Splatters and Spills? How to Get Paint Off Wood Floors

Accidents happen. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of dealing with a paint spill on your wood floors, you know it can be a tricky process. Paint, especially oil-based paint, can be difficult to remove without damaging the finish. But don’t worry; there are several ways to safely get paint off your wood floors.

Here’s a look at the best ways to remove drips, spatters, or over-paint from your hardwood flooring while avoiding scratching or damaging the surface.

1) Remove Spilled Paint from Your Hardwood Flooring

First, if it’s a fresh spill, wipe up any excess with a damp, absorbent cloth as soon as possible. Soak up as much of the spilled paint as you can, wringing out excess paint in another container and rinsing your cleaning rag in water until it runs clear between wipes.

It might take a few attempts, but these precautions are necessary as you want to be sure you’re not pushing wet paint into the grain of the wood with your cleaning efforts. Once the area is clean, apply Rubio Monocoat Universal Soap directly onto the stained area.

Universal Soap is specifically designed to clean and restore your wood floor without damaging the oil finish to minimize the damage done to your flooring. Allow the product to sit on the area for a few minutes, then use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away any remaining paint gently.

2) Clean Your Hardwood Floors With Designated Cleaners

You’ll want to keep working with a bristle brush and Rubio Monocoat Surface Care Spray for stubborn stains or partly dried paint. It’s a specially formulated version of our Universal Soap, designed for the convenience of spray-on application. Like all Rubio Monocoat products offered by Special Hardwood, it’s an all-natural, nontoxic soap explicitly designed for use on your oil-finished hardwood floor.

Work in sections or on individual splatters of paint. Spray, let soak, and then brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush or other brush which won’t scratch or mar the wood or the oil finish. If the paint has already dried, it might take a few attempts to see progress. Bear with it and trust the process.

3) Refresh and Renew Wooden Flooring After Spot Cleaning

Vigorous brushing and repeated cleaning can be necessary to handle tough jobs. No matter how careful you are, you might inadvertently dull your floor’s finish. After you’ve managed to remove any paint spills or splatters, you might find those sections of flooring looking a little worn or faded.

If flooring spots look dull or rough or dry, your next best step is to apply Rubio Monocoat’s Renew product. It’s intended to restore and protect the finish of treated surfaces that have become worn or dulled through heavy use.

For colored flooring that may have become faded, choose Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C in a matching shade to restore your wooden floor’s shine and luster without losing any of its beautiful color.

4) Use Only Safe, Natural Products for Cleaning and Maintenance

All Rubio Monocoat products offered by Special Hardwood are non-toxic, and made from plant-based ingredients. We’re committed to providing the highest quality natural cleaning, restoration, staining, and finishing products.

Our products are free of harsh and dangerous chemicals like ammonia, acetone, and formaldehyde. They are made with the natural plant oils and waxes, 100% VOC-free.

Special Hardwood: Your Clean, Green, Paint-Cleaning Machine

For paint—or any—spills and stains, Special Hardwood offers Rubio Monocoat’s Universal Soap and Surface Care Spray as your best first lines of defense. It may take a little time and effort to clean up, but we're committed to providing you with remedies for even the toughest, most stubborn paint splatters.

No matter how you go about it, getting paint off wood floors without damaging the finish can be tricky. But with the right products and knowledge, it’s possible.

Have questions on interior or exterior wood cleaning or maintenance? Contact us today.