How to Remove Spray Paint From Vinyl Siding

One of the main benefits of vinyl is that it is easy to maintain. But what if you accidentally get paint on it? You will want to remove it!

The good news is that most spray paints don’t form a strong bond with vinyl, which makes it easy to wipe them off. In addition, vinyl is a hard-wearing material and can withstand washing or scrubbing.

In this write-up, we will look at various ways of removing spray paint from vinyl siding. Each method is relatively stress-free and uses basic cleaning solutions you may already have in your home. 

Can Spray Paint Damage Vinyl Sliding?

Besides not bonding well with most paints, vinyl tends to expand and contract during the seasons. So even though you’re allowed to paint it, using the wrong paint or color can cause problems.

As a result, when updating the look or color of your vinyl siding, you must use special spray paint. This often means using a product made from 100 percent acrylic resins or a blend of acrylic and urethane resins. Such paints offer better adhesion and flexibility and are often labeled as “exterior” paints by manufacturers.

In addition to selecting the right paint, it’s also important you choose the correct color. Using a color that has a darker shade than your vinyl siding can cause warping. This is because darker shades absorb a lot of heat from the sun, which causes the siding underneath to reach higher temperatures. When this happens, the vinyl may buckle or pop out of place, and the paint may begin to peel.

Can You Remove Paint From Vinyl Siding?

Whether you accidentally splashed your vinyl siding or just want to update the color, you can remove the paint if you follow the right technique. Unlike some materials, vinyl doesn’t form a strong bond with most paints, which makes it easy to remove paint stains on the material.

Also, unlike wood siding, vinyl siding has no top layer that might peel away when you’re trying to remove the paint. However, the paint type and how long it’s been on the siding will determine how you approach the stain.

In case you want to paint vinyl siding, the prep process is extremely important. This often involves stripping off the old paint (if any) and making sure the surface is thoroughly clean.

Why Should You Remove Spray Paint From Vinyl Siding?

There are several reasons why you may want to remove spray paint from vinyl. 

First, if you’re applying new paint on the panel, removing the old layer will enable the new paint to bond well. 

Also, if the new paint is a shade darker than the existing color on the siding, you have no choice but to remove the old paint. Otherwise, you will be disappointed by the result. 

Thirdly, if you accidentally got paint on your vinyl, maybe while painting the window frames or something else, it’s only normal to want to correct it. However, you need to figure out how to how to get spray paint off siding without causing any damage to the panel.

Furthermore, if you find out you used the wrong paint for your siding, you may want to remove it and apply a new one. Not every paint is suitable for vinyl. Specifically, paints containing urethane and acrylic resins are the best spray paints for vinyl.

Finally, you may want to strip off the entire paint on your siding so you won’t have to maintain it in the future! 

What Can I Use to Remove Paint From Vinyl Siding

Commercial cleaners and household items such as liquid soap or detergent are the products you can use to remove paint from vinyl siding. With just soap and water and a bit of elbow grease, you can easily remove wet paint from your vinyl siding. Other items you can use, especially for more stubborn stains, are rubbing alcohol, white vinegar (with baking soda), acetone, mineral spirits, etc.

How To Get Spray Paint Off Vinyl Siding

Depending on the paint type and how hard it is, there are several ways to get spray paint off vinyl siding. Most spray paints don’t bond well with vinyl, so they may be easier to remove.

However, special vinyl paints with acrylic resins or urethane are usually the hardest to remove. If you’re not sure about the paint you’re dealing with; you may want to test a small area for each method to determine which one is most effective.

How to Remove Wet Spray Paint From Vinyl Siding

Wet spray paint can either be oil-based or water-based. The strategies for removing the two types of paint are different. 

Removing Wet Water-Based Spray Paint

Water-based paints are commonly acrylic or latex based. This kind of paint is the easiest to remove when wet. The steps are described below:

What you will need:

• Clean, dry towel.
• Warm water.
• Laundry detergent.
• Soft bristled brush or nylon scrubber.
• Isopropyl alcohol.

Step 1: Start by wiping off the wet paint with a clean, dry towel. To avoid spreading the paint, wipe in one direction or circular motion.

Step 2: Pour water into a plastic container and add the laundry detergent.

Step 3: Use the soapy water to gently scrub the areas with paint residue using a soft bristled brush or nylon scrubber.

Lastly, if you notice any traces or specks of paint left, wipe with a clean rag soaked with isopropyl alcohol. 

Removing Wet Oil-Based Paint

Oil-based spray paint cannot be dissolved with just water or even soapy water. And this is because oil and water don’t mix. You will need something stronger, like paint thinner or/and alcohol. The steps are as follows:

First, wipe the paint with a clean towel or rag soaked in paint thinner or mineral spirits. Again, wipe in a circular motion or in one direction to avoid creating more mess.

Wait for the area to dry. Then, clean again with isopropyl alcohol using a clean rag to remove the remaining paint residue. A gentle scrubbing may help.

Next, clean off the remaining paint and thinner with warm soapy water. A little scrubbing can help. Use a kitchen scrubber or hard-bristled brush. Then rinse thoroughly with cool, clean water. 

How to Remove Dried Spray Paint From Vinyl Siding

Dried spray paint is usually harder to remove from vinyl siding, whether it’s water-based or oil-based.

Removing Dried Oil-Based Spray Paint

What you will need:

• Plastic scraper
• Putty Knife
• Soap and Water
• Clean towel.
• Nylon Kitchen scrubber.

Steps to follow:

Step 1: Scrape the dried paint with a plastic scraper. Make sure the scraper is sharp but avoid applying too much pressure to avoid scratching the vinyl surface. If the scraper doesn’t work, you can use a putty knife. 

Step 2: Apply acetone to clean off any flakes left from the paint. Soak a clean towel with acetone by adding a few drops of the solvent to it then wipe the paint in one direction. 

Ps: Acetone is very effective on oil-based paints but should be used in moderation in order not to damage the siding. 

Step 3: Wash the area with warm soapy water. You can give it a good scrub with a nylon kitchen scrubber. 

Step 4: Finally, rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Removing Dried Water-Based Paint

Requirement you’ll use:

• Plastic scrapper.
• Power washer.
• Cleaning towel.

Steps to follow:

Step 1: Peel off the paint with your fingernail. You can move to the next step if you don’t want to stain your hands.

Step 2: Scrape off the remaining paint with a plastic scrapper. The scrapper should be held at a low-laying angle to prevent damage to the siding.

Step 3: Gently power-wash the paint using a power washer. This will weaken the paint. Spray from 2 feet away, keeping the nozzle on broad spray.

Step 4: Clean off the paint residues and leave the surface to dry.

How to Remove Black Spray Paint From Vinyl Siding

Black is just a color, so any of the methods above can be used to remove black spray paint from your vinyl, depending on the paint composition and dryness.

The best time to act is usually when the paint is still wet. You can simply wipe off lukewarm water and dish soap with a bit of scrubbing. Usually, the wetter the paint, the easier it’ll be to remove.

For dry paint, you can use acetone, mineral spirits, or rubbing alcohol.

How To Get Rustoleum Paint Off Vinyl Siding.

The methods described above will work for Rust-Oleum and any other brand. So, depending on the dryness of the paint, you can use warm soapy water (with isopropyl alcohol), paint thinner (or mineral spirits), acetone or a scraping tool, and a power washer. 

If you prefer to use a commercial cleaner, consider Goo Gone or Goo Off. These products are specially designed to remove tough stains on different surfaces. 

You can mix them with baking soda to create a paste, which you can use to effectively remove spray paint from vinyl siding. 

The process for using this is pretty straightforward. First, layer it on the paint spot, then sprinkle it with baking soda. Next, scrub with an abrasion pad or a medium-soft brush. Then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Other options for removing rust-oleum paint from vinyl siding include isopropyl alcohol and latex paint remover. 

Best Way to Remove Dried Paint From Vinyl Siding

The fastest way to remove dried paint from vinyl siding is with a good graffiti remover.

Commercial graffiti removers are essentially designed to break down stubborn paint stains, often the best results faster. They can be used on different surfaces, including vinyl.

To be on the safe side, when choosing a graffiti remover, be sure it’s safe for your vinyl siding. Most manufacturers usually indicate a list of approved materials on the label.

In terms of application, each product may require a slightly different approach. So, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to rinse with water after using the graffiti remover.

Besides graffiti removers, brake cleaners are also potent for removing paint from vinyl siding or panels. The process for using it is similar to any other solvent. However, it can be very toxic, so make sure the area you’re working in is well-ventilated.

How To Remove Spray Paint From Vinyl Siding – Additional Tips & Tricks

• If you’re using a putty knife on vinyl, hold it flat to the surface of the siding. This will ensure you don’t engorge deep cuts into the siding.
• Opt for nylon kitchen scrubbers for scrubbing paint stains with more elbow grease without ruining your sliding.
• Try to remove stains within 24 hours after they occur. Allowing them to stay longer makes them more difficult to remove.
• Before using any cleaning solution, on your siding, always try it on a hidden area to test its effectiveness and whether it has any damaging effects.
• Wear gloves to protect your hands when handling chemicals. Latex gloves are a rear option.
• Likewise, when handling nail polish remover, and other commercial solvents, wear a mask and some glasses to protect your eye.
• In case you wish to paint vinyl sliding, always do a test spot when you don’t know the type of spray paint you’re using.

• If you’re purchasing a graffiti remover, make sure it’s suitable for vinyl surfaces. Using just any product can discolor your vinyl siding. 

FAQS – How To Get Spray Paint Off Siding?

What is the Best Homemade Vinyl Siding Cleaner?

Dish soap and water is easily the best homemade vinyl siding cleaners. Others are rubbing alcohol and vinegar solution. These items are gentle in vinyl and will remove spray paint without causing damage. You can prepare the vinegar solution by mixing 70% water and 30% vinegar in a spray bottle. Then add one tablespoon of baking soda to the mixture if you like.

Will Paint Thinner Take Paint Off Vinyl Siding?

Yes, it can. The most common effect of paint thinner on vinyl siding is a dull finish. So, even though the thinner will often remove the paint, it may dull the existing finish on the siding. One way to prevent this is to dilute the thinner by adding 10 parts water to 1 part thinner. Test a small inconspicuous area before using it on the paint.

Can I Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Vinyl Siding?

Hydrogen peroxide is often used as a disinfectant to clean vinyl surfaces. However, experience shows it can damage the siding when used frequently and in high concentration. Besides making the surface dry, it can cause discoloration. So, rather than using hydrogen peroxide, use one of the recommended products.

Is Goo Gone Safe on Vinyl Siding?

Yes, it is. Goo Gone can be used to remove spray paint from vinyl siding without damaging the surface. But ensure you test it on a small hidden area first. Goo Gone is often used with baking soda to clean spray paint.

Does Acetone Hurt Vinyl Siding?

It’s OK to use acetone on vinyl siding as long as you keep the concentration low. In high concentrations, acetone is potentially harmful to vinyl. It can distort the material or compromise the color. When using acetone, it’s also important to work as quickly as possible.

Will Paint Thinner Remove Stain From Vinyl Siding?

Yes. Paint thinners can be used to remove stains from vinyl sidings. Blot the stain with a clean drop cloth moistened in a paint thinner and leave it for some minutes to soak in then wipe clean with water. Paint thinners can sometimes dull the vinyl siding finish, so I recommend you thin it first using 1 part paint thinner and 10 parts water and dab the stain only after testing it on an inconspicuous area.

What Is The Best Graffiti Remover For Vinyl Siding?

The best graffiti remover for vinyl siding is the Sensitive Surface Graffiti Remover. This product is designed to remove graffiti from non-porous surfaces like plastics, Perspex, vinyl, glass, etc. It is available in different quantities ranging from spray cans to gallons, giving you enough options to choose the one that fits your project.

Content Summary – How to Remove Spray paint From Vinyl Siding

We will draw the curtains here. As you can see, there are several ways to remove spray paint from vinyl siding depending on the type of paint and how much is hardened.

Sometimes, it’s not clear which paint you used. In this case, you may need to try a few methods starting with homemade products. If it doesn’t work, you can invest in a graffiti cleaner. At the end of the day, one of the methods should do the trick.

Let us know if you have any more questions about “how to remove spray paint from vinyl siding .”Until then, happy spraying!