How to Get Paint Off Tile

Co-authored by Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: October 25, 2022

We've all been there—paint ended up on your tile despite your best efforts. Fortunately, you can get paint off tile using materials you probably already have around your home. The process is similar whether you've got ceramic tile, porcelain tile, or something more exotic. In this article, we'll cover easy cleaning tips for getting wet or dried paint off of your tile surfaces.

Things You Should Know

Scrape off dried paint with a utility knife. You may also be able to scrub it away with soapy water.
For a natural approach, try removing the paint with vinegar, baking soda, or heat from a hairdryer.
For tougher spills, use commercial paint remover. Try bleach to clean paint-stained grout.

1

Wipe up wet paint spills immediately.

Work fast so the paint doesn't have a chance to dry. Your first reaction to a paint spill might be to panic, but relax—you can usually remove all traces of paint if you wipe it up with a damp cloth right away.^{[1]
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- Take care that you don't spread the paint to the grout as you clean the tile. If you get wet paint on grout, wipe it up as fast as possible.

2

Scrape off dried paint with a utility knife.

This is a great option if the paint is thick or already peeling. Hold your utility knife at a 45-degree angle and work it across the edges of the paint spill. If you push the knife blade at this angle, you won't scratch the tile and the paint will come away.^{[2]
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- Use caution if you're cleaning glass or marble tiles, since it's easy to accidentally scratch the material.
- If you don't have a utility knife, use a putty knife, razor blade, or painter's knife.
- Always be careful when you handle a sharp utility knife.

3

Heat dried paint with a hair dryer.

Soften the dried paint if you're struggling to scrape it off. You can use a heat gun if you have one, or just reach for your hair dryer! Turn the heat to high and direct it right at the paint until it liquefies. Then, you can wipe off the paint with a rag.^{[3]
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- Open a window or turn on a fan to improve ventilation in the room since you don't want to breathe in paint fumes.

4

Use vinegar for a natural and effective solution.

Try a vinegar solution for a more natural way to lift tough paint stains. Vinegar is an amazing cleaning product—mix equal parts vinegar and hot water. Then, dip a sponge or scouring pad into the solution and work it onto the tile. The vinegar breaks up the paint, so you can wipe it away.^{[4]
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- Add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to the solution for even deeper cleaning. Baking soda is naturally abrasive so it can remove the paint but it won't scratch your tile.
- Skip the vinegar if your tiles are made of limestone. Acidic products can wear the material out.

5

Try commercial paint remover on latex or oil-based paint.

Use a product that contains solvents to get rid of stubborn stains. If you've tried everything and the paint just won't come off, reach for a paint remover product that you buy from the hardware store. Follow the manufacturer's instructions—usually, you'll spray the product onto the tile and let it sit before wiping it off with a cloth.^{[5]
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- It's a good idea to test the product on a small, inconspicuous area before you use it on your tile.
- In a pinch, you can try using nail polish remover since it's essentially a solvent. It's safe to use on ceramic as long as you don't let it sit for more than a few minutes.

6

Scrub minor paint residue or flecks with soapy water.

Use the rough side of a scouring pad to remove traces of paint. You might see stubborn paint spots even after you've wiped up the spill or scraped off most of the paint. Dip a scouring pad into a bucket of warm soapy water and work it onto the tile.^{[6]
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- Avoid using an abrasive pad like steel wool or sandpaper, which can damage tile—even sturdy ceramic.

7

Clean grout with bleach or baking soda.

A bristle brush easily lifts dried paint from the grout between your tiles. Dip a bristle brush like an old toothbrush into diluted bleach and gently scrub the grout or mix a simple baking soda paste and work it onto the grout with the brush. Then, rinse the grout with warm water and let it dry.^{[7]
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- To dilute bleach, combine ³⁄₄ cup (180 ml) of bleach with 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water in a large bucket.
- Avoid using bleach if you have colored grout. Instead, use vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, or a baking soda paste made with water.

Warnings

Paint and paint removers contain chemical compounds that are harmful if you breathe them in. Open windows and run fans when you're painting or using products that have solvents.

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