Ultimate Guide To Homemade Paint Remover – 7 Ways To Make Your Own

When it comes to redecorating your home, there are many ways you can refresh your living environment, whether that be a new wallpaper or a fresh coat of paint.

Not only can a pop of color liven up an otherwise boring room, but it can also open new doors in terms of furniture and decor. However, this does not mean that painting your walls is a simple process, as there are various obstacles that you can meet on the way.

Sometimes painting your home can result in unwanted mess and clutter, which can be disheartening when you discover a paint stain on your favorite couch or ornament.

So how can you remove these stains without causing any further damage? Well, there are various methods that you can use, however, the easiest way is to purchase a bottle of paint remover.

Currently, there are hundreds of commercial paint removers available on the market, although some are unnecessarily expensive while others contain dangerous chemicals. So if you want to use a paint remover that does not feature any harmful ingredients, then you could try making your own solution by using substances found in your home. 

In the following article, we are going to teach you 7 different ways to make your own DIY homemade paint remover, while also showcasing the importance of paint remover and why you should use it when reinventing your home. So if you want to know more about making your own homemade paint remover, we have everything you need down below. 

Why Should You Use Paint Remover? 

Whether you are using a commercial brand or homemade solution, it is important to consider how and why you plan to use a paint remover. For example, you may have gotten a paint stain on a piece of furniture, giving it a messy and unsightly appearance. However, this does not mean that you have to replace the piece, as using a paint remover will allow you to strip away the paint completely. 

Not only will this allow you to return the furniture to its former condition, but it will also make the piece another welcome addition to your newly redecorated home. 

When it comes to making your own DIY paint remover, it should be able to do a lot of the same things as a commercial product. So if you are still unsure of how to best utilize your paint remover, then we have listed some suggestions in the sections below: 

Using Paint Remover For Cleaning 

If you have painted your home and need to clean any leftover paint, then you can use a paint remover to do this. In many cases, using a paint remover is an excellent way to clean a room after applying a fresh coat of paint, as it will allow you to remove any stains without having to paint over the color. 

Paint remover can also be used to remove numerous stains from a single item and can even be used to rejuvenate an old piece of furniture. For example, if you have an antique piece in your home, then you can use paint remover to clean and refinish it, resulting in a new item that has cost you nothing to remake. 

In some cases, it is also possible to maintain an old piece of furniture by cleaning them with paint remover, as this will strip away any unwanted stains or markings. 

Using Paint Remover For Maintenance 

Paint remover also comes with the added benefit of being able to maintain the condition of the piece you are working on, although this does depend on the type of paint remover that you are using. When it comes to removing paint manually, it often requires heat due to many paints containing toxic chemicals, another reason why paint remover is considered a safer option. 

Regardless of what paint remover you choose, you can use it to keep your furniture and decor in good condition, as trying to strip the paint without the help of a remover can result in serious damage that is often irreversible. 

However, this does not mean that every paint remover can be used on every surface, which is why you should make your own homemade solution to meet your various needs. Not only will this allow you to maintain the condition of your items, but it can also change the overall look and finish. 

Just remember to use ingredients that are both safe and workable. 

Using Paint Remover For Repainting 

After you have used your paint remover to clean or maintain an item, you can then also repaint the piece to give it a new and fresh look. This means that you can paint the item whatever color you want, while also removing any previous layers beforehand. 

When it comes to repainting an item, you must remove any previous coats to ensure that the piece does not get thicker, as this can be incredibly problematic when painting doorways and wood. If a doorway has too many coats of paint, it can make it difficult to open and close, so it is best to remove any coats before repainting. 

On the other hand, wood furniture also comes with the setback of being able to expand in warm temperatures, which means more coats of paint can make the item look much bigger in comparison. 

So before repainting something, you should always use a paint remover (homemade or commercial) to remove the original coat, as this will reduce the risk of future problems while also making sure that the previous color is not visible. 

What Types Of Paint Remover Are There? 

When it comes to choosing a paint remover for your home, you should only consider commercial or homemade options. Although it may seem easier to purchase a commercial brand from a store, this does not mean that store-bought products are always the best choice, as they can be extremely dangerous when used incorrectly. 

Some commercial paint removers are known to contain harmful chemicals, with some even featuring a substance called methylene chloride. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is trying to ban paint removers that contain this ingredient, as it is incredibly poisonous and can even kill people through prolonged exposure. 

While not all commercial paint removers are dangerous, we do recommend making your own homemade solution using natural products. Not only are homemade paint removers safer than most others, but they can also be customized to your needs, which can help to avoid allergic reactions to certain ingredients. 

Fortunately, some homemade solutions are just as effective as commercial remedies, which means you don’t have to endanger yourself or your friends and family. 

Why Should You Make Your Own Paint Remover? 

If you are not concerned about handling dangerous chemicals, then we still recommend making your own homemade remover from scratch, as it will allow you to determine the paint you want to remove and the surface you are working with. 

Homemade paint removers are also a great alternative for people working with a budget, as they can be made using affordable ingredients or products found around the house. However, it is important to only use safe ingredients during the mixing process, otherwise, you could risk severe damage to your decor. 

To help you further understand the benefits of homemade paint removers, we have outlined some key elements in the sections below: 

Homemade Removers Save Money 

When using a paint remover, you may find that you only need a small amount for the task at hand, which can be very expensive when you consider that most commercial brands are only available in large containers. 

Fortunately, you can make your own paint remover using ingredients found around your home, which means everything you need will be readily available and free of charge. When making a homemade paint remover, you can also adjust the recipe based on how much you need to use, with most methods explaining how you can customize the ratio. 

So unless you need to remove the paint from a large area in your home, you will not need to purchase any new ingredients, which can make the removal process much easier and cost-effective. 

Homemade Removers Are Natural 

If you want to use a paint remover that contains only natural ingredients, then the best way is by making your own homemade solution. Not only will this allow you to control every step of the process, but it will also allow you to choose the ingredients that you use. 

In most cases, a natural paint remover will be much safer than a commercial brand, as it will not contain any artificial ingredients or harmful chemicals. This means that homemade paint removers are also a viable option for people with children and pets, as the natural products should not cause any harm to your friends and family. Because you will be able to control the ingredients, you can also further customize the solution’s safety. 

However, if you live on your own, natural products can still be highly beneficial, as they can promote your health and safety when removing stains from your furniture. 

Homemade Removers Are Eco-Friendly 

Although some natural products are more eco-friendly than others, homemade paint removers are completely green. This is because they are made from ingredients that you can find in your home, which means they have little to no effect on the environment. 

For example, you can make your homemade solution using biodegradable products, which means it can be safely disposed of once you have removed the initial paint. Because of the natural ingredients, homemade paint removers can be poured down the drain and can even be disposed of in the garden. 

Unlike commercial paint removers, natural solutions can actually have a positive effect on the environment, with the renewable ingredients helping to sustain the outside world. While any action you take can have an impact on the planet, using eco-friendly ingredients can help to reduce your carbon footprint. 

7 Ways To Make Your Own Paint Remover 

Regardless of whether you want to remove latex paint, enamel or other oil-based products, homemade paint removers should always be your first choice. Not only are these solutions simple to make, but they are also safe to use and can have a positive impact on the environment. 

Beyond this, homemade paint removers are incredibly versatile and can be used to remove paint from countless surfaces such as wood, metal, carpet, plastic and many more. 

So if you want to know how you can make your own homemade paint remover, we have compiled a list of the 7 best recipes in the sections below: 

1. 
   

   Vinegar 

Although vinegar is best known as a popular condiment, it also comes with many other uses beyond its culinary origins. 

Due to its acidic nature, vinegar can also be used as a powerful window cleaner, weed remover and natural plumber. However, the condiment also comes with the added benefit of being able to remove paint that has been left behind on windows and mirrors. 

The process of making this particular paint remover is also very easy, as it only involves one ingredient to get the job done. So let’s take a look at how you can use vinegar to remove unwanted paint in your home: 

Ingredients 

• Vinegar (½ cup)

Method 

1. Pour half a cup of vinegar into a plastic container and place it in the microwave until it is hot while making sure that it doesn’t boil. 
2. Once the vinegar has been properly heated, take a sponge or cloth and moisten it before applying it to the stained surface. 
3. When you have done this, let the vinegar rest on the surface until it has soaked into the stain and made it weaker. 
4. This should make the stain easier to scrape off, however, if it does not work straight away then you can repeat the process until it has vanished. 
5. 
   

   Hydrogen Peroxide 

If you want to remove unwanted paint stains from your carpet and furniture, then using hydrogen peroxide is the best method available. 

In some ways, hydrogen peroxide is very similar to cleaning products such as bleach, however, it is far less toxic and much safer to use: 

Ingredients

• Hydrogen peroxide (1 tbsp) 
• Warm water 

Method 

1. To begin, moisten the stained area with warm water while making sure to apply the water on and around the paint. 
2. When this has been done, take a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and sprinkle it over the paint that you want to remove. 
3. Once the peroxide has been properly applied, allow it to rest for 1-2 hours before attempting to wipe it away. 
4. Using a damp towel or wet toothbrush, approach the area and rub away the stain by applying pressure to the paint. 
5. If the stain still hasn’t been removed after the previous step, apply another sprinkling of hydrogen peroxide and repeat the process until the stain is gone. 
6. 
   

   Sodium Hydroxide 

Otherwise known as lye, sodium hydroxide has been used as a paint remover for hundreds of years. 

In fact, this particular substance might be one of the oldest paint removers in the world, as it is commonly used to remove stubborn stains and even dried glue. 

However, this does not mean that it is the safest paint remover available, as it can cause severe skin burns when not used correctly. For this reason, we recommend wearing protective gloves when using this method, as this will reduce the risk of bodily harm. 

So let’s take a look at how you can use sodium hydroxide to remove unwanted paint from your home: 

Ingredients 

• Sodium hydroxide (1 cup)
• Corn starch (1 cup)
• Cold water 

Method 

1. Take a large container and fill it with up to 2 gallons of cold water before adding a cup of sodium hydroxide and a cup of corn starch. 
2. Using a long wooden spoon or stick, stir the mixture until both substances have completely dissolved. 
3. Let the mixture rest and then apply it to the stained area using a moistened sponge or cloth. 
4. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes until it has been fully absorbed into the stain, then scrape it away using a metal knife or brush. 
5. Once the stain has been removed, wash down the remaining area with warm water or a water and vinegar solution. 
6. 
   

   Sodium Bicarbonate 

Otherwise known as baking soda, sodium bicarbonate is another great alternative to commercial paint remover brands. 

It is also possible to remove paint stains by using baking powder, although this contains fewer ingredients and does not yield the same stellar results. 

This cost-effective method works particularly well when wanting to remove paint from metal tools and surfaces. The solution itself is also very easy to make and only requires a large pot for boiling water. 

However, we do recommend using a pot that you don’t use for cooking, as this will help to avoid any future problems. 

So if you want to use baking soda to remove any unwanted paint stains from your home, just follow these simple steps: 

Ingredients 

• Sodium bicarbonate (¼ cup) 
• Boiling water 

Method 

1. Fill a large cooking pot with water and set it over high heat until the water begins to boil. 
2. Once the water has reached a suitable temperature, add a quarter cup of baking soda and then stir until the powder has dissolved. 
3. Introduce your stained tools to the pot and allow them to rest in the boiling water for 15-20 minutes, you will not need to stir the mixture during this process. 
4. After the correct amount of time has passed, remove the tools from the pot and wipe away any excess paint using a moist toothbrush. 
5. This should make the paint come away effortlessly. 
6. 
   

   Washing Soda 

This next homemade solution is perfect for removing paint from large surfaces, such as walls and floors. 

Not only is this method completely natural, but it is also easy to use and can be combined with vinegar for the best results. 

To help you understand the process of making this paint remover, we have outlined the ingredients and method in the following sections: 

Ingredients 

• Washing soda (1 cup) 
• Flour (⅔ cup) 
• Water 

Method 

1. Take a clean container and fill it with cold water before adding one cup of washing soda to the solution. 
2. Once this has been completed, fill two-thirds of a cup with flour and fill the remaining space with hot water, then stir the mixture until it creates a smooth paste. 
3. Take both compounds and mix them together until they create a slimy substance, then apply the resulting mixture to the stained area that you want to remove. 
4. Allow the mixture to rest on the stain for at least 1 hour, while making sure to spray it with cold water from time to time. 
5. Finally, wipe down the area with a damp cloth to remove the initial stain. 
6. For the best results, we recommend wiping down the stained area with a solution of water and vinegar, as this will improve the overall appearance. 
7. 
   

   Sodium Borate & Ammonia 

Although this is yet another effective way to remove paint from large areas, this does not mean that it is one of the safest solutions available. 

For example, mixing these chemicals together can be extremely dangerous, which is why we recommend making the solution outdoors while wearing the proper protective gear. 

Otherwise known as borax, sodium borate can commonly be found in households all over the world, as it is usually used to clean various appliances around the house. 

So if you want to know how you can use borax to remove unwanted paint stains, then everything you need can be found down below: 

Ingredients 

• Sodium borate (1 tbsp)
• Ammonia (1 tbsp)
• Washing soda (1 tbsp)
• Water 

Method 

1. Take a large container and fill it with 8 cups of water before adding equal amounts of all three chemicals. 
2. Once you have done this, make sure to stir the mixture well until all the ingredients have been dissolved. 
3. When the solution is ready, take a paintbrush and apply a thin coat of the remover to the wall or surface that you want to tackle. 
4. After you have done this, allow the mixture to rest for at least thirty minutes or for up to an hour. 
5. To finish removing the paint, approach the wall with a ball of wire wool and rub it against the offending surface, making sure to wash away any excess with hot or boiling water. 
6. 
   

   Liquid Laundry Detergent 

Although this final method is not the most ideal solution for removing paint from large surfaces, it can be used to tackle paint-stained tools and other metal appliances. 

Beyond this, liquid laundry detergent is also pet-friendly and can be used individually or as an ingredient in various homemade solutions. 

We personally recommend using this paint remover if you accidentally spill paint on your metal door knobsdoorknobs, although this does mean that you will have to remove the doorknob to give it a thorough cleaning. 

So let’s take a look at how you can use laundry detergent to remove paint stains from your metal surfaces: 

Ingredients 

• Liquid laundry detergent (¼ cup) 
• Cold water 

Method 

1. Take a container or bowl and fill it with cold water. 
2. After you have done this, add less than a quarter cup of liquid laundry detergent and stir the solution gently until it dissolves. 
3. Introduce your stained tools to the container and allow them to rest in the solution for around 1-2 hours. 
4. Once the tools have had plenty of time to soak, remove them from the bowl and use a clean toothbrush to wipe away any excess paint. 

Are Homemade Paint Removers Safe? 

While not every homemade paint remover is safe, there are various safe options that you can choose from. Not only do many homemade solutions use safe and natural ingredients, but they can also be customized to meet your specific needs. 

However, this does not mean that you should not be wary of the ingredients you use, as each one will need to be considered carefully depending on its safety. It is also important to make sure that you are wearing protective clothing when handling chemicals and boiling water. 

If you wish to remove a paint stain from a valuable object, then you will also need to consider the kind of solutions you are using, as certain chemicals could cause severe damage. When something is very valuable, we recommend taking it to a professional, as they will usually have the tools to remove the paint without damaging the item. If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-purpose paint stripper that can work on removing varnish, stains, and lacquer as well as paint, you should certainly consider Klean-Strip Quart Easy Liquid Sander Deglosser; it is also one of the best paint strippers for concrete.

Final Thoughts 

When it comes to painting your home, it’s a given that you will probably spill paint on a surface or piece of furniture. However, this does not mean that you have to purchase an expensive commercial product to remove the stain. 

As long as you utilize the correct ingredients and method, you will be able to remove the stain in no time at all, leaving the offending area looking brand new.