Removing Paint Stains

• 1). Using a flexible plastic putty knife, scrape as much of the unwanted paint from the surface or item as possible. Avoid metal putty knives which could scar sensitive surfaces.
  
  
• 2). Wipe down the remaining unwanted paint using a shop rag dampened with mineral spirits.
  
  
• 3). Dry the excess mineral spirits using a clean, fresh shop rag.
  
  

Paint Stripping

• 1). Scrape off as much of the unwanted paint as possible using a putty knife.
  
  
• 2). Put on a protective respirator and a long pair of rubber gloves. Don't skip this step or you could end up suffering burns and fume inhalation.
  
  
• 3). Apply stripping solvent to the unwanted paint using a 2- to 4-inch paintbrush. Solvents will damage synthetic brushes, so be sure your brush has natural bristles.
  
  
• 4). Cover the unwanted paint with plastic drop cloths. Don't skip this step or the solvent will likely evaporate too quickly.
  
  
• 5). Wait three to five minutes. Remove the plastic drop cloths. Scrape off the unwanted paint using the flexible plastic putty knife and a fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe down the surface with a shop rag dampened with paint stripping solvent. Dry the solvent from the surface or item using a clean, fresh rag.