Getting dryed on old latex paint off of woodwork.

by Teresa
(Omaha, Nebraska, USA)

I need to know, what is the best solution to get old paint off woodwork? I have tried everything!

Answer

Removing old dried latex paint can be difficult but not impossible. The best solution is using denatured alcohol and a clean white rag. The alcohol will not harm oil based finishes, like varnish or polyurethane, but will dissolve all water based finishes including latex and acrylic paint.

Other products like Goof-Off will dissolve the paint and the actual finish on the wood trim, oil base or not.

Using Denatured Alcohol to Remove Dried Latex Paint

Saturate a small portion of the rag and rub the paint. The paint will soften and be removed by the rag. Keep applying until all is removed. For working close to a wall or on an edge of the trim wrap the rag around a stiff putty knife, 1-2 inch, and rub the paint.

The denatured alcohol will evaporate off the rag quickly. Saturate the rag often and use a new area of the rag so not to spread the dissolved paint onto another area of your trim.