How To Remove Acrylic Paint from Wood

Acrylic paint is often the most durable family-friendly paint for indoor projects. Acrylic paint is known for its vibrant color and quick-drying properties. These qualities mean that acrylic paint spills and splatters are eye catching and may require many techniques to clean up. If you have acrylic paint to remove from wooden surfaces, I have methods to help.

Gentle Cleaning Solutions to Remove Acrylic Paint from Wood

Many times you will be able to remove acrylic paint from wood without using chemicals, especially if you act quickly following a spill. Most gentle cleaning solutions are appropriate for wooden surfaces that have been varnished or finished. Use these methods to remove acrylic paint from wood floors.

1. Water and Sponge 

The simplest solution for fresh spills is to use a damp rag to clean up any wet liquid paint. Paint that has hardened can be removed with a damp, rough-sided sponge. If working on a finished wooden surface, scrub gently. 
This method can be repeated as necessary until the stain is gone.

2. Dish Soap, Water, and Sponge

If a simple scrubbing doesn’t remove the paint, consider using dish soap, water, and scrubbing. 

1. Scrape away caked up paint with a plastic scraper. 
2. Moisten dried paint with soapy water. 
3. Allow water to soak into paint for 3 to 5 minutes
4. Wipe away paint with a rag or sponge.

This method may be repeated several times as needed. Plastic or metal scrapers can be used to remove dried paint mounds. Plastic scrapers are less likely to gouge wood but are not as sharp or durable as metal scrapers.

3. Vegetable Oil and Sponge

Rehydrating your dried acrylic paint is a key to removing it. If your dried paint is on a vertical surface, it may be easier to apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or olive oil to the paint.

1. Dab the paint with oil or apply an oil-dampened paper towel to paint. 
2. Allow the vegetable oil to soak into paint for up to thirty minutes.
3. Scrub away paint with a rag or rough-sided sponge.

Did you know you can also make wood stain from acrylic paint?

Aggressive, Non-Chemical Solutions to Remove Acrylic Paint from Wood

Sanding away the stain may be your most straightforward option if you are working with unfinished wood. Whether you are using a sanding block, sand paper, or powered options such as a belt sander, orbital sander, or disc sander, many of the same principles apply. 

1. Sanding

Do your sanding outdoors if possible. Many acrylic paints contain toxic dyes and pigments including lead, magnesium, and cobalt. A respirator and goggles can protect your lungs and eyes from toxic, fine particulates. When using power sanders, always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Safety first.

Determine the grain of the wood. This can often be done by lightly running the tip of your fingernail over the wooden surface. If your fingernail moves smoothly across the surface, you are moving with the grain. If your fingernail catches or moves across many small grooves, you are going against the grain. 

To sand away dried acrylic paint from wood: 

1. Scrape away all excess paint
2. Sand with the grain of the wood
3. Wipe sanding dust up with a damp rag

Tip: Extend your sanding strokes for several inches on all sides of the paint you are removing. Evenly increase the pressure of your stroke as you move into the painted area and evenly lighten the pressure as you move past.

2. Heat Gun

Heat guns are a viable way to remove acrylic paint. This method may be more useful when working on larger pieces like furniture or if there are many smooth layers of acrylic paint to remove. Heat guns can burn wood if applied too closely or for too long on the same area. Keep the heat gun moving as you work.

Remember that even the best heat guns can cause personal injury if used improperly. Always read and follow manufacturer guidelines and wear safety gear: gloves, safety glasses, even a respirator. Work outside if possible because heated paint may release toxic fumes.

If using a heat gun to remove paint from a piece of furniture or wall, consider investing in an inexpensive welding blanket. For smaller projects, a soldering mat will come in handy. The blanket or mat can catch acrylic paint scrapings and prevent heat damage.

To prepare for using a heat gun to remove acrylic paint from wood:

1. Use a scraper to remove extra paint.
2. Ensure that your work area is free of flammable materials. 
3. Determine a pattern to follow to heat the paint. I usually suggest working from the bottom of the piece of wood towards the top in a strip as wide as your scraper.  
4. Put on your gloves, safety glasses, and respirator. 

To use a heat gun to remove acrylic paint from wood:

1. Heat the paint evenly in an area until it bubbles.
2. Use the scraper to remove the bubbled paint. 
3. Dispose of paint according to local ordinances.

Tip: I recommend heating a small area of paint with your non-dominant hand, then scraping with your dominant hand. This often allows you to remove paint in long strips from the bottom to the top of the work area. If you are right-handed, start on the right-hand side of the project area, working towards your left in strips. This maximizes efficiency and ensures the harder work of scraping is done in your powerzone. 

3. Power Washing

The final aggressive method I recommend is power washing. If you’re removing acrylic paint from something that is moveable, load it up and take it to your nearest car wash. Be sensible. If your object is fragile, thin, or light, power washing it is not the best option. A few framing timbers, a piece of plywood, or a repurposed piece of DIY furniture? Power wash those. 
When power washing, keep a close eye on the wood. 

1. Aim the nozzle at a forty-five degree angle to the wooden surface. 
2. Allow hot, soapy water to penetrate between the acrylic paint and wood.
3. Power wash until paint is removed.
4. Allow wood to thoroughly dry before sanding or applying new finishes or stains. Usually 48 hours of dry time is sufficient.

Tips: Avoid spraying straight into the wood. Angled-spraying allows for more penetration and is less likely to fray wood fibers. Try angling the spray from all sides of the paint you are removing.\

Chemical Solutions to Remove Acrylic Paint from Wood

Several chemicals, such as acetone, denatured alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or lacquer thinner can quickly help remove dried acrylic paint from wood. If you have varnished or finished wood, these chemicals can dull or remove varnishes and finishes. These chemicals can also permanently stain or damage wood if used improperly.

Chemical solutions work quickly, and they also produce toxic fumes. Proper ventilation, a respirator, and/or the ability to work outdoors is a must.

1. Acetone

Acetone is widely available and can make short work of removing acrylic paint from wood. Wearing gloves, goggles, and a respirator can protect your skin, eyes, and lungs from irritating fumes. Similar to working with water-based solutions discussed above, moistening the dried acrylic paint is a key to removal. 

1. Remove excess paint using a scraper.
2. Apply a clean rag or paper towel dampened with acetone to your acrylic paint. 
3. Allow the acetone to soften the acrylic paint for several minutes, then use clean rags or paper towels moistened with acetone to scrub away your paint. Repeat as necessary.

2. Isopropyl Alcohol or Denatured Alcohol

Isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol are used similarly to remove acrylic paint. I recommend beginning with isopropyl alcohol if possible. Isopropyl alcohol is considered less harsh on wood and on skin than denatured alcohol. 

1. Use a paint scraper to eliminate as much paint as possible. 
2. Apply a cloth moistened by denatured or isopropyl alcohol to the dried paint. After the paint has softened, scrape away softened paint. 
3. Using a clean cloth moistened with your isopropyl or denatured alcohol, scrub away any remaining acrylic paint. 

Remember that isopropyl alcohol and denatured alcohol both produced eye- and lung-irritating fumes. Wear a respirator. Wear goggles. If either chemical contacts the skin, it can cause redness, irritation or a burning sensation. Wear gloves.

Read up on the differences in using denatured alcohol vs mineral spirits.

3. Lacquer Thinner

In contrast to denatured alcohol, lacquer thinner is often recommended as an option to remove acrylic paint from wood. I would caution against this. Lacquer thinner will quickly and effectively remove acrylic paint. However, if absorbed into your wood, it can quickly do irreparable damage. 

Conclusion

There are a variety of methods to remove dried acrylic paint spills from wood. Acrylic paints are water soluble. Most methods require softening the dried paint by applying a liquid, then scrubbing away remaining residue. Options that do not require introducing liquid to the stain include sanding and applying heat. Acrylic paint, especially popular in arts and crafts, can be removed from wooden surfaces with a variety of methods.