How to remove paint from a parquet floor?

November 8, 2006 8:14 AM

How to remove paint from parquet floors?

I recently moved into a new apartment that was painted over in a quickie job by the landlord before I came in. As a result, there are small splotches of latex paint all over the parquet floor in the apartment.

Unfortunately, the landlord has shown little interest in fixing it so I'm stuck with the task. We're talking around two dozen small splotches of paint on the parquet floor. Out of all the traditional methods (scraping off with a razor, sanding, using remover in conjunction with either of the two) what would be the quickest and most painless way to remove them?

posted by huskerdont to Home & Garden (9 answers total)

Hot water should soften up the paint. You may be able to wash it off with a cloth /hot water/ dish soap if it hasn't been on there a long time and the floor has a good finish. If you try scraping, use something plastic so you don't damage the floor.
posted by lee at 8:25 AM on November 8, 2006

I've had good luck with Dobie Pads, those plastic mesh sponges designed to be used on surfaces that can't handle steel wool. Use very hot water.
posted by decathecting at 8:46 AM on November 8, 2006

Goof-off. Available at your favourite orange big-box hardware store.
posted by GuyZero at 8:57 AM on November 8, 2006

Perhaps you should get in touch with the poster of this question?

I want to taste a painting

posted by garbo at 9:06 AM on November 8, 2006

Response by poster: I'm afraid my floor just isn't modernist enough for him, alas.
posted by huskerdont at 9:35 AM on November 8, 2006

In general, water and wood floors don't mix. Water causes wood to expand. You risk raising the wood grain, you may even cause the floor to buckle. I would stay away from anything chemical or abrasive as well. Try a plastic putty knife. Be gentle. You want to remove the paint, but not the finish under the paint. Your fingernail might be enough to do a satisfactory job.
posted by SMELLSLIKEFUN at 12:29 PM on November 8, 2006

If you have a hair dryer, you might use it as a "heat gun" (really, that's what they're called) to soften up the paint. Don't use the "high" setting (might damage the wood...). If the paint is soft, you should be able to lift it right up. I'd recommend a metal putty knife, or your fingernail. When done, whipe it down with a wet towel (no abrasives necessary).

PS: If you have to do a lot of this, you should wear a mask or repirator (fumes...).
posted by MarshallPoe at 1:39 PM on November 8, 2006

I second Goof-off. Works great!
posted by Araucaria at 3:01 PM on November 8, 2006

I used goo-gone on the decades old paint drips on my hardwood floors. Similar, if not the same stuff, to Goof-off.
posted by kumquatmay at 2:13 PM on November 9, 2006