How to Get Paint off Vinyl Siding?

Most homeowners prefer vinyl siding for the exterior cladding of their homes because it is durable, flexible, and does not require a lot of maintenance. More importantly, vinyl siding can immensely enhance the visual appeal of a home’s exterior, and therefore, boost its curb appeal.  But, do you know how to get paint off vinyl siding if you accidentally spilled some paint on it?

Paint accidentally getting on your vinyl siding can sometimes entail a difficult process. You also run the risk of damaging your vinyl siding if you are not careful. But, you have to remove the paint stains as quickly as possible. How do you do it? What products should you use?

Here are some of the best solutions to remove paint that accidentally got into your vinyl siding. Choose the best solution depending on the type of paint and how long the paint has been on your vinyl siding.

Removing Water-Based Paint from Vinyl Siding

Latex and acrylic are the most popular water-based paints for the exterior of a home. They are also the most durable and easiest to clean.  This is the reason most vinyl sidings are finished with water-based paints.

Using Detergent

What can you do if you get paint on your vinyl siding?  Try this simple method and paint will be off your vinyl siding in no time, whether fresh or old paint.

What you need:

• Liquid laundry detergent (without bleach)
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Warm water
• Yard sprayer
• Scraper
• Pressure washer
• Soft bristle brush or cloth

Procedure:

1. Prepare a cleaning solution by adding four parts of warm water to one part of laundry detergent.
2. Pour the solution into a yard sprayer.
3. Spray the solution over the affected section.
4. After 5 minutes, use a scraper to remove the paint on the vinyl siding
5. If there are still some remaining paint particles, wash them off with a pressure washer.
6. If there are still small spots, brush some Isopropyl alcohol on them.

Using Baking Soda

You can also try to remove water-based paint stains in your vinyl siding with a mixture of baking soda and dishwashing soap.

1. Prepare a cleaning solution of baking soda and liquid dishwashing in equal proportions.
2. Pour the solution into a yard sprayer.
3. Spray the solution over the affected section.
4. Use a scraper to remove tough paint remaining on the vinyl siding
5. Wash off with a pressure washer remaining paint particle. pressure washer.

Using Paint Thinner

If the paint stain has been on your vinyl siding for quite some time, try using paint thinner diluted in water. This should take care of the tough paint stains.

1. In a yard sprayer, prepare a cleaning solution of one part thinner and 8 parts water.
2. Spray the solution over the paint mess on your vinyl siding.
3. Use a scraper to remove paint that did not get off.
4.  Wash off small paint particles with a pressure washer.

Removing Oil-Based Paint from Vinyl Siding

It can be a cleaning nightmare if your vinyl siding is stained with oil-based paint. There are some products that can remove the stain, though, but you should start with mild cleaning solutions. Strong chemical solvents should only be used when necessary.

Using Mineral Spirits

You can use this method if the oil-based paint has not yet dried up.

What you need:

• Mineral spirits
• Soft-bristled brush
• Cloth
• Pressure washer

Procedure:

1. Wet the cloth with a small amount of mineral spirits.
2. Wipe the cloth over the stain.
3. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for about 5 minutes.
4. Scrub the stain off using the soft-bristle brush.
5. Repeat the entire process until all of the stains get off.
6. Rinse the vinyl siding with a pressure washer

Mineral spirits contain 100% petroleum distillates. It is a clear and clean product that does not contain additives. It is commonly used for thinning oil-based paint. 

Using Isopropyl Alcohol

You can also use Isopropyl alcohol to wipe off fresh paint stains on your vinyl siding.

What you need:

• Isopropyl alcohol
• Liquid detergent
• Cloth
• Steel wool

Procedure:

1. Soak the cloth in isopropyl alcohol.
2. Wipe off the stain. 
3. Work on the leftover stain with steel wool.
4. Finally,  clean the affected area with detergent and warm water.
5. Rinse the vinyl using a pressure washer.

Using Acetone Paint Remover

You can also use acetone paint remover if the paint stains are not too many.

What you need:

• Acetone paint remover
• Liquid detergent
• Scraper

Procedure:

1. Use a scraper to work out the dried paint stain.
2. Apply acetone paint remover  and scrub the stained spots.
3. Add water to the liquid detergent and wash the stained spots.
4. Rinse the stained spots with water.

Removing Spray Paint from Vinyl Siding

Did some kids in your neighborhood vandalize your vinyl siding with spray paint? The thing with spray paint and graffiti is you may not be able to get rid of the paint as it gets into your vinyl siding. Since you were not the one who spray-painted your vinyl siding, it would take about a few hours before you notice the damage.

As soon as you notice spray paint or graffiti on your vinyl siding, act fast because they dry quickly.

Using Mineral Spirits

Graffiti is difficult to remove so sometimes you cannot avoid using harsh chemicals. You can, however, start off by using mineral spirits.

What you need:

• Mineral spirits
• Paint thinner
• Light penetrating oil
• Brush
• Cloth
• Pressure Washing

Procedure:

1. Apply a small amount of mineral spirits to the stained area on your vinyl siding. Let it sit for about 5 minutes.
2. Scrub the graffiti paint using a brush.

If mineral spirits do not work, pour some light penetrating oil on a cloth and rub off the stain.

You can also use a graffiti remover for hard-to-remove graffiti spray paint on your vinyl siding. After applying the graffiti remover, rinse your vinyl siding with soap and water. Make sure to choose a graffiti remover that will not cause any discoloration.

Conclusion

It may be a big and difficult project. Check out the methods mentioned above. Determine the paint that got to your vinyl siding and get to work at once.  Your efforts will be all worthwhile once you have successfully removed the paint stains and brought your vinyl siding back to its original beauty.