How to Remove Paint from Plastic Easily

Removing paint off plastic can be a tough job. Depending on the plastic and paint you are working with, it can be a relatively simple to remove. Provided are tips and tricks to use to get the job done quickly and efficiently. This is a no-sweat guide to remove minor areas of paint from plastic.

Materials:

• Acetone/Nail Polish Remover Pads

• Non- Acetone/ Nail Polish Remover Pads

• Old Cloth Rags

• Q- Tips

• Isopropyl Alcohol/ Rubbing Alcohol

• Razor Blade

• Pyrex bowl

When removing paint from plastic the main thing to consider is the durability of the plastic you are working with. Certain chemicals can ruin and potentially dissolve plastic. It is best to start off the safe way and test with the least damaging remover.

• Non- Acetone works well without dissolving plastics. You can find it in everyday nail polish remover. Test with Non- Acetone first is a must if you do not know the durability of the plastic you are working with.

• Isopropyl Alcohol is relatively gentle and safe to use. It is commonly found in rubbing alcohol. This works great on the exterior of cars.

• Acetone works the best to remove paint but has potential to damage plastic. It can be found in nail polish remover. This removes paint quickly without much physical exertion.

• Stay away from Easy-Off, Goof-Off, and turpentine. They will damage many types of plastic. WD-40 is not very effective in removing paint because it is safe to use on most paints.

Course of Method:

1.) Always test small areas before fully applying paint thinner. Q-Tips are helpful in this situation to make test trials. Dip the Q-Tip into a small amount of thinner and dab it onto the plastic. Try rubbing the thinner into the plastic lightly. If the paint comes off relatively quickly, be wary of damage to the plastic.

2.) If damage occurs, dab the excessive thinner off with a cloth to prevent it from spreading. Then run the test area under water if needed.

3.) If damage does not occur, the thinner is safe to use. For more control you can buy nail polish remover in pads rather than liquid form. The pads have the thinner already on them, which allows for application of thinner where you want it without drips or excess.

4.) Liquid forms of thinner are good for dunking the plastic to soak it. Use a Pyrex bowl to pour the nail polish remover in. Pyrex is laboratory safe glassware that withstands heat and chemicals. Let the plastic sit in the thinner for 2-3 minutes. Then take it out and use an old cloth rag to see if the paint if with come off. If the paint does not come off soak it again for another 1-2 minutes. If the paint still does not come off try a stronger paint thinner.

5.) When in doubt, go to your nearest Home-Depot or Lowes to consult a paint specialist.

6.) In removing acrylic paint- use a razor blade to scrape off the paint. If it is difficult to remove, soak the plastic in warm water for about 5 minutes. Scraping off the paint will be easier after a soak.

Things to remember:

• Use common sense! Working with chemicals is dangerous. Read all of the information and directions on the packaging.

• Apply paint thinner in a well-ventilated room. Thinner has a strong odor and can be very toxic if breathed in for long periods of time.

• Paint thinners are highly flammable. Do not have open fires, use matches or lighters, or light gas stoves. The potential to start a fire is great.