How to Remove Latex Paint From Wood Trim After Painting

Painting a room is not difficult, but paint splatters on wood trim differentiate an amateur job from a professional one. Even with careful taping, paint may occasionally seep onto woodwork. Paint is easiest to remove when wet, but even dry paint comes off with a bit of elbow grease if you use the right procedure. To minimize splatters on trim, cover the trim with painter's tape or learn the technique of cutting in -- painting around trim with an angled brush to leave no imperfections. Once you master this technique, you'll rarely need painter's tape and you'll save time and money.

Things You'll Need

• Microfiber cloth
• Fine sandpaper
• Razor blade
• Paint scraper
• Denatured alcohol
• Clean cloth

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Rub paint splatters within 24 hours with a damp microfiber cloth. The tiny bumps in the cloth trap the paint, easily removing it. Try scratching the spots with your fingernail to lift them. Once the paint has cured, it is harder to remove.

   • 2

     Rub thin splatters of paint with fine sandpaper to remove them. Remove larger paint spills by scraping them gently with a razor blade or paint scraper held at a 45 degree angle. Take care not to gouge the wood or lift the finish. Work slowly, starting at one edge.

   • 3

     Wipe the area with denatured alcohol applied to a cloth to remove any paint residue. Wait 10 minutes and wipe again with a clean, damp cloth.