Did you know that there is a way for you to get rid of that stubborn spray paint from your vinyl siding? Regardless of how the paint got on your vinyl siding, you probably want to clean your vinyl siding but don't know how to. You may wish to remove spray paint that accidentally dripped on your vinyl siding when you were painting, or you want to remove the old paint so you can repaint your vinyl siding.
I have compiled an easy step-by-step tutorial on removing spray paint from vinyl siding, so there is no reason to get worked up about the spray paint on your vinyl siding. Remember to take time to read and digest this whole tutorial before acting on it so you can fully understand the process.
How To Remove Spray Paint From Vinyl Siding
What You will Need
Below are some of the supplies you are going to use when removing spray paint from vinyl siding.
Brush
I recommend a natural fiber scrubbing brush with medium to coarse bristle.
Graffiti remover
Find a graffiti remover that does not discolor the vinyl siding.
Coarse cloth
This type of cloth has a rough texture because it features thick threads.
Mineral spirits
Remember to exercise caution when using mineral spirits as they are flammable.
Light penetrating oil,
Paint thinner,
Various other solvents as described,
Pressure washer
Step By Step Instructions
Follow these steps to remove the spray paint on your vinyl siding.
Step 1 : Wash With Oil or Water
Most spray paints are oil-based, and going by the mantra that 'like-dissolves-like,' you have to use oil to dissolve most spray paints. In case the paint is water-based, use water to dissolve it. The first and greatest hope you have is that the paint will be washed off by the thorough washing you are going to give it.
Even though washing alone doesn't do the trick, you have a better chance if the paint is water-based and has not stayed on the vinyl siding for too long. You have almost a 100% chance of washing off the paint if it is water-based and is yet to dry.
To wash off the paint with oil or water, paint on some oil or water on the paint, give it some time to dry, and then use the natural fibers brush to scrub off the paint.
Rinse off the siding with warm water. If you are lucky, all of the paint will have come off. If not, move on to step two.
Pro tips:
▶ Do not use steel wool as it can leave scuff marks on your siding.
▶ You can use olive, cooking, or any generic vegetable oil to wash off the paint for oil-based spray paint.
Step 2 : Use Graffiti Remover
Using graffiti remover to remove the rest of the paint is your other option. To do this, you need to prepare beforehand by having your graffiti remover and the coarse cloth at hand.
Star by pumping a few sprays of the graffiti remover on your vinyl siding. Once you cover the whole area with graffiti remover, leave the graffiti remover on the vinyl for some minutes. This is the time the remover will be dissolving the paint.
Afterward, scrub off the paint using a piece of cloth.
In case of leftover spray paint that proves difficult to remove, go ahead to step 3 below.
Pro tip:
Graffiti remover is a well-known remover of dried paint and deck stain overspray.
Step 3 : Test the Solvents
Before moving to step 4, which has the full explanation on what to do in case of stubborn spray paint stains on vinyl siding, take time to prepare by testing out some of the chemical solutions to be used in step 4.
Take each solvent and apply it to a hidden area of your vinyl siding. Check if there is any discoloring or staining that occurs after you use the solvent.
I recommend using this general prep practice on any DIY involving chemicals.
Step 4 : Deep Clean
Once done with testing the solvents, you are set. This stage is also known as the 'deep cleaning stage.' It is the ultimate stage of this whole process. If the paint doesn’t come out at this stage, you have no otherwise but to consider other options.
You can start the removal process using any solvent that you haven’t used up to this stage. For instance, you can start by using the paint thinner. Apply a generous amount on the paint you want to remove, and then use the coarse cloth to scrub it off. Be consistent and use repeated motion while scrubbing off. The paint may come off slowly, so ensure you take your time to scrub it off.
Besides the paint thinner, you can use acetone or lacquer thinner in this stage.
Pro tips:
▶ These chemicals are strong and have flammable fumes. Thus, keep these chemicals away from children. Also, ensure there are no children around during this procedure.
▶ Wear a respirator to protect yourself from some of the toxic solvents.
General Tips and Tricks
Below are more valuable tips and tricks to keep in mind when removing spray paints from vinyl siding.
▶ Always strive to remove graffiti stains within 24 hours of their occurrence because they are the most stubborn stains to remove.
▶Always test the solvent’s effectiveness by smearing it on a hidden part of the vinyl siding before using it on the actual stain. Doing this helps you know of any damaging effects the solvent may cause to your vinyl siding.
▶In case you fail to remove the spray paint using this procedure, you might have to consider covering the spray paint you want to remove by painting over the vinyl siding afresh. Your other option is to replace the vinyl siding entirely.
Related Topic: Top 5 Best Paint Sprayer for House Exterior in 2021
Conclusion
Spray paint stains on your vinyl siding can put an unsightly mark on your home’s beautiful exterior design. Luckily, there are several ways of getting rid of the spray paint on your vinyl siding, as mentioned above.
Did you find this tutorial helpful? Be sure to eave tour thoughts on the comment section and share this tutorial with your loved ones so they, too, can be aware.
