. Withstands for the time specified in the instructions for use. Then the swollen paint residues are removed with a spatula and washed off with a stream of water.

Concrete

There are several ways to clean the concrete surface from the remnants of acrylic dye:

1. Since the structure of polyacrylic is destroyed under the influence of alcohol, adding it to a soapy solution of hot water, we get an effective tool for removing paint from a smooth surface.
2. With no less quality results, special chemical solutions are used for flushing, such solvents as 646 or acetone.
3. The cheapest way is a drill with a special attachment in the form of a metal brush, which mechanically removes paint from the surface.The disadvantage of this method is a large amount of dust, so work is done with goggles and a respirator.

Special and professional means

Despite the fact that acrylic dyes are water-based, they are characterized by increased adhesion to any surface. Therefore, their removal does not always take place without complications and is limited to the use of aqueous solutions.

There are many special and professional products for washing off acrylic paint. Among them, universal washes stand out, which are distinguished by their speed of action, economical consumption, do not damage the surface to be cleaned, act against a wide range of paints and varnishes, penetrate deeply into the surface and do not contain harmful impurities.

Having familiarized yourself with all the intricacies of removing acrylic contaminants from various types of surfaces, you can compare the physical and material costs of performing work with their volume. And also choose the most effective means and method of implementation.

Video: how to remove acrylic paint from the floor